Can Technology Replace Teachers in Secondary STEM Classrooms? A Debate

 

Can Technology Replace Teachers in Secondary STEM Classrooms? A Debate

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

In secondary STEM classes, there is a complex discussion about whether technology can take the place of teachers. Intense discussion and interest are generated by the subject of whether technology can take on the role of teachers in secondary STEM classes, which is a topic that interests both educators and stakeholders. On the one hand, technology has a lot of advantages over conventional teaching techniques. For instance, technology can give students access to a broader variety of resources, enable independent learning, and present more chances for cooperation, preparing them for the 21st century by teaching them the importance of gaining knowledge in STEM (SETDA, 2008). Additionally, technology can be employed to develop more dynamic and interesting learning scenarios. Technology, in the opinion of its proponents, can positively transform education. On the other hand, there are several reasons why technology in secondary STEM classes cannot replace teachers. First, a human teacher can provide students with the same amount of individualized attention that technology cannot. The human element of education, such as the capacity to form bonds with students and offer emotional support, cannot be replicated by technology, according to the second point. Third, using technology to teach difficult ideas or skills is not always as effective as using a human teacher.

In the end, it's unlikely that there will be a quick response to the question of whether technology can take the place of teachers in secondary STEM classrooms. But there is no denying that technology can contribute significantly to STEM education. Technology supporters claim that artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements can offer individualized learning experiences catered to each student's requirements and interests. Wayne Holmes' video "I'm Not Talking About Robot Teachers" (Tedx Talks, 2019) offers a thoughtful examination of how artificial intelligence (AI) might be used to advance education. According to Holmes, AI may be used to tailor instruction, deliver feedback, and produce more interesting and dynamic learning environments (Tedx Talks, 2019). He does add a warning, though, that AI should not be used to replace instructors and should be utilized as a tool to aid instructors in performing their duties more effectively (Tedx Talks, 2019). Technology can optimize the learning process, resulting in higher academic results, by tailoring the content and tempo to the student's learning style. Technology may enhance the work of teachers and improve student learning when used properly.

Conversely, Bryant's (2016) paper, "Technology vs. Teachers: Can Technology Replace Teachers?" offers a thorough analysis of the controversy surrounding technology and education. Bryant contends that while technology can be a useful tool for education, it cannot take the place of instructors (Bryant, 2016). For students to receive individualized attention, emotional support, and direction, teachers are crucial. Technology may find it difficult to fully reproduce important components of education, according to some who oppose it. The social and emotional support that teachers offer is one of the main issues. Trust, empathy, and understanding are fostered by human instructors, and these qualities are crucial for students' emotional growth and general well-being (Djambazova-Popordanoska, n.d.). Teachers can also assist students in learning how to apply knowledge in the real world and how to think critically. Some contend that kids' use of technology may not adequately foster their critical thinking and creativity. While it can convey information and data, discussions, debates, and hands-on projects led by teachers that promote active learning and independent thought are often where the deep investigation of concepts takes place.

My Views

In my opinion, technology can be a useful tool for instruction in secondary STEM classrooms, but having a teacher in a classroom physically is essential, as technology will not replace teachers but only enhance the teaching-learning experience in a classroom (TEDxTalks, 2016). Nevertheless, I also think that teachers are crucial for giving students the attention, emotional support, and direction they require to achieve. Because it can never understand what motivates students or how they feel about learning, technology cannot inspire and motivate students (Mehrotra, 2023). I think that integrating technology with the knowledge and experience of traditional teachers is the best way to use it in education. Some educational components may call for subjective evaluations that are difficult for AI to effectively analyze, especially in fields like STEM where creativity and innovation are crucial. The human understanding and sensitivity required to properly understand each student's emotional condition and solve their particular issues may not be present in technology, despite its achievements. Another issue is the possible overuse of technology, which could prevent pupils from learning how to solve problems and learn independently without continual technological support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a complicated discussion on whether technology can take the place of teachers in secondary STEM courses. The use of technology in education has a variety of benefits, but there are some drawbacks as well. The combination of technology with the knowledge and experience of actual teachers is, in the end, the ideal approach to employing technology in education. Thus, achieving this balance would result in a more balanced and effective learning environment where students may gain from the best of both worlds while respecting the vital role that teachers play in their education. This environment would prepare them for the challenges of the future.

 

References

Bryant. (2016, October 12). Teachers vs Technology: Can Technology Replace Teachers? - Fedena Blog. Fedena Blog. https://fedena.com/blog/2018/05/teachers-vs-technology-can-technology-replace-teachers.html

Djambazova-Popordanoska, S. (n.d.). A Teacher’s Role in Supporting Student Social and Emotional Learning. Blog. Global Citizenship Foundation. https://www.globalcitizenshipfoundation.org/article/a-teachers-role-in-supporting-student-social-and-emotional-learning

Mehrotra, A. (2023). Why Robots Cannot Replace Teachers? Educationly. https://www.educationly.xyz/why-robots-cannot-replace-teachers/

Science, technology, engineering, & math. (2008, September). SETDA. http://www.setda.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Science-Technology-Engineering-and-Mathematics-STEM-Report.pdf

TEDxTalks. (2016, June 16). Should technology replace teachers? William Zhou. TedxkitchenerEd [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIR60cgfOFU

Tedx Talks. (2019, December 12). I'm not talking about robot teachers. Wayne Holmes. TedxOpenUniversity [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpvBbNsNqN4