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A&HM 4029 Spring 2008: Question #4
By jamesfrankel | February 18, 2008
What is your opinion about the possibility of technologies such as PowerPoint taking over for a “live” teacher? Do you think it will ever happen?
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February 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 am
As far as educational benefits for elementary-age children, I feel that Power Point is overrated. It is a well-known tenet of education that children need to do in order to learn. My own children have enjoyed presenting Power Points for social studies projects, however, and have benefited from the public speaking experiences.
I have little experience teaching high school and middle school, although I have enjoyed some well-done PowerPoint presentations by teachers for parents on Back-to-School nights, and by administrators at PTA meetings. I think the ability to show pictures and graphs works well for these. However, sometimes I feel that the technology gets in the way—almost like a barrier between the speaker and the audience.
As an undergraduate, I learned a lot from well-researched Power Points prepared by music history professors. Theses were informative, engaging and easy to follow. The visual cues helped me to remember what was important, and I liked the examples from art that the professors used, to show how art paralleled music throughout history.
By chance, I saw a report on conductor Gustavo Dudamel on 60 Minutes last Sunday. The show talked about the Venezuelan “system” of teaching socially and economically deprived children to play instruments. I found an article about the Venezuelan system online, with interviews of children for whom learning music truly saved their lives. PowerPoint seems so far away from these inspiring stories. How can PowerPoint possibly replace the dedicated teachers in this system? The 60 Minutes presentation went on to show how Dudamel plans to bring the Venezuelan system to the poor children of Los Angeles, where he will be the new conductor of their symphony. The report included a clip of musicians in the schools there. No PowerPoint.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
I believe that technologies such as power point and other Internet teaching programs have already begun to replace teachers at the higher education level. Many colleges have online degree programs already.
I do not believe that technologies will replace teachers at the lower, middle and high school level. Although they are great tools- especially the graphs, photos and audio, I don’t believe they can successfully replace the human interaction needed for a child’s development—and they shouldn’t. The idea of a young student staying focused for an entire power point program without dialog seems literally impossible.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
As the technologies improve, it will be a great tool for teachers to use in classroom setting to supplement their classroom instruction. It should never be the case where technologies do the actual teaching for a “live” teacher. The purpose for technology is to increase the speed and amount in which students learn, essentially to make learning more efficient. It eliminates the time that teachers spend searching for chalk or writing assignments or activities on the blackboard, erase the blackboard, and rewriting after a teacher has realized that he/she just erased an important message on the board. Some teachers’ handwriting on the blackboard is very hard for students to read. PowerPoint eliminates all these problems. PowerPoint lets teachers present their lessons and deliver their message to the students clearly. Many teachers post the lecture slides on the website so the students can access it before and after class. This is a great advantage because for those who were absent for the class lectures, PowerPoint gives them a second chance and an opportunity for them to catch up on what they have missed without forcing the teacher to spend valuable class time explaining old material to him/her at the expense of other students.
When the videocassette and the video recorder were introduced in classrooms, teachers and educators worried that these ‘new technologies’ would replace the ‘live teachers’. People laugh about this incident now, but at that time, educators were concerned that they would lose a job because there will be a video tape of the best teacher teaching each academic subject, a tape that would have then been distributed to the students so the average teachers would no longer be in service. Most educators know that a teacher’s job in the classroom is not just teaching. Teachers observe students and provide personal attention as needed. There are many things that students cannot learn by just watching a videocassette tape. The person-to-person interaction is an important part of the classroom and school experience that cannot be replaced by anything. Furthermore, if adults complain today about how much time kids waste on the computer or watching television, then we cannot agree to let TV screens or Computers teach them.
