A Teacher Cannot Be Replaced by Tech!

The role of the Teacher is almost always more central, indeed fundamental, than it was before the introduction of technology!

It is a well-known fact that in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Machine Learning, spiralling modern technology is replacing almost everything. In the digital technology, papers and pens have been replaced by software used to write on, physical books have been replaced by the advent of e-books and PDFs. So, the question arises – with the expansion of internet-based modern technology in education system replace teachers too? Is this technology sophisticated enough to teach children the way virtual teachers do? Is the age-old gurukul education system being challenged by the introduction of online platforms?

I recently asked conversational chatbot Google’s Bard and fellow ChatGPT, whether artificial intelligence would replace teachers. Here’s what it said, “It is unlikely that artificial intelligence (AI) will completely replace teachers in the near future. AI has the potential to automate some aspects of teaching, such as grading and providing feedback, but it cannot replace the human touch that is essential for effective learning.”

Everyone has a different perception. But what I personally believe is that the answer to the above stated arguments is Absolutely not. Technology cannot replace a teacher. Technology is merely an augmentation to a teacher. It can help the process of learning, but it certainly cannot replace the role of the teacher.

Here are some reasons why AI is unlikely to replace teachers:

• AI cannot provide the same level of emotional support as a human teacher. Teachers provide emotional support, mentorship, and guidance to students. They help build character, instill values, and foster social and emotional development. AI cannot provide this level of emotional support, as it lacks the ability to understand and respond to human emotions.

A teacher's passion, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire a love of learning can't be replicated by technology.

• AI cannot adapt to the individual needs of each student. A good Teacher can adjust their teaching methods in real-time based on the needs and responses of their students. They can adapt to different learning styles and provide creative solutions to problems. AI, on the other hand, is limited by the data it is trained on. It cannot adjust its instruction to meet the needs of a student who is struggling or who is ahead of the curve.
• AI cannot create a sense of community in the classroom. A good teacher is able to create a positive and supportive learning environment. While technology can provide information and tools, it's the teacher who guides students in how to think critically, analyze information, and solve complex problems.

Computers do not teach children to question, to discriminate among sources of information, to weigh perspectives, to think about consequences, to bring contextual meaning to a situation, to be creative, or to make careful judgments. Teachers impart students with life skills, valuable life lessons and inspire them to reach their potential. A teacher is so much more than a facilitator: they are also a guide and a mentor. Without a great teacher, technology merely becomes an automated tool and stops inspiring and engaging students. Ultimately, it isn’t about teachers being replaced by technology but how teachers can adapt to incorporate technology in their lessons.

But just because technology won’t replace teachers, it doesn’t mean that educational technology doesn’t play a crucial role in our education system. Here are some specific ways that AI is being used in education today:

• Virtual tutors can provide personalized instruction to students.Adaptive learning software can adjust its difficulty level to meet the needs of each student.
• AI-powered grading tools can automate the grading of essays and other assignments.
• Data analytics tools can help teachers to track student’s performance and identify the grey areas where they need additional support.

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.

“Technology will never replace great teachers but technology in the hands of great teachers is merely transformational.”

                                             Braj Bhushan