Why do I need a teacher if I have Google?

In June, school bags are really very heavy!

And even during the school year, it often seems that all your textbooks, workbooks and equipment need to be brought to school. The backs of the pupils then bend under the weight of the load hanging on their shoulders, and of course this is not healthy.

At many schools, therefore, parents are now talking about whether the students really need so many workbooks.

Participants in the 28th Children’s Parliament proposed that tablets be used instead of notebooks, workbooks and textbooks in schools.

Would that make sense?

In some countries, this type of teaching has already been tested.

»In some places, a lot of money was spent buying technology for teachers and students. But they forgot that teachers should be able to use technology to help students improve their knowledge,« notes renowned British education expert Ian Gilbert.

Technology will not disappear, so it’s worthwhile integrating it into school systems. But what matters is what we do with it. »Technology is just a tool. If we cannot take advantage of all of its benefits, it’s not worth spending money on it,« Ian adds.

His book Why Do I Need a Teacher When I Have a Google? explains that the task of teachers today is different than it used to be. But it’s still very big!

Teachers should master the use of technology while continually checking whether it really contributes to improving knowledge.

Despite all the technology, we must not forget that we are natural beings, Gilbert says.

»We urgently need time without screens, time to socialize and time for moments in nature.«

Points to Consider

1. Is your school bag heavy?
2. How much time do you spent in front of a screen?
3. Where would you find technology useful?

***

The original version of this article was published on June 6th.

English translation courtesy of JL Flanner, Total Slovenia News, an English language website with news from and about Slovenia.