It is true that technology is enhancing rapidly. I remember going to college when the registration of the classes were done by lining up the long line before the registration table. Today, students can register for class online. Furthermore, they can order books online, register for tests or workshops online, and handle just about any other administrative task. Furthermore, many colleges now offer online courses where students are staying home and taking the courses they need for degrees at their most convenient time and most convenient place. This does not mean that the technology is taking over the position of a live teacher. There is still a teacher at the end of the screen teaching this online course, and grading the students’ work. As a matter of fact, there are more teachers needed as the technology increases because we need more teachers who are aware of the every rapidly growing technology courses. Schools need teachers who can use technologies to enhance their teaching methods. A teacher who knows how to control and manipulate technology can offer his/her students a wider breadth and variety of knowledge.
As we are well into the 21st century now, more teachers and educators are needed to apply the technology available to us in our classrooms. Technology helps teachers to improve their practices and can provide a social and cultural bridge that lets them connect to their younger students who have all grown up with computers and other technologies in their hands and at their disposal. Schools need teachers who can identify with the students who do not know what it is like not to have access to the technologies we wonder at every day. I am taking this class to learn more about technology because I believe that technology because it can help me to become a more effective teacher in my classroom.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I absolutely do not think that technologies such as power point will ever take over the role of a live teacher! There’s barely enough good teachers as it is, never mind a computer taking over a class full of 50 teenagers! I think what’s important here is to determine what qualities make a great teacher and compare that to a technological program.
First of all, a great teacher must be knowledgable, but must also know how to take that knowledge and break it down for learning. A person might program a computer to break down a concept into steps for students to grasp, like Power Point, but it is an inflexible medium. Whereas a teacher must be able to say, “Hmmm…the kids aren’t getting this, how else can I present this information?” a computer cannot do this. If a student asks a question to the computer, he or she will only get the programmed response, and one cannot account for all of the questions in this world! Now there’s also discipline, which a computer obviously cannot manage (no pun intended). There’s also explaining and synthesizing information. If responsibility were left to the individual student to look at the power point at home and learn the concept, without a live person to explain and guide, chances are the student will not understand the concept. It’s the same as assigning a chapter to read in a book and never going over the key points or giving the students an example so they are able to synthesize information. These are just three points in an ocean of reasons why technology will never replace a teacher. Teaching, by definition, must be a human, living experience. People teach people, not machines.
I think it’s interesting what Mee Kim was talking about- how there’s always someone freaking out that a new technology will take over the role of a human. One just has to look at the myriad of science fiction movies that deal with that same topic. Sometimes, this happens, as in the case with farming, industry, etc. But it will not happen with teaching as I have explained above.
However, this is not to say that teachers could not benefit from using more technology in their classroom. As we have all been blogging about, technology is here to stay, so use it or you may lose it (your job, that is!).
February 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I think technologies like power point will never take over a place of a teacher. I don’t think it should. As Mee Kim said, it is a great tool for teachers to use in a classroom. Powerpoints eliminates many of the problems that she has mentioned. Also, as Prof. Frankel mentioned in the class, it helps us, the teachers become more organized, creative and thorough and as a result, making us better teachers because creating powerpoints forces us to think through the process. I’m not saying that you can’t do all of this without powerpoint. I think a teacher can be organized, creative and thorough without the use of powerpoint but in a classroom, it will definitely help teachers use the time efficiently. I think it is good when the powerpoints are simple and creative. Especially for children, the use of visual contents such as illustrations, images and pictures matched cleverly with word contents will keep children’s attention and help them remember what they have learned. I agree with others about the interaction and communication part of teaching and that can never be replaced by technologies. Teaching is not a mass production system where the teachers force feed the information and expect all the children to get the information. All students are different and there may be different reaction, questions or confusion or even understanding. How can a teacher find out how students are dealing with the information that’s given to them? By interacting and communicating with them. Furthermore, I think it’s important for this to happen at the moment. Yes, there is an internet, chatting, blogs and discussion forum, but to be present with the students and interacting with them build connection that can not be build with technologies.
