De-Skilling The Profession Of Teachers. The Introduction Of ICT Enhanced Good Teachers. Now Meet... The Robot Teachers
84Robot Teachers Futures
De-skilling Teachers? The Opposite Has Happened
This article is dedicated to all the great teachers that inspire us and are helping to educate the next generation.
It was motivated by a ‘dialogue’ that I had with an education management consultant who had never stepped inside a classroom in his life.
There is a idea floating about in certain educational circles. That with the widespread introduction of ICT we can dispose of good teachers. Or at least by de-skilling teachers and eroding the profession of teachers. Education costs can be reduced.
The introduction of ICT has obliterated many industries. Former highly skilled jobs have vanished. The printing business, banking and finance sectors. to name just a few.
Lets face it 'we' are all printers and bank managers now. With internet access to our account we rarely visit the branch, and with the addition of a decent printer at home, who needs a printing business?
Education Guru's
Every year some new crackpot idea comes along to ‘improve teaching’ and while these may seem like an initiative to improve teachers’ professionalism. They are more about cutting costs.
How Are Your ICT Skills?
| No Photo |
ICT: The New Basic Skill, Alan Clarke, Good Book
Current Bid: $1.58
|
|
Getting IT Right - ICT Skills Stude..., Tristram Shepar
Current Bid: $1.58
|
|
Developing ICT Skills. Year 4 (Infor..., Frances Mackay
Current Bid: $1.58
|
The Introduction Of ICT
The widespread introduction of ICT far from de-skilling teachers has had the exact opposite effect. Many teachers now have good ICT skills, and content rich lessons.
The introduction of ICT has meant that many teachers, are now so well trained in these technologies that they are moving into other industries.
Teachers Pay Hasn't Kept Pace With These New Skill Levels.
There is a strong financial incentive and temptation to leave the profession.
Robot Teachers In The Classroom?
Welcome To The Past. This Was Japan In 2009
The Not So Good Old Days
Teach Yourself ICT
 | Amazon Price: $4.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.99 |
Human Child Robot Teachers?
The Robot Teachers And Cover Supervisors
As mentioned above. There was/is this idea, that de-skilling teachers and throwing a load of ICT into schools would reduce costs. These ‘initiatives’ had nothing to do with improving teaching, but more to do with cutting pay costs and getting in cheaper stand-in’s.
While we are waiting for the widespread introduction of robot teachers. An interim measure is to use unskilled, unqualified and under-payed cover supervisors. Along with a load of ICT kit. In recent years we have seen the rise of.
The Cover Supervisor.
A grand title but what does it mean? These are stand-in's, if no teacher is available to teach the class. They are in the main, untrained but willing members of the public. There is a GNVQ training program that they can follow. It appears that as long as they are on a program, it is assumed they know what they are doing? In theory, they are given the work for the class, by another teacher.
They hand out the work and then collect it in. They are also expected to maintain good classroom management and behavior? This has been going on for several years now. Cover supervisors may suffer from extremes of stress, as they do not have the training and experience to deal with 30+ school children. Let alone the child with EBD or other difficulties. This is totally unfair on these staff and the children.
They are supposed to be deployed for a maximum of 3 days in one class, to cover the absence of the teacher. There are cases where they have taken classes for whole terms. They are in contact with the schoolchildren for 25 hours per week, with no preparation time. They are not preparing any work. Another teacher is preparing the work. I have met some very committed cover supervisors. They will be the first to admit, that they just do not have the depth of knowledge, of any subject, to teach it.
What has happened to the helpful parents? There was a time when some parents would help out in schools. It seems the fear of litigation. Not knowing where they stand legally, has scared many parents away from helping out in schools. There are exceptions of course, The artist, writer, sculptor or painter.
The Army, Police Officers and Firefighters can and still do, come into schools and spend the odd day here and there. That is not the problem.
'It is one thing to know something.Quite a different thing, to teach it.'
