There has been a lot of talk about the classroom of the future. With laptops and tablets now regularly being used in education, there is no doubt that technology has certainly enhanced the way we learn. Having instant access to virtually any information we require has certainly changed the way we go about our day to day lives, and education is quickly adapting to this new lifestyle. However, there are a few aspects of the classroom environment that cannot be effectively replicated with technology.
How Technology Has Changed Learning
Today, there are plenty of educational resources that weren't even possible a few years ago. A number of popular universities, including MIT, have made some of their classes available for free online. This allows people to learn new skills from the comfort of their own home, without the expenses associated with the university.
In the classroom, our mobile devices are quickly replacing textbooks. Many resources are now purchased on a subscription basis. Instead of being carted around in our bags, they're stored in our devices, accessible at a moment's notice.
The Language Barrier
Perhaps one of the unique ways that technology has changed learning is through interactive software. There are several programs that claim they can teach you a new language from the comfort of your desk. These programs use voice recognition software that allows you to speak in plain language, while the program understands your response and provides feedback.
On paper, these programs sound amazing. But in reality, there is something missing from this technology. It's certainly responsive, but it's not immersive. According to the Vamos Spanish Academy, learning a language is all about having a "modern communicative method and personable approach." Language is the foundation of interaction. It's one thing to be able to execute the correct pronunciation of a tricky word, but communication is about building a connection with the person you're talking to. When you're interacting with someone face to face, you're able to interpret their tone and body language to understand them.
Technology Can Enhance, But Not Replace
Interpersonal communication isn't just important for learning languages, it's important for all kinds of learning. When you're in class, you're working side by side with other students. While your professor may be directing the class, there is a lot of value in having a peer group that you can communicate with.
From what we've seen, technology has been able to make several educational processes more efficient. Digital media allows us to find the information we need more easily than flipping through a textbook. Outside of class hours, we're better connected to our peers and teachers. Education is founded on the transfer of information. With our smartphones, tablets, and laptops, this process has clearly become more efficient. But will we ever get to a point where technology can replace human interaction?
It's entirely possible. Technologies like Virtual Reality, and to an extent video chat, have made online communication a much more personal experience. But with so many nuances of human interaction, we have to wonder if synthesized communication will impede the learning process.