Ai
February 24th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
In my opinion, the technology would be never able to take the role as a music educator. Obviously in our present society, technologies are quintessential to supplement our lesson plan. However, questioning our working ability is demolishing idea. If the machine takes over the roles as a human being (or the members of the society), why are we worth living for?
The notion of perfection can be traced back in twentieth century when the Eugenic movement first appeared. Humans thought people with disabilities are not worthy of living, and therefore, people with disabilities should be replaced by others. Ironically, we know that the Eugenics and Nazism are entirely destructed our lives. However, some people would still apply the same idea in different context; which is to promote the artificial intelligence. In my opinion, the results of artificial intelligence can be unimaginably destructive; obviously the purpose is to ultimately replace entire human species out of their current social-roles and extinguish them out of the society.
In the context of teaching, our teaching skills may not be as perfect as the machines can do. However, human beings have individual senses that the machines can never surpass.
Several days ago, one of my instructors recorded our performance with his phenomenon equipment. Obviously, the machine extracted all the existing sounds. But somehow, all of us in the classroom couldn’t be satisfied with the recordings. The machine was incapable of capturing the dimensions of the sound (overtones) or even the intuitive emotions that are surrounded.
I am not trying to be prejudice nor asking for moral agreements. I am just worried about our human-centered society, which can be interfered by this notion of perfection, the dominant society of artificial intelligence.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I don’t think any kind of technology will take the place of a teacher. I think power point and other programs are great tools that can be used to either a teacher’s benefit or harm, and it all depends on how the tool is used. However, I don’t think that there is any replacement for the face-to-face, person-to-person contact that a teacher delivers. Music is also particularly a subject where relationships are needed and developed. By eliminating one of those relationships, I feel our students will ultimately lose musicianship, collaboration, and listening skills. I am excited to see what tools will become available to music educators to make our jobs exciting, current, and that will facilitate learning for our students, but I don’t think there will ever be any tool that can replace personal relationships.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Personally, I do not think that technology will ever take over a live teacher. Technology is advancing at a rapid speed and I believe it does up grade human’s living qualities and makes our life easier. But for technology to replace a live teacher in a classroom setting is impossible. No matter what kind of technology, it still needs human to operate. In the future, technology will only make teaching easier for teachers. For example, with power point, it made teacher’s life much easier when teacher needs to teach the same materials over and over again. It helps catch student’s attention but just with power point alone, how effective would students’ learning be? A teacher is still needed in the classroom to explain, clarify and answer questions that students may have. Only teachers can make sure students behave properly and do their work in class. With technology, it can only help displaying information and making access to information easier. The only possibility that technology may replace a live teacher is with a robot-like teacher. But no matter how well the brain functions of a robot can be, it still cannot compete with the brain of a live teacher.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
In my opinion, PowerPoint and other technological teaching tools will not replace teachers but will aid them. Teachers are needed in the classroom to direct learning in a way that is sensitive to the moment and to the composition of the class. Teachers must carefully explain and reexplain in accord with a delicate sense of how much and how well students are learning. This teacher must answer student’s original questions and ask revealing questions of students. Teaching is not one way street but a two way process in which dynamic class chemistry is forged. In this situation, the teacher may also learn and improve. How can a pre-design computerized lesson program do all this? It can’t.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Since technology has been applied in education, the role of the teacher has been discussed many times. Many educators suspect that technology will occupy the entire position of a “live” teacher. In my opinion, technology will never replace the role of a teacher. Basically, the function and the position of teaching are totally different between a real teacher and the application of technology. For teachers, the function of teaching included being a model, teaching knowledge and solving problems. The role of a teacher is active and positive. However, all kinds of technology are tools that help teachers teach and help students learn. Also, the position of technology on teaching is passive and negative. Indeed, there is no denying that technology deeply influences teaching. Even, teachers who are not able to use technologies in their teaching might be replaced through competition. In fact, teachers have to use technologies to animate their teaching not only for convenience but also for effect.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Technology is an amazing way to enhance the educational experience. However, enhancing is all it will ever do. I strongly believe that in order to be an effective instructor the dynamic between human beings are imperative. Even if Artificial Intelligence were to enter the picture – simulating emotional encouragement or experience would not be as effective. In addition to the fact that teaching and delivering music relies heavily on releasing the creative and interpretive mind. Current technological strategies are not enough because lesson plans are never set in stone. You have to go with the flow of the class – therefore if one subject takes another direction the computer may not always be as prepared as a teacher who can provide experience and additional lessons those learned. In one to one studio work it would be difficult simply to show children pictures of students holding instruments, learning theory, etc. A teacher sometimes has problems keeping a child’s attention during lessons – how would showing slides make it any easier? It all just comes down to basic human needs – one main necessity is human connection – and in that sense teachers are irreplaceable.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I cannot see how technologies, such as PowerPoint, could ever take over for a “live” teacher. Students need interaction with the instructor and they need to ask questions. PowerPoint can enhance the classroom not replace human interaction and instruction.