I admit that not all teachers are created equal. Students with good teachers, all things being equal for the most part, succeed in life. Students with weak teachers compounded with a poor home life, can suffer and fail. I don't blame Cover Supervisors for children's falling achievement. They are trying to make a living in tough times. What effect is it having on the children's futures? Placing an untrained person into a classroom, with a load of computers is not the way forward.
Teach At Home. It Is Really An Option?
 | Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School Amazon Price: $6.50 List Price: $14.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $17.95 List Price: $26.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $0.00 |
The Wind Of Change Is Blowing Through Education
The Good Teacher
What makes a good teacher? See them in action and it's obvious. The class is under control, children are given the opportunity to really think and the group dynamics are wonderful. The students are sharing & learning.
They say that good teaching skills are transferable? This may be true but it's not just about the skills. Where is the passion? This transfer of knowledge - of what works - is the "quality" that is sought. The children own it. That is true transfer.
The greatest teachers, teach naturally. It flows from them like a gentle rain; they can't help but teach. That we can learn from each other is obvious, but I think first put the horse in front of the cart and ask teachers. What do you think we could do to improve teaching and learning in the digital age? Listen to what they say. They are doing the job every day. ICT is just another tool in the toolbox of a good teacher.
ICT is not going to replace teachers either. No matter what some people would wish. The idea of de-skilling teachers has back-fired big time. Teachers are more highly skilled now than ever before.
In fact, teaching seems to be one of the rare exceptions, where the introduction of ICT has actually enhanced the profession of teachers, and made teachers more valuable, rather than less. Pay experienced teachers the rate for the job. They have earned it.
If you are working for a supply agent and they are not paying you correctly or treating you right. Get a better agent. There are good agents out there. Vote with your feet. You have skills and are valuable.
It is time to make a change.
Educational Resources
|
Mymathlab/Mystatlab Student Access Code Card by Pearson Education, Inc. and...
Current Bid: $59.99
|
|
Silver Certificate $1 1896 Educational PMG Graded vf 25
Current Bid: $330.00
|
Enrichment Leads To Growth
Computers Are Evolving What Are You Using?
![Apple TV MD199LL/A [NEWEST VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31rYKKB4zFL._SL75_.jpg) | Amazon Price: $99.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $534.41 List Price: $569.99 |
Flowers Bloom In Good Conditions
Home School Is Becoming Very Popular
|
LOT OF 11 TEACHING CHARTS HOMESCHOOL MATH ENGLISH MORE
Current Bid: $2.50
|
We Have Our Eyes On You
The Future of Teaching
I have been teaching, teachers to use Information & Communications Technology (ICT) since 1989. In the early days we had to almost beg some to take an ICT class.
The profession of teacher still held some kudos. Why did they need to learn about computers when they taught geography? 10 years later, It was, either learn how to use ICT or become unemployable.
I have not met a single teacher who hasn't seen the benefit of using computers, as an aide to teaching and learning once they get their heads around it. The role 'has' changed slightly and teachers now tend to guide the direction that will benefit the child's learning.
A teacher today has to be a subject specialist, in addition be able to utilize the amazing power that computers offer. The real facts remain the same. The good teacher's love and passion for their subject, whether it be art, poetry or geography, can and do enrich the child's learning experience. ICT enhances this enrichment.
This passion cannot be replaced by the introduction of ICT, or just anyone off of the street, that may appear economically attractive. Unlike printers and bankers and other industries. Teachers have the interests of the recipients of their work, as their primary motivation. The learning and development of the child.
The profession of teaching as such fits into a different category. In terms of their potential replacement by unqualified, unskilled and untrained labour, and a few computers. Don't misunderstand me, any parent that helps their child or volunteers in a school is welcome. In recent years these goodwill gestures are becoming very rare indeed. The very best teacher should be the parent, sadly many neglect this vital role. The home is where core values are instilled. or should be, but often are not.
The very idea that de-skilling teachers is even possible, must have come from someone, who has no idea, what a good teacher can do, on a daily basis. We teach, but we do so much more.
