Computers in the classroom

 I remember in grade school the importance that my teachers put on learning how to properly use a computer. Typing, browsing, the lingo, tool bars, programs, these were all important things to learn how to navigate the World Wide Web. With that said, I don't think I was ever aware of the impact that such a machine would have on my life or my future. The amount of information that can be found in a matter of seconds is absurd. Growing up in a time where technology is advancing so quickly that there is a new and better product coming out ever year is both a blessing and a curse, but the rapid growth of such a thing has definitely improved one area in particular. Classrooms. Students are capable of learning literally almost anything they could ever imagine at the click of a button.
The video we watched in class talks about how people can learn about anything they find interesting if they are given the means to do so. Children who know absolutely nothing about a particular topic, when left to discover, can teach themselves an infinite number of things. With such a statement being said, my question is, what does that mean for the future of teachers? Are teachers just going to be standing by being "positive support" for students while they look things up online? Or will classrooms turn into a place where students sit in front of a computer screen and are led in activities by their teacher? I've learned in multiple classes that students learn better in a classroom that is discussion based rather than lecture based. Could this potentially be the future of our classrooms? Where students are left to discuss topics and learn from the internet and each other rather than by a stereotypical teacher at the front of the room?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/09/26/mitra.technology.learning/index.html

This link leads to a page that summarizes the TED talk we watched in class. It makes references to the talk by pointing out specific areas that children were able to improve just by having access to a computer and the internet. Examples include:

• Teach themselves enough English to use e-mail, chat and search engines. 
• Change their social interaction skills and value systems.
• Improve their mathematics and science scores in school.

Though children can learn greatly from computers and internet access I think it is also important to address the fact that children need reinforcement in what they are learning.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/08/opinion/kopp-kids-real-teachers

This article discusses how one great teacher can change a student's life forever. This is something that could never happen with a computer.

The two are very valid arguments, but only time will tell. In an age where every person is connected at all times might imply that technology will soon run the classroom, but the benefits of a human teacher are beyond compare.