Even in the most sophisticated of educational environments, which utilize the latest in technology, the experience can only take learning so far. It becomes far too passive.
The Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium spent millions of dollars to redesign their learning environment. What they have created is a beautiful theater for learning about space, but the most elaborate presentation projected on the ceiling of the center with the most famous of narrators will never replace active learning. It, like other technologies, can only enhance more traditional learning and help to make subjects come to life.
Another question of course is “How can these technologies help with classroom management on their own?” The only way that technologies such as PowerPoint will take over for a “live” teacher is if Artificial Intelligence reaches the levels that Isaac Asimov dreamed of in his writings. Considering that scientists have at present given up on AI it should be quite some time before the age of “I Robot” in the classroom.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
In my opinion, there is no substitute for a “live” teacher. Teaching is an art and cannot be reproduced by technology. Teachers make over a ten thousand decisions a day based on the situations that are at hand. I find it very unrealistic to think that technology could ever account for the instinctual decisions that all “live” teachers make every single day. Also a point must be made that certainly if this technology were to take over it must be able to adequately deal with the class management issues that are certainly an essential part of teaching. I would like to see technology negotiate a classroom of middle school students after lunch! Nevertheless, I believe that if technology is used it should be used to aid “live” teacher instruction and directly give students different modes in which explore. Furthermore, I am encouraged by how far technology has come so far. I feel that it is our obligation as teachers to use this to its fullest potential. I look forward to what new technology will bring to enhance the classroom experience.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Looking at what’s been written above, I’d like to make a bold move and suggest that there might be viable situations when some sort of AI system might use a front-end of presentation ware like PowerPoint to “teach” something to a human being. Admittedly, this discussion can get very philosophical very quickly when we ask what it really means to “teach” something, although I do believe that most people’s answer to this question would include a humanistic, ineffable element which transcends the simple transfer of knowledge.
But if we’re just talking about the simple transfer of knowledge and nothing more, a PowerPoint could very likely “take over” for a “live” teacher—especially in situations where good teachers might not be available. Considering the fact that there is a dearth of math teachers in this country, let alone around the world, an automated system of teaching math might indeed be a desirable thing. The only problem is the learner’s willingness and ability to play along with such a scheme. When I really want to learn something (especially if it’s math) I don’t really mind a computer “teaching” me as long as the programmed teaching rubric doesn’t muddle things up.
So while I don’t ever expect to see the flesh-and-bones teacher (or doctor) ever disappear, I do think that they will use more and more “intelligent” technology designed to aid in the transfer of knowledge and/or skill.
My biggest fear is that teachers will not understand how to use technology to augment what they are already doing, and instead use technology in a redundant way e.g. a teacher reading the text of a PowerPoint slide to an English reading audience. That drives me nuts!