The pastoral role of the teacher.
One of the roles of the teacher, is in caring about the well-being of the child, nurturing, reassuring and encouraging the child, to learn and grow into a well rounded human being. We are not robot teachers, and neither are the children. I'd like to see a machine, that can empathize?
I suppose I am biased, considering that I am teacher myself. As a parent. I am happy that my children finished school with proper teachers, the same cannot be said for my grand-children's future. Good teachers inspire a love of learning. It needs no other motivation. The best teachers challenge students to excel and not settle for less. They open minds to the infinity of possibility. How can a machine fulfill this role?
As a long standing teacher of information and communications technology. I am perfectly placed to tell you. Computers will never replace a good teacher, in the digital age or any other age, no matter what the bean counters, may try to tell you. or try to sell you.
If you can read this, thank a teacher. And pay them their due. Good teaching agencies, schools and schoolchildren will thrive, when agencies and schools do the right thing and play fair with teachers.
Your Vote Matters
Are You Concerned About Childrens Education?
See results without votingWhat Are We Teaching Children! That Machines Know Best!?
Texas - What About Geography? Do You Know Where Texas Is? How About Papua New Guinea?
Other Top Rated Hubs In This Series
- Education And Achievement... Did Sir Isaac Newton Attend A School Like Your Children's?
Dumb parents = Dumb kids? Are kids today dumber than before? Are we failing our children and condemning them to a life of poverty - The Virtual Classroom Online Education & Learning. Software Tools For The Future School How To P
Do we really need schools. With modern technology surely the formal schools days are numbered? Watch Sir Ken Robinson' brilliant video on changing the way we organise and run education. - How To Improve Your Reading Speed And Comprehension.
How many times have you read a page and yet cannot remember a single thing you have read? - English For Beginners A Hub About How To Interpret Manglish. Web School.
English is the business language of the world but it is spoken quite differently everywhere in the world you go?
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (5)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (3)
- Beautiful (2)
- Interesting (10)
CommentsLoading...
I'm glad that you feel the passion of teaching in your blood, despite all the issues. Many of those same problems are reflected in the American educational system, and I think many in this country would find your system of education better than ours here, at least in the elementary and secondary levels. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Hi Lord,
That sounds really bad what they did to those first graders!
I give it 10 years and schools as we know them will be history.
Thanks Molometer for Posting. Heard of Christian Schools that used to keep first graders inside the Class with no air conditioning whatsoever. The thing is, they were getting the books from Government subside(our taxes), and that was way back in 1994. So what is becoming of the system, not only here but in London, or even Moscow?
LORD
My last post Sunnie, was in an EBD special school and it was heartbreaking knowing, we were sending them back to hell holes at home, where they were neglected and worse and when I asked why, social services weren't stepping in. I was told that they had changed the criteria, in what they considered abuse and neglect. Basically thy have washed their hands.
I got on well with these kids that were 'unteachable' and they worked for me. I obviously put a lot of noses out of joint, as I proved they could be taught, if you gave it a go. I was only there for one term, to cover for maternity leave and I left.
Those poor kids. It is a mess now and no mistake.
I can only imagine what a wonderful teacher you are. 90 percent of my job was nurturing and I loved that part..but even in nursing..we were told get them back to class as fast as we could and that is true..they should be in class but the poor teacher trying to comfort a crying child with 25 other students is rough.Not everthing was an easy fix. I miss the children so much..I am trying to find my way right now..I dont think I could go back..it is too hard emotionaly. I can only hope they will get it..if you dont feed the heart..everything eles is not going to matter..The good teachers are the ones that leave and the good ones that stay continue to fight for a better way but hitting many brick walls..God bless
Sunnie
Sunnie as usual you hit the nail right on the head.
What has been thrown out the window is the pastoral role of the teacher.
I would argue the teachers primary role.
To support, nurture, encourage motivate and develop the whole child's self esteem.
