Will Robots Replace Human Teachers?
Ranked #770 in Education, #18,248 overall
Just What Would a Robot Teacher Do?
Currently the robots are not being used to replace teachers, but to supplement them. However, they are talking about letting them have a larger role as the robots become capable of more. In Japan, NIT's e-Nuvo humanoid robots are equipped with projectors, and will build interest in science and engineering as they discuss robotics.
Contents at a Glance
Will a robot be teaching at your school?
What's been written about robots as teachers?
- Kids say Robot Teachers are "easy" & "fun"
- In Masan, South Korea, students give robot teachers mixed reviews.
- Failing Grade for Robot Teachers in Korean Classrooms?
- This reviewer confirms some of my views that robotic teachers are less than ideal.
- Even More Robots Infiltrate Korean Schools!
- Robots are already teaching English in Masan, Korea, and may have even been deployed nationwide by now.
ROBOT POSTER by loookingatthestars
See other artwork at zazzle.com
Would you like to see robots in your children's classroom?
Although at this time, they are not replacing teachers, they are being used to assist in instruction. Do you think they are necessary when we already have computers being used in classrooms?
A better way to learn a second language?
Try Rosetta Stone
![Rosetta Stone V3: French Level 1-3 Set with Audio Companion [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TVRZkQ45L._SL160_.jpg)
Rosetta Stone V3: French Level 1-3 Set with Audio Companion [OLD VERSION]
Amazon Price: (as of 02/17/2012)
This is an immersion method of learning. No memorizing or translating. You learn to think in the language the same way you learned your native tongue, by seeing and connecting what you see to words. Advanced voice recognition software monitors your progress to make sure you are correctly pronouncing your new language. You advance at your own pace and don't move on until you are ready. Sound good? It should. It has won all kinds of awards and been used by millions. However, read the reviews carefully before investing. Most people will take to this way of learning a language like a duck to water. But if you are the type that like to learn the grammar as you go along, this immersion approach might frustrate you. It's like being put down in a foreign country where you learn the language by having it all around you, except that you can learn more gradually than if that were really the case. I will recommend other courses if immersion is not for you. But if you like immersion methods, this is probably the best you can get.
Some pros and cons concerning teaching robots.
Those who are promoting the use of robots in the classroom believe they will engage student interest and also enable special guests to interact with students from long distances. I wonder how long the robots will seem unique and able to sustain the initial interest. I'm wondering why a robot with telepresence is a better way to bring in guests than Skype, which will allow the students to actually interact live with a special guest.Another concern I have is that robots are unfeeling machines when all is said and done. I am wondering what robots can do that can't be done just as well by a computer or an overhead projector or video, which would all be much cheaper to bring in. In one of the videos below, you will see the frustration of a young girl attempting to make the robot recognize what she is trying to say. All of us know the frustration of voice menus that don't offer the option we need and our desperate desire to talk to a real human. As adults, we supposedly can handle this kind of frustration better than a young child.
Another issue I see is technical support. What happens when the "teacher" doesn't work right? Who fixes it? Will the real classroom teacher be expected to be able to repair his assistants when they have technical issues?
My biggest objection, though, is that children, especially young ones, need as much interaction with real human adults as possible. They don't need robotic nannies with no heart during their school day. They need a human who really cares about them and wants to see them be all they can be. They need a teacher with enthusiasm they can catch to interest them in a subject.
Another way to learn a language
Japanese, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Japanese with Pimsleur Language Programs (Pimsleur Instant Conversation)
Amazon Price: $26.45 (as of 02/17/2012)
For those who find Rosetta Stone too expensive or who aren't comfortable with it's total immersion approach, the Pimsleur method has gotten some great reviews. I have played with its samples in the German language and found it to be an approach I would take to, but since I know I wouldn't give any time to leaning a new language right now when I don't need to use it any time soon, I didn't get a full version. I would like this better than Rosetta, since I like to understand a bit about the grammar of what I'm saying, and Pimsleur includes that unobtrusively.
You've seen some robot teachers now.
What do you think of them?
Let's assume there will be vast improvements in the capabilities of robotic teachers. We all know that computers are much better now than they were in 1964 when they took up an entire room and we had to punch cards to communicate with them. We've come along way in making them smaller and giving them voices and ears that can understand what we say most of the time. They can teach us and entertain us. Let's assume that robots will also evolve into much more capable teachers with better voice recognition. Let's say they actually could be programmed to teach -- not just assist.
Would you want your child in a class taught by a robot? Why or why not? (We will assume a human is within earshot.)
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI would have no objection if the robot is competent in the subject and can make the content interesting to the children.
Bini says:
I think that robos are better as they do not get tired & also they do not take salary.There are also many advantages that can't be share in given time.
SO I THINK ROBOTS ARE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted January 17, 2012
Staceysk says:
I think it would peak interest in some kids (as a novelty) as long as it was only used as part of the learning experience. I'd like to think of the robot as a talking computer teaching tool.
Posted September 09, 2011
tracysmith159 says:
Teacher will still be needed. Children need love, which a robot can not give. However a robot could be very helpful for teachers and give more kids one on one attention.
Posted June 16, 2011
$G0LD$RUSHER says:
the robots don't think than human
Posted January 20, 2011
le garçon qui a toujours raison ! (thomas) says:
robots can not get sick, so no need to replace them !!!! :)
Posted January 20, 2011
darkgodfather says:
Yes, it's so good !
Posted January 20, 2011
TheWhistler says:
I would have no problem with the use of new technology. I do not feel it should be the sole source of teaching. I do feel that with an aging population in the west that we will be turning to technology to fill jobs and to be of assistance to our current and future populations. Teaching will be one of those jobs.
