Could Robots Ever Replace Human Teachers?

Technology is changing so rapidly these days, it’s hard to keep up! This is true for all facets of our lives, including education. Thanks to the impact of the pandemic, remote learning and virtual teaching are bigger than ever before, but that’s only one element of educational technology.

Tech certainly makes our lives easier and more efficient, but some parents may worry about too much technology in the classroom. You could even go so far as to ask: could robots ever replace human teachers? We’re seeing robots everywhere from hospitals to retail shops nowadays, so it’s not a stretch to imagine that robots could one day teach in classrooms.

While we doubt robots will ever replace the empathy or abilities of a teacher, it’s worth thinking about what role technology will play in the future of education.

What’s on the horizon for technology in the educational space?
What are some of the new technological developments that will impact teaching in 2022 and beyond? Here are a few you should know.

1. Virtual reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are starting to be used in classrooms more and more. Wearing a VR headset, users can enter an immersive, virtual world. From a teaching perspective, you could walk through Stonehenge in history class or step onto the streets of Paris for a French lesson. History and language are two of the best subjects for online learning, so VR could be utilized well here.

VR technology is expensive, but it offers fun and engaging learning opportunities and inspires creativity.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is starting to be used by schools and learning apps to provide a more personalized learning experience. One thing AI does well is analyzing patterns and making recommendations based on data, which is ideal for customizing lesson plans. Students can also use AI to get help with projects through tools like Google Classroom, or boost their education at home through personalized learning apps.

Teachers can also use AI to automate grading assignments and to help with preparing lesson plans.

3. 3D printing
Imagine your child being able to print out their own 3D model of a cell for biology class, or designing multi-dimensional artwork online and then printing it! The innovative technology of 3D printing can do all of this and more, creating a new way to bring learning to life.

As with VR technology, 3D printing is expensive, but it’s likely to decrease in cost over time.

Can technology ever replace teachers?
OK, back to the robot teacher vs human teacher debate. Here are a few pros and cons to using robots as teachers.

The pros of robots in schools
It’s no secret that robots save time. They don’t need to spend years studying for a degree in education, and they can learn instantly through programming. With many parts of the world experiencing a teacher shortage, robots could be a contender to fill some of these gaps. This is especially true for virtual robotic teaching, which could be used anywhere in the world.

Robots would also do the job effectively, since a teacher robot would be designed solely to teach. And although robots are expensive, they’re still likely to work out cheaper per year than paying a salaried teacher.

There’s no denying that robots in the classroom would be fun and exciting for students and may help them engage with the material in a new way. And would robots inspire a new generation to get involved with STEM careers, perhaps? It’s highly likely that increased technology in the classroom would encourage this.

The cons of robots in schools
One of the main negatives of putting a robot in front of a classroom is pretty obvious: they aren’t human. They lack nuance, empathy, and flexibility in delivering complex information to children with differing educational needs, all of which human teachers have.

Teachers also do much more than just teach. They wipe away tears, help children who are having problems at home, inspire students through their own achievements, and make learning fun through jokes, laughter, and games. Could a robot ever do all of these things?

If you take away the power of human connection, teaching could become dry and soulless. Outsourcing the education of their children to a machine isn’t something most parents would be comfortable with.

Although it’s highly likely that robots would be an exciting novelty for children, it’s also possible that once the fun wears off, robot education could become boring and uninspiring, causing children to lose interest, become disruptive, or fall behind in their studies.

So, who is better: a robot teacher or a human teacher?
We’re back to the big question: will AI replace teachers in the future? While no one knows what the future will bring, it seems unlikely that robots will ever completely replace teachers. The ability of teachers to nurture, support, and inspire young minds on a human level is something a robot will never be able to do to a similar standard.

However, it’s highly possible that robots will play an increased role in the classroom, perhaps acting as tutors and one-on-one support, or teaching certain subjects while under the control of a human teacher. AI, while maybe not in the form of a physical robot, is sure to play a big role in learning (and virtual education) as we move forward as well.

Technology is here to stay, but it’s up to us humans to decide and control how it’s used when it comes to our children. Robots are an exciting, innovative, and versatile way to supplement the education process, but it’s doubtful that they’ll ever completely replace the powerful relationship between teachers and their students.

 

Featured image by Tara Winstead on Pexels