In Idaho, where I dwell, our State Supernintendo has introduced a plan to bring laptops into K-12 classroom. I stand opposed, even though I’m a high-tech guy and I love gizmos. That’s because I just don’t think it’s going to work.
As the son of a teacher and brother to a college professor, I’ve got to tell you: Nothing replaces a good, solid teacher in the classroom.
You always remember a good teacher, not so sure you would remember sitting in front of a laptop, or watching your teacher on Skype, computers are useful learning tools, where would any student be without Wikipedia? But you need to have a person imparting knowledge, to be enthusiastic about the subject. (The link said you have to be logged in to read it).
Comment by chiefnoobie — September 4, 2011 @ 3:13 pm
I fear the next great trend in downsizing public education will be outsourcing the teaching job. As you described, Chiefnoobie, the kids will sit in front of a monitor and watch a teacher somewhere else give them the lesson. That’s just not gonna work.
Comment by admin — September 4, 2011 @ 3:21 pm
My favorite thing was an iPad commercial where it showed a little kid practicing his handwriting on an iPad. Since writing with your finger is totally the same thing as using a pencil.
Comment by gamerguy473 — September 4, 2011 @ 6:11 pm
Bill Gates himself said that technology will never, ever replace teachers (from The Road Ahead):
There is an often-expressed fear that technology will replace teachers. I can say emphatically and unequivocally, IT WON’T. The information highway won’t replace or devalue any of the human educational talent needed for the challenges ahead: committed teachers, creative administrators, involved parents, and, of course, diligent students.
Comment by linuxlove — September 4, 2011 @ 8:07 pm
There are thousands of state legislators around this country who are not Bill Gates, but who need to know that.
Comment by admin — September 4, 2011 @ 8:10 pm