Technology and teaching

Technology should not replace teaching. This much should be obvious. Rather, technology should be used as another important tool that teachers use to enhance and enrich their teaching. In fact, given today's technological age, technology should be one of the primary tools used in enhancing teaching. We've discussed so far several positive benefits of computers and technology that do not need to be repeated. However, should it go so far as to replace the role of the teacher? No. The student should always be able to look up to the teacher for guidance or assistance. A computer just cannot give the personal attention necessary for a student to really understand something. The teacher can.

From my personal experience, I use several self-created PowerPoint presentations to teach science lessons. My students have come to accept them as a regular part of the class. They are best used when the lessons are presented on the projector and the teacher (myself) has the students perform some interpretive exercise, or a demonstration perhaps, so that the concept presented on the PowerPoint will be that much more understood by the class. The PowerPoints alone cannot achieve understanding. They might as well be just reading the textbook.