For LRNT 523, for the Learning & Technology program at Royal Roads University, we were asked to create a video role-playing a debate focusing on a myth or debate in the field. We chose to tackle the notion that “technology will replace teachers.” We both believe the possibility is remote, but nevertheless, that the exercise helps elucidate the relative value of both technology and the role of teachers.
Yes, technology will replace teachers, according to David Livingstone:
No, technology will never replace teachers, according to Andrea Livingstone:
Our conclusion in regards to this debate is that the stronger case is clearly that teachers will continue to play a vital role in education. However, technology is taking the place of teachers in many significant ways. This does not mean that teachers will be completely replaced, because there will likely always be value in the assistance of an educator. Nevertheless, technology will continue to provide important tools to assist in education, while also in many cases, provide learning opportunities without teachers when that could be a valuable or cost-effective learning experience. Teachers who do not use technology effectively will not be replaced by technology; they will be replaced by other teachers who can.
References:
Clare, J. (2014, March 31). Technology can never replace the teacher. Teacherswithapps.
Empson, Rip. Smart Education: How Lynda.com Hit $70M in Revenue Without a Penny From Investors. TechCrunch.
Khan Academy (2017, May 8). Studying for the SAT for 20 hours on Khan Academy associated with 115-point average score increase. KhanAcademy.com.
Lynch, M. (2018, March 1). Why artificial intelligence will never replace teachers. The Tech Edvocate.
Meeker, Mary (2018). Internet Trends. Kleiner Perkins.
Murphy, R., Gallagher, L., Krumm, A., Mislevy, J., & Hafter, A. (2014). Research on the Use of Khan Academy in Schools. SRI Education, 17.
Phillips, D., Cohen, J. (2014). Learning Gets Personal. Learning Gets Personal, 47(3), 30–32.
Rifkin, G., & Perelman, L. (1990). Can Technology Effectively Replace Human Teachers ? Computer World, 24(41), 1990.
Shandrow, Kim Lachance (2015, October 30). Khan Academy Founder: No, You’re Not Dumb. Anyone Can Learn Anything. Entrepreneur.
Teachers vs Technology : Can Technology Replace Teachers? What is the role of a teacher? (2018, May 4). Fedena.
Wheeler, S. (2001). Information and communication technologies and the changing role of the teacher. Journal of Educational Media, 26(1), 7-17.
