Dinosaurs will die.

Does the emergence and implementation of educational technology herald the extinction of the traditional role of the educator? As bizarre as this question seems, there are genuine concerns as to the longevity of practitioners who still covet the traditional techniques of “chalk and talk” and choose to remain in technological isolation. As a consequence, Wilson (2000, online) argues that the traditional role of the teacher will eventually be eliminated and refers to Time (2000) who write that "the role of the educator will be one of the top five jobs that will cease to exist by the turn of the next century" (Time 2000, cited in Wilson 2000, online). Nevertheless, these and similar hypotheses are dismissed by certain academics (see for example; Beadle 2008, online and Stoll 1995, online) who argue that 'virtual reality' is not a viable replacement for the traditional educator and that the reliance on computers can detract from the ‘physical dynamics’ often experienced by both the tutor and student. Kennedy (2008, online) agrees with this sentiment and states that “research has shown that students who interact face-to-face with their instructors and other students tend to be more academically balanced than their online counterparts”.

After considering the aforementioned arguments, the integration of technology should not necessarily mean that conventional methods are now obsolete and Beaman (1996, online) believes that the role of the teacher should gradually evolve towards new modes of tuition, thus enabling authentic learning. Regardless of the ongoing debate, vocational based subjects will still require a traditional approach to learning, as technology cannot physically deliver both vocational expertise and the practical skills that are required for this sector of education.

Reference List

Beadle, P. (2008) A step too far. [Online]. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/apr/01/schools.news1 [23rd January 2010].

Beaman, R. (1996) Misusing the Media for Teaching. [Online]. Available: http://www.2learn.ca/Projects/Together/KWORDS/traditiw.html [8th December 2009].

Kennedy, R. (2008) Will Online Classes Replace Traditional Colleges In The Future? [Online]. Available: http://www.articlesbase.com/print/345980 [19th January 2010].

Stoll, C. (1995) Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway. [Online]. Available: http://otec.uoregon.edu/arguments_against.htm [3rd December 2009].

Wilson, C. (2000) E-learning with the E-teacher: Considerations for On-line Course Design. [Online]. Available: http://www.eltnewsletter.com/back/December2000/art422000.htm [19th January 2010].