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There is
no doubt that education and the learning process has changed since the
introduction of computers: The search for information has become easier and
amusing, and connectivity has expedited the data availability. Though experts systems have made computers more
intelligent, they have not yet become a substitute of the human interaction in
the learning process. In my opinion what can be expected is a change of the
teachers’ role, but not their disappearance from the classroom.
Nobody can argue
that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with computers. The
mere activity of touching and exploring this device constitutes an enjoyable
task for a child. This, accompanied by the relaxing attitude and software
interactivity, usually contributes to a better grasping of new knowledge. At a
higher educational level the availability of digital books, simulators and
other academic materials provide the student with an ever accessible source of
information, that otherwise would not be at hand.
But,
besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software, which
is usually embedded in the academic digital material, the need for human
interaction in the learning process will always be present, at least in the
foreseeable future. There is the necessity for a human being to be able to
determine what the specifics needs of each individual are. The
expertise of a teacher in how to explain and adapt complex concepts to
different individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter how
sophisticated its software is.
As computers are
becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be more aware of their
role as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than transmitters of
facts. They have to be open minded to the changes that are taking places, keep updated and serve as
problem solvers in the learning process, thus allowing students to discover the fact for
themselves.
To summarize, in
my personal view, teachers play and will continue to play an important role in
the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers
become, there will be no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way haw this interaction takes place.
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