Posted by Rosario on 17th April 2012
The question ‘Will technology replace teachers?’ is well known and has generated and continues to generate debates between teachers from all around the world. While some are convinced that technology will never fulfill the role that teachers do today, many are positioned at the other end, saying that in some years, even educators won’t be needed as technology and mobile devices will be solely responsible for providing knowledge, advice and tools for assessment to students.
Regardless, it can’t be denied that technology is quickly entering almost every aspect of children and adolescents’ lives. Technology is what you mostly use today to access knowledge on any topic. But behind educational apps, online courses and student guides there’s a teacher who uploads and updates content, decides what exams will be given and fields students’ questions or doubts. Students recognize and appreciate the guidance of a teacher, which is needed to focus on what’s really important. Even young kids need the invaluable guidance of teachers who will introduce them to the importance of good values and human relationships.
Certainly, technology will never provide what a human being can, especially in regard to the psychological aspects. Human interaction will always be needed in order to gain a full understanding of what you are learning and to learn how to process information. But teachers are also responsible for working with the interests and curiosity of children and how they tie into the technological world, so as not to lose their attention and interest. Technology does not replace teachers, it complements the learning process and helps children focus and concentrate on what’s important in the 21st century, in a world full of audiovisual information coming from everywhere, anytime.
At Panarea Digital we create educational apps that focus on teachers. Our goal is to make them the center of any activity that takes place in the classroom and to help them share the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm about technology. Nearpod, our new all-in-one solution to enrich the multimedia experience in class, concentrates on giving teachers the possibility of bringing their own content to life, engage their students and make their classes fun and interactive for everyone.
Teachers who use technology in their classrooms will get the chance to provide the most complete and interesting classes, without having to leave behind the other part of the teaching process that makes people who they will be in the future.

Tags: curiosity > engage > guidance > Human interaction > teaching process > technology