February 26th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
My initial reaction to this week’s question was, “Oh my goodness, I hope that never happens! How could that ever be successful?” For me, it is a question of the personal contact and interaction between teachers and their students. That is the main issue that I cannot seem to get past when imagining the possibility of “PowerPoint teachers.” Yet, I assume that I, in addition to other teachers much like myself, would not be the ones making these future decisions as to whom or what will be teaching our students. Do all administrators, school boards, town councils, etc. share the opinion that interpersonal connections are fundamental in the education of children? I would venture to say that every teacher may not share that view as well. Therefore, I do see the possibility of technology such as PowerPoint being used as a substitute for teachers in the future…unfortunately. Wouldn’t that be similar to online courses that are currently offered at the collegiate level and now being expanded to high school students? In a way, it has begun on a very small scale, and I can see the idea expanding to younger students in the future. One thing that might prevent this change from occurring would be recent brain research that firmly connects the emotions of students to learning. It would be very difficult to create and sustain emotional links between students and “technological teachers.” I can only hope that this will be the case. One thing that I am sure of - I cannot imagine myself ever being a proponent of this change, as I firmly believe that human connection is irreplaceable in the education of children.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Will Technology ever Replace Teachers?
Diane Scanlon
I believe that technologies have made access to learning more available, as with online courses and seminars, but there will always be a need for the a qualified teacher/facilitator to write the programs and use them in the classroom. I cannot imagine learning without dialog. I do agree that computer-assisted instruction is helpful for increased individualization, however I’m still not sure if the assessment process acknowledges the depth of the students understanding or the important development of interpersonal skills. The assumption that access to a computer in a classroom will help a child learn effectively is a bit over-rated. Computers in the classroom without a talented teacher to guide students through the vast information on the Internet as well as providing the foundation of critical media-literacy may lead to inaccurate research. Computers are tools that can improve learning outcomes, but the success of these tools in the class room is dependent upon a sound understanding of method and practice.
Having taken the stand on technology as a tool and not a classroom teacher, I want to stress that this tool offers amazing advances in cultural understanding. The computer has enabled student to connect with a global classroom. I this collaboration will be the most exciting achievement in building communities of understanding. By giving students the opportunity to communicate with other cultures, with ISDN or Video Conferencing, students can collaborate in areas of music and art as well as the having the urgently needed dialog on areas of global sustainability, social justice and peace, but a teacher is then needed to guide the class in dialog.
Technology has the potential to replace teachers if we, as a culture, are only interested in facts and teaching to the test. I believe that interpersonal experience is an intelligence that also needs to be developed. Teachers of the future will need to stay current with the ever-changing advancement in educational technology but they must also have the knowledge of emotional and cognitive development in order to facilitate a student in their pursuit of knowledge and civic responsibility.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Will technology take ever replace teachers?
My answer is no! I must say that for me as a student I have to physically be in the presence of a teacher to learn. Taking online courses is very difficult for me because I am not hearing a voice. Technology should only be used to enhance learning. Its a new idea for a lot of teachers so sometimes the idea of using technology in the classroom is not always welcomed. I think its a great way to help students learn. It automatically connects with something they all love which is technology. What is happening with technology today?
I do believe in the near future teachers will have to use technology in the classroom. It is part of the evolution of education that cannot be stopped. So we must welcome it and use it as a tool instead of not denying what is out there. Once people start using it in the classroom they find out that it allows them to be more organized and prepared!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I believe powerpoint plays a big role in education system today. But I don’t believe that technology such as powerpoint point will ever take over the role of the teacher. Comparing to great teachers and to technology program cannot be comparable. Powerpoint is mainly utilized for indicating main point for the teachers and the student for guiding a specific direction at the class sessions. It is teachers job to explain the main points on the powerpoint. If responsibility were left to the individual student to look at the power point at home and learn the concept, without a live person to explain and guide, chances are the student will not understand the concept.
I think it’s interesting what Mee Kim was talking about- how there’s always someone freaking out that a new technology will take over the role of a human. Sometimes, this happens, as in the case with other industry but I don’t think it will not happen with teaching.