Posted March 04, 2010
No. Learning requires more than just seeing, hearing and interacting with content.
JoshK47 says:
Certainly not... people need to interact with people in able to learn properly.
Posted January 25, 2012
Annie says:
No, I don't like a robot teacher it does not have many things which normal techers have .For example emotions,felling etc..........
Posted January 17, 2012
Tipi says:
Just as children need more than media, they need more than a robot. They need a living, breathing teacher available to them.
Posted August 13, 2011
The_Goblins_Den says:
Robots would be OK to use as a teaching aid, but I think it's always important to have the human element involved. Teaching is more than just 0 and 1 logic.
Posted January 31, 2011
sheilamarie says:
This is just one more way we are encouraging people to interact more with technology than with other people. Wake up, everybody! Don't let our children's brains be changed to withdraw from other persons!
Posted January 24, 2011
Brookelorren says:
I do think that computers will take a more active role in the learning process, but teachers are necessary as well. We tried computerized instruction for English, and it didn't work too well with my dd... we're back to books.
Posted October 19, 2010
ZablonMukuba says:
learning is a human interaction, i dont like online lessons because of the lack of human interaction
Posted October 16, 2010
maninder kaur says:
a teacher is a one who can understand one's feeling and what a child is in need so i dont think so that same will happen with someone with no feelings so its literally NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.................
Posted September 12, 2010
OhMe says:
Oh, I think having a robot to teach would be detrimental to a child. Children need the warmth and understanding of a caring teacher.
Posted March 04, 2010
You don't need a robot to learn to speak English.
![Rosetta Stone V3: English (US) Level 1 with Audio Companion [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AkmDDevZL._SL160_.jpg)
Rosetta Stone V3: English (US) Level 1 with Audio Companion [OLD VERSION]
Amazon Price: (as of 02/17/2012)
Robots aren't needed when you have Rosetta Stone, since it teaches English just as babies learn to speak. Many people have highly praised this program, but read reviews before buying. If you're not the type that learns best by being immersed in a language, and you like a bit more structure, this may not be for you. Amazon has many other courses available to help you.
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What do you think is the most important quality of a teacher?
Is there a favorite teacher you especially remember? What made that teacher stand out from the others you've had?What qualities were special? Please share below, or just let me know you stopped by.
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JoshK47
Jan 25, 2012 @ 11:55 am | delete
- Very interesting read... though I hope that this isn't the future, I rather like the idea of human teachers sticking around.
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SRitchieable
Nov 28, 2011 @ 8:48 pm | delete
- My favourite teacher was Mrs Shelia Mann, who taught final year English. She wanted her students to learn how to see through bad arguments, how to understand a writer's true meaning, how to express themselves constructively - and all whilst still teaching us about spelling, grammar, vocabulary and the like. She encouraged me to form my own view/s on classic books and poems, and always encouraged my efforts. Thankyou Mrs Mann!
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ravenko
Sep 5, 2011 @ 6:56 pm | delete
- I wasn't aware they use robots this is crazy...Teachers are always remembered, I remember my teachers and that's from 30+ years...Great lens...
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Tipi
Aug 13, 2011 @ 8:12 pm | delete
- I remember my sweet teacher from the first and 2nd grade, Mrs. Exstrand. She and Mr. Exstrand lived in the teacherage right in the building. Mr. Exstrand was the assistant, so we got 2 teachers for the price of one. No robot could have taken the place of Mr. or Mrs. Exstrand, they were wonderful and so kind that you just wanted to learn from them. They never once raised their voices and always had time to give a little extra help.
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Sylvestermouse
Mar 3, 2011 @ 1:25 pm | delete
- I had no idea robots were already being tested in the classroom! I couldn't be more opposed! I already want to slam my phone on the kitchen counter anytime I get one of those stupid vru's answer. I speak very plain English and half the time the stupid thing says "I don't understand" and starts it's stupid spill over again. I simply don't have time in my day for such foolishness. By the time I finish answering their pre-questions, I could have been completely finished my entire conversation with a customer service rep. and I wouldn't end the call in such a foul mood. I can only imagine how frustrated a child in a classroom would get.
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BarbRad
Mar 3, 2011 @ 3:03 pm | delete
- What you said hits one of my nerves. I have been forced to endure AT&T's computer interface several times this month, and I've found myself screaming at the robot who won't put me through to a human . Once I get to the humans, they are fine. I would assume that if a robot were "helping" a classroom teacher, the frustrated child would at least have a human around to here his complaint. But I'm with you. I can understand computer drills and models and packaging them as robot teachers, but there has to be a human around -- at least I hope so.
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jackiebolen
Feb 16, 2011 @ 6:06 pm | delete
- The robots are so ridiculous!
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The_Goblins_Den
Jan 31, 2011 @ 3:29 pm | delete
- Patience and understanding. Being good at reviewing the material is important, but one needs to understand how to communicate with students who have no knowledge of the subject at hand. It's especially tricky when the students don't want to learn, but that's another can of worms.
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Geekgurl
Jan 29, 2011 @ 1:21 pm | delete
- I am currently teaching in South Korea and saw this come out. It can only help approximately 8 kids at a time and cost a couple million dollars to make. They are now being used for just after school functions, but maybe someday more. It still isn't as good as having the teacher there speaking conversational English to them in person.
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sheilamarie Jan 24, 2011 @ 11:59 pm | delete
- A good teacher is someone who cares about the whole child and helps that child be the best she can be. It's not just about pouring knowledge in.
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