Do we still need teachers?

Sticking with the overall theme of digital pedagogy, this weeks blog will argue the potential of tech-mediated, self-directed distance learning. We use two sources, namely: The Independent Project film and Hamilton (2014). These two sources allow us to think about the pros and cons of tech-mediated, self-directed distance learning.

The Independent project is an extremely inspiring and motivating film. It makes tech-mediated, self-directed learning look like the answer and the way forward in terms of education. The learners in the film have found their passion on their own and as a result have flourished. When the learners found something they were interested in, they did the research themselves using the technology they had at their disposal. 

Historically, school is a place where learners go to learn the same stringent subjects, year after year. Although these subjects are important, they seldom spark a passion in learners. The schooling system doesn’t afford learners the opportunity to explore their own identities and follow their own interests.

I found it fascinating that on their own, learners managed to create wonderful things and went above and beyond what we as educators would think they are capable of. This leads me to believe that if we allow learners to explore, they will return having found something of interest to them, and would have engaged more with this topic than they would with the school curriculum.

“Choose a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life.”

~Confucius

Personally, I never knew what I wanted to do when I left school and perhaps I still don’t. I wish I had been afforded the opportunity to participate in the Independent Project.

However, there is a need for supervision in tech-mediated, self-directed distance learning. The Independent Protect still occurred in a school setting and perhaps this aided in its’ success. I specifically think that younger learners need guidance in order to become effective users of this medium of learning. If distance learning is so successful, the need for educators becomes redundant. I personally believe that if a teacher can be successfully replaced by tech-mediated, self-directed distance learning then they deserve to be. However, an educator who can master the art of creating a space for engagement with a topic, all the while inspiring, motivating and generating true interest- such an educator will prove that face-to-face teaching and learning is still far more valuable than tech-mediated, self-directed distance learning.