Tokyo University has used Saya the Robot as a receptionist for years and now some Tokyo primary schools are testing out robots for the classroom. It is hard to fathom that what is essentially a machine could replace a classroom teacher, especially when teaching, which is both an art and a science, involves higher order thinking. Perhaps the robot can have sad/happy/angry expressions, but can it recognize those expressions in the students in a classroom? Sure, it can take attendance by calling out names but can it understand the people behind those names?
As a technology-savvy human being, I'm intrigued by the possibilities this robot-teacher could bring to the world. However as an educator for the past decade and a half, I'm not so convinced that education is the place where a robot should be utilized. True learning can't take place just because students are told which assignments are due, and are kept quiet when the noise level gets high. Learning is partially taking in information, but it is also processing and getting feedback. This feedback comes sometimes from the teacher, sometimes from other classmates, and most importantly it comes regularly. Just by creating the physical presence of a teacher, doesn't mean that you've created a replacement. The mind is making decisions all of the time, based on the available information. The teacher's mind is probably making even more as he/she takes into account the individuality of each student along with the overall goals of the class.
I am amazed that it was not a surgeon, a pilot, or an architect that was replaced by a robot... but then, that would probably scare people more than say, playing with the minds of children.
- mm
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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