Computers can never and will never do that.
As you know I am an ICT teacher and what I have seen happening is a disgrace.
The sad thing is, they are playing with these kids educational development and subsequently their futures.
So many good teachers have left the profession as it has changed out of all recognition.
I am returning to lecturing myself. I have just about had it with schools.
Good Morning Molo,
This was such a great hub.I just retired as a school nurse this past year and I heard many of the teachers cry out..as the state mandated testing caused them to be on such a tight schedule that any room for creativity, personal interaction was shoved out the window. Many programs have been brought in that sit the child infront of the computer to learn or relearn something. I think it is so sad. Teachers are sometimes the only link a child will see that shows them what a true human being is suppose to be like..home life is horrible but the interaction is getting cut shorter and shorter..We had a school of about 700 kids prek through 5th..I would see about 60 aday for some sort of ailments..I say this because alot of these children just wanted the attention, for someone to care. You take care of the basic needs first then the learning comes so much easier. You cant teach a hungry child, a sick child, or a lonly depressed child. Human interaction is how we grow..most children are starving..school use to be at least where they would get some attention.
Thanks Molo..you hit a big nerve on this one..sorry to go on and on..
Take care,
Sunnie
@leroy, In paragraph 1 I mentioned an education consultant. He was trying to tell us how to do our job?
@my minds eye, it is scary, remember the Dark Ages?
I think it is scary. What if it all fails, has a meltdown? People won't know how do their jobs the old way, therefore have to be retrained. It will probably be our undoing.
Was the consultant mentioned at the beginning of the article trying to sell something, like a computer accounting program? In Architecture, I could never trust any consultant that sold a single specific product. I think that you are describing something similar in the education field. (I cannot think of any other reason a non educator would become an education consultant.) The best consultants I worked with had experience in the construction industry and had no ties to anyone.
To true and that's the sad part, we still have huge numbers leaving school unable to read and write, I beggars belief.
I have worked with mostly brilliant admins, it's the outside consultants that have no clues and try to organise schools like the local McDonald's that really get on my nerves.
I used to work for a firm that built school buildings in various Texas school districts. Administrators always have a pet project they think would improve things. I think that's what they are getting paid to do. I am not clear on the job description. What I have seen is a huge gap between the administrators good intentions and what actually happens. Some district admins listen to their staff and abandon clunker ideas quickly. Others will not change until the school board removes them from their post. While what you are writing about looks bleak, not every administrator is a bean counter. In the end, district admins are judged by the school's reflection on the community, at least in Texas. Shiny new ideas can tarnish quickly if the little darlings can't read.
Considering we had the biggest strike today, in teaching history here in the UK. I thought I would just share this in case the news doesn't get across the pond.
Hello tillsontitan,
Thanks for commenting, I am on a education group on Linkin.
Some of the ideas of these management types is astounding. They have never taught and they are all 'experts' on what teachers do.
They have no clue. Your comments are spot on.
Technology is certainly here to stay and all teachers need to learn how to use it and use it in teaching BUT as you said the need for teachers will never die. The human interaction and guidance and understanding the teacher provides can never come from a computer. A computer won't understand if a child is having a bad day or has lost a loved one, a computer won't understand if the child is dyslexic, and on and on. Teachers are necessary and the most beneficial part of any education! Voted your hub up and interesting.
Hello stephaniedas,
I don't understand these firms that use those machines to answer the phone, press button 1 etc. I have been on one of those and went through '7' levels before I got to talk to an idiot they couldn't make a decision if he's life depended on it.
There are some things that machines will never be able to do. Unfortunately the powers that be will try their hardest to replace anything they can with a machine.
I'm with you, some things (people) cannot be replaced.
Hmm, I think people are realizing the importance of human to human interaction...for example, I'll pay more for good customer service if it means I don't have to spend 10 minutes pressing buttons and listening to a machine every time I want to talk to someone. Same goes for teachers...maybe these things will replace humans for a while, but in the end, there's no substitute for a person who is passionate about what they do.
