Computers Replacing Teachers: When Technology goes too Far by Lindsay Behrenshausen

           In today’s society we are surrounded by persistent technological advances. Our world changes by the minute and there is always a new piece of technology waiting in the wings to be introduced. While computers have, without a doubt, simplified life and certain processes the question must be posed when is technology too much of a good thing?

          A recent article published by AOL News highlighted a new and upcoming form of learning. A series of 41 schools in New York City that identify themselves as part of a program called iLearnNYC has moved their curriculum strictly to a computerized format. The students do not use textbooks and teachers do not stand at the front of the class and instruct. This style of education has essentially made teachers inferior to computers and taken the human, personal element out of education, which will only prove to be a detriment to society.

          According to the New York City Education Department this experiment is the largest in scale in the United States. Both educators and administrators agree that the current education system is outdated and must be updated with new forms of technology and learning styles. However, essentially replacing teachers with computers is not the best way to approach updating the education system. Technology should be an aid to education, not a main form of teaching.

          While a strong proponent of striving to do what is necessary to help the youth of America succeed, there is a line that is being crossed. This style of learning is further pushing younger generations to be almost entirely dependent upon technology in all aspects of life. Teaching is a profession where educators have the power to make a difference and change the lives of young people. The personal, human element must not be taken out of American education.

          I can recall several teachers I had growing up that made lasting impressions upon me and taught me things that I still use and apply in my life today. While certain forms of technology was incorporated into the curriculum, they taught me things that I could not have learned on a computer monitor. The iLearnNYC program does claim that it provides more time for teachers to work one-on-one with students because the lessons come from computers; however, this is an unrealistic concept. The lessons are generic, generalized lessons that might not apply to every classroom and every setting. Without the teacher preparing lessons and teaching students it is harder for the instructor to cater the learning material to the progress of the students.

          Our society is already facing enough problems with computers and technology such as the overuse of video games and cyber bullying. These youth do not need to attend school and be placed in front of yet another computer screen. While the American education system is not perfect and certainly has its flaws it certainly has one thing correct—teachers actually teaching and students learning without being dependent on a computer. To take the human and personal element out of the education system in this country would be a large detriment to society and cause more harm than good.