Teachers > Computers

Can you replace a warm pad on the back and a sweet “great job” that follows it? How about if it comes from a person a child looks up to? I don’t think a computer would be able to replace a human being. In David Thornburg quote “Any teacher that can be replaced by a computer, deserves to be.” I don’t think he meant replacing a teacher completely but in a companionship to teach a better method of learning. Incorporating technology can be scary for many, even I feel intimidated, but who is not using a computer, phone, tablet and etc. A teacher who might feel threaten by a computer and fails to step out of their comfort zone and learn it to better him or herself as a professional individual should be. I do agree with this statement because in this modern working world who doesn’t use a technology to complete a job or write a paper.

Encouragement can be given by a teacher followed with their wisdom and guidance on how to approach a problem. The grandmother method is a perfect example, once a student has a “cheerleader” the student feels the need to develop that relationship and make the cheerleader proud. This is an emotion a computer may not be able do.

Take risk and learn what makes you uncomfortable. Technology can be the gateway to the future of these little ones. The message that Mitra’s Hole in the wall experiment gave me is to don’t be threaten by things you don’t know. Learn them and then teach them, with encouragement and excitement. Be passionate in what you are teaching, and then you can capture the respect and attention from anyone.