I will get my son to have a go at it but he is a bit of an 'artiste' with the video camera and might think it is below him lol. I can just see his face now when I ask him to do it lol.
ROFL No I didin't 'pop' my way over here Lol
Haha yes I would love to see a comedy sketch of this sort. It would be hilarious.
Hi Rosemay,
You didn't walk over here popping did you lol.
But seriously these kids are for real and it is mind boggling and I often wonder 'how are they going to cope' they have virtually no face to face social skills.
I suppose we will have to wait and see.
Your vision of the boardroom would make a great comedy sketch don't you think?
I so agree with everything you say. It is teachers who have a passion for teaching that bring out that love of learning. Teachers who think outside the square are the good ones.
I couldn't believe this 'When I asked who they were talking too they indicated a child not 2 feet away. They do not find this odd.' How are they going to cope as adults, can you imagine them sat around a board table texting rather than speaking. the mind boggles
Have you come across 'Truckstop Sally' she is a teacher like yourself who thinks outside the square, you will enjoy her hubs
Thanks phdast7,
Just wanted to get it out on the page in order to clarify my thoughts on this delicate matter.
I have and continue to be an advocate of new tools and ICT technologies but let's not through out the baby with the bathwater.
ICT are tools for teachers to use not replacements.
Thanks phdast7 I know you really get it. Remember the real story of the Luddites.
molometer- Others have already said, and quite eloquently, pretty much anything I had to say. Excellent work. And as a teacher, you know I am one of your chief supporters when it comes to this topic. Thanks for a well-written Hub. Theresa
Thanks Dexter,
I welcome your positive voice and comments to this hub. Teachers unlike most professions are often misused and abused by politicians, The accountants and politicians think they know better?
This time they are definitely wrong; robots will never replace a good teacher.
Cheers Dexter
Hi Molometer! Your hub is right on. I come from a family of teachers and have taught as well. Teachers do inspire a love for learning. Your hub puts all of this in perspective.
Voted up, up and away!
Hello Derdriu,
Thank you for coming over so soon.
I couldn't have put it better than you have here.
You were blessed to have 2 wonderful teachers in one family.
I know it's hard to quantify but as an example of what I am trying to explain.
I have a family friend Tim. Tim's wife and himself and his daughter are all teachers.
His wife and Tim are natural teachers and don't even have to think about it. The same as me.
His daughter has battled for 3 years to 'get it' as a teacher and has decided that it is just not for her.
Some people are just 'born that way' and as you witnessed your grandmother was in there like a rocket while everyone else was clueless as to the needs of a downs child.
Well done to her. As you pointed out good teachers change lives.
Thanks for coming over and adding your welcome voice to this often one sided (accountants)debate.
Molometer: What a clear, logical, provocative presentation of the sensitive topic of "To teach or not to teach"! It is particularly interesting that you highlight the role of that unquantifiable quality of being born to teach. Both my grandmother and my father had that quality. For example, my grandmother intuitively knew that a child in her small town had to be taught everything possible as quickly as possible. Because of her intuition, that child had a happy life, for which the family never ceased to thank my grandmother. This happened back in the days when little was done for such children and in the days before researchers concluded after many convoluted studies that such children needed to learn as much as possible within the first four years of life.
Thank you, voted up, etc.,
Derdriu
Hello sholland10,
I have been advocating the use of ICT and associated technologies in schools and colleges since 1989 but I think what is happening now is something different.
There is an assumption that teachers can be dispensed with. This could not be further from reality.
As you are probably. The use of ICT has to directed by the teacher and have and end result in mind. Children are encouraged to discover but it must be guided and purposeful.
Thanks for your very helpful contribution to this particular hot potato.
Why do we listen to parents about these cellphones? It's crazy
Hello MM
Thank you for your kinds words. I agree with you.
