In this article Diana Fingal discusses a recent controversial topic about whether teachers are really needed in the classroom, or whether technology can replace teachers. Fingal discusses the two sides of the story, starting with the perspective on why we still need teachers in our classrooms. This perspectives brings to light the need for human interaction in learning, and that computers and technology can create a gap in our students' learning. The other perspective states that with new technology, students can learn better without being in the classroom with a teacher. In fact, some might feel that the teachers are bringing their learning experiences down, and can sometimes just lead to tedious work that make students dislike learning all together.
As I am in my final semesters of school to become a teacher some of this article frightens me that people believe education can be taught solely with technology. While I agree technology can be a good thing in the classroom, I can't help but be a bit bias on the need for teachers in the classroom. For myself ,I believe that technology can help foster learning, but there are many things that also foster learning that a student can only receive from an actual teacher in the classroom. I believe this truly applies to the younger grades; it seems like it would be a hassle for children to learn solely from computers at a young age, especially when there is no help at home. I think this can correlate to the concept of flipped classroom, or flipped learning; although I think it can be a great concept for the older grades, for younger grades they need a teacher in the classroom who can provide them the needs necessary for them to succeed. I am not opposed to the use of technology as a learning tool, it can be used to foster education, but I believe only teachers can assess how to fill those gaps in a student's learning, and the different techniques to get a student where they need to be educationally.
This article goes along with standard 5 from the ISTE standards for students. Standard 5 represents "digital citizenship" (ISTE Standards 2008). For digital citizenship it goes with sub-point b, which states that students will "exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning and productivity" (ISTE Standards 2008). With this article it shows that students must know when technology will benefit their learning, and how they can positively do that. It also means that they must realize when the use of technology will jeopardize their learning. I therefore believe this article also pertains to sub-point c, that students will "demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning" (ISTE Standards 2008). It is up to the student to decide which is the best method for them, and which option will foster a positive learning experience for themselves.
Fingal, D. (2012). Are teachers even necessary? Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(6), 5.
I agree with your idea that human teachers are a necessary component to the learning experience, particularly for young students. Even if education were to switch to a total technology based style, teachers would still be required to teach students the basic principles of using the systems and trouble shooting issues that come up when using them. Teachers are also good for keeping students on track, especially those who have a hard time focusing on their work or remembering to finish an assignment.
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