The Truth Is, Teachers, Cannot Be Replaced by Tech!

Who needs pen and paper when you’ve got Microsoft Word or Apple iWork, for that matter? Come to think of it, a trip to the bookstore seems pretty cumbersome when you’ve got e-books on Kindle. Similarly, the rush at grocery stores can be avoided with the brilliance of e-commerce websites! Retail, travel, theatre, art, finance, insurance – is it possible to live in the 21^st century and not depend on technology in some way, shape or form?

When it comes to the education sector, technology has evolved from being a mere facilitator to a complete enabler. Which means, going beyond interactive white boards and electronic ID cards to a fully digital campus with a virtual classroom. And this digital revolution has only been further propelled with the urgency created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Given that higher education institutions in India and abroad are moving towards an online learning model and integrating technology into the very core of their academic and administrative processes, it is fair to wonder what will become of human resources.

Is the need for human teachers being eliminated?

Is Ed-Tech becoming sophisticated enough to teach children the way teachers do?

The answer to both questions is No!

Technology is only a form of augmentation. Yes, it can help the process of learning, but it most certainly cannot replace the role of a teacher.

Why Technology Cannot Replace Teachers

No matter how advanced or smart a computer program is, it cannot and will not replace teachers. A software does not come even close to the knowledge and life experiences a teacher brings to the table. And this has nothing to do with facts, figures or analytics. A teacher leads, guides, facilitates, inspires, empowers and mentors a student beyond theory and sciences. A teacher is a role model who sets a good example and drives students towards a brighter future.

Here are some concrete pointers that highlight technology’s shortcomings:

• It cannot provide soft skills coaching
• It cannot conduct behavioural assessments
• Adapting teaching methodologies based on student observations is impossible
• Technology cannot determine motivational stimuli for students
• It cannot read the emotional state of students, hence is unable to correct human behaviour
• Technology cannot inspire learning
• Technology lacks a sense of humour or wit, qualities that foster learning and interaction
• Technology cannot provide warm and encouraging feedback, thus hampering student empathy and progress

How Technology Can Help Teachers

For teachers to stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment, they must be able to prepare students for a world that does employ high-class technology like Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Gamification. Moreover, they must be capable of imbibing in them skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, and entrepreneurialism. The ability to navigate these tools and augment them with human thinking, is what is most needed.  

Here’s how technology aids teachers in fulfilling their responsibilities with higher efficacy.

• Helps teachers simplify administrative tasks like taking attendance, setting grades, and creating study plans
• Fosters effective and meaningful communication between teachers, students and other stakeholders via interactive chat forums
• Enables teachers to reinforce and amplify their content through multi-media tools
• Helps teachers better engage their students in learning through simulations and experiments
• Fosters teacher guidance to students’ academic achievements through digital resources
• Motivates teachers to utilise differentiated learning techniques

So, while technology has completely changed the game, it is not a substitute for what the teacher has to offer. Even the smartest, most intuitive and responsive platforms are not capable of basic human understanding. And that is because they are NOT human. They are machines. And machines need to be paired with human beings, for the best possible results. While the software makes amazing things happen, it is the teacher who puts things into context, perspective. This is why we are confident in assuming that the role of the teacher is safe – for now at least.

Can AI Replace Teachers?

Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have opened up significant possibilities in a diverse range of domains, education included. Whispers of AI replacing many knowledge-based jobs are swirling around every corner, and inevitably, the question “Can AI replace teachers?” has also lingered.

While AI boasts impressive tools that can enhance the learning experience, it lacks the spark that makes a truly great teacher. Here’s why it will never be able to replace a human teacher:

• Emotional Connection: AI can’t offer the warmth and understanding that a human teacher does. Imagine trying to navigate teenage angst with pre-programmed responses. Teachers, on the other hand, can sense unspoken anxieties and offer a comforting pat on the back when needed.
• Adaptability: Sure, AI can adapt to some degree, but can it truly read the room like a teacher can? Teachers intuitively adjust teaching methods to fit the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student, something AI’s rigid algorithms just can’t manage.
• Ethics and Values: Teachers play a crucial role in imparting ethical values and fostering a sense of responsibility in students. AI, being a machine, lacks this capability. As they say, morality is just not there in the motherboard!
•  Inspiring Creativity and Innovation: Teachers bring stories, humour, and personal experiences to life, inspiring students to think outside the box and chase their dreams. AI might spit out information, but can it ignite the fire of curiosity and creativity like a passionate teacher?

While AI indeed can be a powerful tool in the realm of education, it is certainly not capable of replacing the invaluable human element that teachers bring to the classroom.

begins with “So, while technology has…”.AI holds immense potential in assisting teachers, particularly through its integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Student Information Systems (SIS). AI has the capability to automate administrative tasks, allowing educators to dedicate more time to the teaching process. It can delve into vast amounts of data from the LMS and SIS to provide personalized learning paths, identify learning gaps, and suggest resources tailored to each student’s needs. Furthermore, AI can help track the progress of students in real-time, facilitating prompt intervention and assistance where required. It can swiftly process piles of work submitted on the LMS, detect plagiarism, provide instant feedback, and even automatically grade papers.