Exciting New Educational Tools...
While searching the web this morning, I ran across this really great article on
Human Remote Control Teaching which uses robots in the classroom
. This is a great idea. Of course, this article takes place in England, but we Americans are starting to get on top of things with Web Classes, Clep Classes and mixed home and school computer class instruction.
I am all for using as much helpful programs, equipment and mixed instruction as possible. For one thing, everyone does learn different. We are not animals to be herded into a classroom and sit in front of a teacher for hours on end and then come out educated. Some students need a little more time to take in what they are learning, and then again, some students absorb things quickly. The quick learners are held back, and the slower learners are rushed beyond their abilities and struggle. It makes for a bad situation.
There are those fast learners that can benefit by this type freedom of learning, excel and graduate a lot sooner than they would otherwise. They can achieve a lot more because they are free to go forward. These are the go-getter's.
Those that need a little more time to absorb what they are studying, can excel slower, but better because they have been able to get the basics that they need and not be rushed onto new subject matter. They are still learning, but at a slower pace. This relieves undo pressure on these students.
Another great benefit, parents can be more involved in their childrens education. They can see what they are being taught and be a part of the study process for the computer programs that they do at home. For too long, public school teachers have had a free reign and talked about anything that they wanted without being held accountable to teach the given subject. This will eliminate a lot of unnecessary talk and get right down to the subject at hand. Real education, we are all for that.
The new technologies will save us educational dollars because we will need less teachers. The teachers, that we do have, will not have to have as much interaction and will be soley responsible to see that the students are doing their work. Teachers can be tutors for those who need help instead of carrying a heavy load with classroom teaching and preparation. Computers with only educational material on them, study guides and tests are greatly needed. This is a true educational breakthrough.
One further note, there will be students that this type of learning will not work for. Those students will need a greater degree of hands on teaching because of personal needs. Some students just do not know how to study and get things done. That is where early teaching of good study skills, following directions and obedience come into play. Hopefully, in time and with a little help, all students can become good learners.
Anyway, the future of education is getting exciting! Any high school or college classes that can be completed at home is a plus for the educational system. Any classes that can be computerized and streamline at school is, also, a plus for the educational system. This will work for both public and private education.
. It reminds me of the scripture about the ants and how they prepare for winter. It is wise to consider that seasons do change and food costs change. Food is always higher out of season. In this day and age, we have to deal with high fuel costs which make everything higher. It is a sensible decision to can, dry and freeze your own food.
