Will Mobile Technology Replace Teachers?

What we need to remember is that technology, like everything is constantly developing, growing and changing as time goes by.  Now while at the moment there is still a call for trained teachers around the UK, what we have to remember is most educational institutions are already adapting to the use of more modern technology within their pedagogical processes. 

Harpreet Purewal (2016), who is a student in the university of London, notes that these days’ students can stay at home and enjoy lectures that are put online by lecturers, have Q&A sessions online for support and have full access to a range of resources all through the university website (Guardian, 2016).  It begs the question therefore as to why students need to attend university at all.

Below is an interview conducted by CNN with Steve Perry, an Education Contributor to CNN, who discusses whether teachers will be replaced with computers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF5dORclb2M

Steve argues that through the benefits of computer based teaching, such as unlimited resources at the touch of a button, access available almost anywhere, and that the education can be more one on one based, will teachers in the future become an obsolete tool?

Purewal, H (2016). Can technology replace teachers? The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/07/can-technology-replace-teachers-google. (Accessed: 23 December 2016)

Will technology replace teachers in the future?

The concept of technology replacing teachers is an ongoing debate which explores the advantages and disadvantages of technology within the classroom, in addition to interaction with a teacher. The role of the teacher is to facilitate learning and give direction, whereas mobile technology is a quick, effective method of learning. One enhances the other.


Mobile technology encourages students to take control of their own learning, establishing aims and goals of their learning. (Boticki et al,2015) It has been demonstrated that mobile technology helps learners to manage their self-directed learning. (Lu et al,2014) Technology will not replace teachers as the classroom does not only teach the curriculum, it teaches interaction and the activities of daily life.

The Open University founded in 1969, is an example of distant learning referred to as ‘supported open learning.’ This is an example of technology replacing pedagogy effectively. (Open University,1989) Technology has a huge role throughout higher education, and this is increasing and developing vastly. Even for younger students, the role that technology has in the classroom has drastically increased.

Druin, A. (2009) ‘Mobile technology for children : designing for interaction and learning’, Oxford, .

Lu, Shewmaker, J. and Nguyen, J. (2014) ‘Impact of mobile technology on student attitudes, engagement, and learning’, Computers and Education, Vol.107, p. pp.91–99.

Uprichard, H. (1989) ‘The Open University’, Vol.70(5), p. pp.194–5. 

Can Mobile Technology Replace Teachers in the Future

Here is a presentation created on prezi. I have identified the benefits and drawbacks of mobile technology in and outside the classroom. I discussed what mobile technology is, where it is used and what for. I have found academic studies, alongside references from books, peer-reviewed journals and dissertations to back up my evidence

Link:

http://prezi.com/m6iaze0_b5a6/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Can Mobile Technology Replace Teachers in the Future

The development of mobile technology is an inevitable future within education. With its growing participation within pedagogy children are focusing less upon more valuable skills. Although studies are continuously showing the importance of using mobile technology (Domingo and Garganté, 2016) they are also demonstrating the negative impact upon writing abilities. 68% of teachers within one study stated that “digital tools make students more likely to take shortcuts and not put effort into their writing”. (Purcell. et al. 2013)

Although technology may be a growing part of society, teachers are still a vital part of pedagogy to ensure the development of basic skills.

Domingo, M.G. and Garganté, A.B. (2016) ‘Exploring the use of educational technology in primary education: Teachers“ perception of mobile technology learning impacts and applications” use in the classroom’, Computers in Human Behavior, 56(1), pp. 21–28. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.11.023.

Purcell. K, Buchanan. J, and Friedrich. L. (2013) The impact of digital tools on student writing and how writing is taught in schools. Washington: Pew Research Center