Teachers' perceptions on the roles on educational technology

Abstract

Entering graduate students were asked whether technology would soon eliminate the need for teachers. Responses ( all negative) were clearly separable into 'modernist' responses, which indicated that the role of education was the transmission of information and skills, but that teachers can do a better job of this; and 'postmodernist' responses, which indicated other roles for educators. Many incoming students displayed a lack of insight into the possibilities for technology in education. The study concludes that teachers should be made aware of the various goals of education, and which goals can best be achieved using technology. A second recommendation is that potential educators be made more aware of the various roles of technology in education, and how teacher-technology synergies can be tapped.