It is really interesting how techers from all parts of the world face the same more or less problems. I've noticed that we've all been trying to use CALL in our teaching situation, despite the constraints we've been facing. For this reason, as I've just suggested to Abed, we always have to have a back up plan when dealing with Educational technology. In this way we can be flexible in our teaching if anything such as (power cuts, problems with the internet connection or the software we are using) occur.
We can always overcome problems with patience, persistence and knowledge of course . After all, that's why we've all taken this course.
And of course remember: Computers can never resplace/displace teachers. Teaching is not just about providing knowledge but also caring and fostering each student's personal needs, character and feelings.
That's all folks
See you on line
Angela
I agree with you that teachers will be needed in the future, too. But why do we even consider technology to be a threat to our profession? It's just a tool, like textbooks. Or did teachers once upon a time feel threatened by the textbook?
ReplyDeleteDear Angela,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that you wrote at the end of your post. I completely agree that teachers cannot be replaced by computers. I hope noone wants it :) even the thought of being deprived of the personal contact with my students makes me tremble...
I think the main point is to find the right way to make use of the benefits of computers. Last year we had a new colleague who tried to work on a website similar to nicenet with his group but the students were unwilling. They simply couldn't understand why it was necessary to communicate on the internet if they regularly meet 3 times a week. So we mustn't force anything and just use the benefits!