Will technology take over most of the “traditional teaching” roles in the next few years? I was thinking of majoring in education, but would rather lecture in a traditional classroom, not teach virtual class. Would it be different in elementary education? Sorry for posting this, if it’s in the wrong place feel free to close it.
I am currently an education major and I have to say there is a lot more technology involved now. The way the world is going we are becoming increasingly reliant on technology. Most classrooms, even ones in elementary schools, have smart boards now. You basically use them like a normal white board but there is a touch screen all over so you can use apps and stuff. It is a great way to involve children because they love helping and being in the lesson. One teacher that I observed used a combination of traditional and technological ways of teaching in her room because she too had difficulties letting it go. I don’t think the use of technology should deter you from pursuing an education career. Maybe you can visit the elementary school you attended and ask if you can check out a classroom or something.
I know it’s becoming a bigger part. Do you think that traditional classrooms and college campuses could become obsolete in favor of virtual classrooms?
I don’t think so, no. I think there would be a push back from parents if there was a major movement towards a virtual classroom.
OP, my D is an aspiring teacher attending a VERY tech-savvy middle/high school. There IS technology everywhere, but it’s used to enhance traditional education methods, rather than replace them. The seniors recently took a trip to an elementary school where the foundation which supports her school is helping to replicate the methods used there at the elementary level. There is still plenty for teachers to do in person and hands-on. Perhaps that’s the kind of teaching that might appeal to you. Keep in mind that most schools at any grade level are not likely to be places where the teacher just stands in front of a class lecturing at them. I’ve had 3 kids go through school now, and I can’t remember when any of them had such classes.
Here’s a link to a school in my district where technology is a key part of classrooms, but does not replace the teachers at all: http://borenstemk8.seattleschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=11991&pageId=1103754.
My school went to ipads last year for our freshman. Within the next 2 years, all 2700 of our kids will be using them.
But I’m confident in saying that my job isn’t going anyway.
All the technology is about HOW I teach. If I get a phone call in the next 20 minutes saying I have a snow day-- great, I can still give my kids an assignment so we won’t be behind. But when we do have class tomorrow morning, I’ll still be explaining the math. It won’t be on the board (unless wifi goes down), but that’s not the issue. I’ll still be the one explaining the math, checking the homework, interacting with the kids, sending kids to the nurse, asking the ones who were sick Friday how they feel, asking how everyone got through the snowstorm, joking with kids, offering advice, doing all the things I’ve always done. I’m still the one who will decide whether we need another day on a topic, and which explanation I think will work best with this particular group of kids.
I’m very traditional, but I don’t “lecture” all day long. I interact, I cajole, I joke, I correct, I explain, I explore, I inspire( hopefully)-- I teach.
All that’s changed is the means by which I do all those things. But the personality I inject into my classes hasn’t changed.