Molometer,
As a teacher, I understand what you are saying. Also, the technological age is here, and we have to deal with it. Trying to find creative ways to use technology in the classroom can be challenging for some. For others, it is a breeze. I have tried to keep my training up so I could keep up with the needs of the students.
I worry about our students losing their communication skills too. Texting has gotten out of hand, but for fear of retaliation from parents, we cannot ban cell phones. Teaching a kid to write a letter or to debate is completely foreign to some because of texting and social networking. They are young and impetuous and say things without thinking because they are not face-to-face with the other person. It is easier to text it or type it out without bearing the instant consequences of human contact.
It seems that those making the laws care less about experience than they do expenses. Our kids need teachers to always keep them in the forefront as the mission of educating and teaching life long learners.
Great hub!!
Teachers are so important and influential in a young life, thank you for a brilliant hub.
Hello Elle,
The game has changed somewhat of late I'm afraid.
We have always had volunteers in schools but what is going on now is different.
Years ago we had committed parents who would help out.
Now everyone is terrified to enter schools in case they get sued; so the goodwill has gone with those people.
My wife used to help out on the odd Art class but now they have to have these mostly uninspiring cover supervisors; who are there just for the money.
It's a shame. Robots next!
Thanks Giselle for dropping in and your leaving a comment. Much appreciated.
Good teachers are born not made - I was married to one for many years. I also worked as a non-qualified sub, and went on to teach kindergarten, and university. I agree that good teachers can have an amazing positive impact in the lives of their students.
A fascinating hub about what makes a good teacher. Very thought-provoking; I liked it a lot.
Hello Tiny Woolridge,
Thanks for your comment, maybe you haven't read enough Orwell?
Hi family2011,
The experiments have already been done and are continuing, it is now in the refining stage before complete implementation.
Just a matter of time really.
Hello SubRon7,
I agree with you too and thanks.
Hi Jen,
I totally agree with you.
The thing that bothers me mostly now is that many of these kids cannot communicate unless it is through a social network or txting.
I have been standing by a group of kids outside school waiting for the bus to come and they are all tapping away.
When I asked who they were talking too they indicated a child not 2 feet away. They do not find this odd.
They seem to have lost the ability to actually converse socially. Where will this lead?
Hello Jools99,
I agree with you that they may be talented but the law is the law for a good reason,isn't it?
Would you allow an unqualified brain surgeon to operate on you?
I don't think a young brain should be left in untrained hands. Who knows what these people are telling the kids and I have heard horror stories.
I am neither a teacher nor a "stand in" but what would happen to those students if there was no-one at all? I appreciate that more is required & that accountants should not poke their noses in to something as sensitive as any childs' education but the stand ins are as you said are 'untrained members of the public' please don't knock them, they are only there to help out!
As for 'Eduspeak' i think you have read too much George Owell!
Definitely human contact is the most important part in our lives. We could use the not real teachers as an experiment for the children to explore and might have a research project about it.
Outstanding hub, Molometer! I loved learning and I loved all my teachers. Teachers just might be the most important people in the world.
I agree with you that the teachers who think outside of the box are the ones we students remember and will pay attention to. I do not like the idea of so much techie programs in the classroom, I think the children and teens need human contact more these days than anything. They have video games, pods, cell phones at their leisure which can cause a social set back in some important arenas in life.
Molometer, interesting hub. I work in a new school which is 'technology-rich' and the difference this makes to children's education is there for all to see, especially in a deprived area. I was also responsible for developing school support staff and whilst I agree that a Cover Supervisor isn't a teacher, I have worked with some very talented ones, who, but for a degree, would have been very good teachers.
molometer Hub Author 6 weeks ago
Good day Aurelio,
We do have a good system here but just like a teacher I think.
'It Could Do Better' B- :)
I am friends with quite a few teachers in the USA and they do seem to have a much tougher time in general. They are paid less too!
Teaching is in my DNA. I couldn't not do it, if I tried.
I have been teaching since when I was a kid?
Way before I ever became a adult.
Just a big know it all I guess lol.