In the article by Diana Fingel, she briefly discusses two educator's blog posts about their idea about the "value of teachers" in the classroom. The first educator is Pernille Ripp, a 4th grade teacher who believes that teachers are one of the most important teaching tools in classrooms and should never be replaced by technology. She claims that "when we let videos be the only teaching tool for a child, or a computer program, then we stop figuring out why that child is not understanding. We lose that human connection that teachers provide." On the other hand, educator Lisa Nielson blogs about how teachers nowadays can be replaced by technology and how it could possibly be a good thing. She explains, "the reality for me is that I would have been much better off without the teachers in my life weighing me down and wasting my time." Although her experience as a student with a teacher was not a positive one, she does go on to explain that teachers are good tools, just not good for everyone.
This article can be great for teachers because it can give them other options when they see students who may be struggling in their classrooms. I can understand how some teachers may find it difficult to grasp the concept that they are not helping their students, but some students learn differently than others. This article (which lists both teacher's blog links) can help teachers use different technical tools to teach, giving their students multiple ways of learning and understanding the material.
If I had to choose an ISTE NETS standard for students that related most to this article, I would have to say standard six: Technology Operations and Concepts. This standard fits best because students would have to understand how to use certain pieces of technology in order for them to participate in the lesson. Students must also use the proper applications in order to be "effective and productive."
Fingel, Diana. (2012) Are Teachers Even Necessary? Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(6), 5. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20120304#pg7
This is a fascinating article and so prevalent. Technology is becoming much more common in today's society, as well as student's utilization of the digital resources. Just recently I overheard teachers talking about their fear of technology replacing their roles as educators. I chimed in the conversation with, "Technology is an awesome supplement for teachers, but could never replace us. Not if we are doing our jobs correctly." This statement reflect my personal opinion, but if we use technology as an aid to reinforce the subject matter, student's education will only improve.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice in article and awesome reflection!
-Haley Hemrich