If you had to choose between a quality teacher and technology
in your child’s classroom, what would you choose?
In this day and age we know technology plays a big role in our lives, we also know that good quality teaching is important, but have you ever thought about which is more important? A recent study completed by Follet asked parents what mattered most in their children’s education – quality teaching or technology. Come to find out, America is divided on the issue. Some believe quality teachers are most important, and others surveyed think technology is most important.
It was almost a tied decision, with:
Quality Teaching at 29%
Technology at 28%
A closer look at the results of the study suggests, perhaps, region resources could be why everyone is so divided on the topic. Perhaps teaching talent is lacking in some areas of the country, while technology is lacking in other parts. Obviously quality teaching and technology are both vital factors in the education playing field. But which one matters more?
See the full survey here and think about the different questions. What are your thoughts?
Follett.com
According to the survey, there were other important things that mattered. Some parents thought that the class size and personalized learning was more important than technology or teaching. The truth is, all of these matter, but not everyone has access to the same things when it comes to education.
Budgets!
Sometimes a budget will only cover a quality teacher and not technology. Then it becomes the responsibility of the school, district, or the teacher to come up with the missing component. Another way to look at it is technology is ever changing. Districts/schools will always have to keep up with the demands of technology and the funds might not be there.
What do I think?
You can’t replace a good teacher with technology. Any good teacher will do what it takes to make sure their students know everything they need to know, regardless.
What do we do?
We can continue to work towards making sure our students have both, so parents don’t have to choose which one is really more important.
What do you think?
After weighing the pros and cons, what is more important to you? Or do you hope your children have access to both? A good teacher and proper technology? Follett would love for you to weigh in on the conversation. Join them on Twitter and on Facebook using hastag #FallBacktoSchool.
What matters most in your child’s education?
I think that quality teaching is crucial and that technology can be an aid to teaching.
It is very important these days that a child needs the best education!
I believe quality and well educated teachers are much more important than technology. But I also believe having technology in the classroom such as laptops for school work purposes helps engage children. My brother when in high school had off on Tuesdays, but they did have an online class that day in which they had to “log onto” from home or the library.
I agree with you that quality teaching is more important. Also, I hope that children have both quality teaching and technology.
People rely too much on technology, which we know can get hacked, or go down. You need the human factor. Possibly a mix of both. But to me, you can’t , or shouldn’t replace a teacher.
A child needs a good teacher and a good education
Honestly, it’s different with each kid. Some kids respond better to technology and some kids need a good teacher/lesson, and some need both. You have to find what works for your kid, which is why I think a lot of people choose to homeschool.
I think this is also how Europe is able to not use drugs for kids with ADD/ADHD, because they figure out how to keep the kids focused instead of drugging them to accomplish it.
I would say quality teaching is more important. Thank you for sharing.
Definitely QUALITY of TEACHERS.
Our generation, we didn’t have all the tech stuff, and I guarantee that the classes that I enjoyed and helped me the most were by the qualified and best teachers!!!! They also stimulated me to learn and teach others.
Technology is taking away from hands-on communication! Anyone can post, text, etc., but it takes confidence to communicate face-to-face! It also cannot replace a good teacher!! They train our children & show them how to think & cope on their own, face-to-face & hands-on!! I still remember a teacher from 50 years ago who did more than teach, but reached me emotionally to cope with more than just classwork, but with classmates, etc.
I live in Florida and it doesn’t surprise me that quality teaching ranked higher than technology. We have a shortage of teacher and it’s a real issue. Good technology is quite important too though.
School is important to me and giving the schools enough money to buy things that they need to teach our kids is very important to me. Our kids is the future for our country and if we don’t invest in our future then they won’t have the education that they need to build a bright future.
A quality teacher will beat technology all the time.
A good teacher far outweighs the best technology. A good teacher can make learning fun.
I would choose the quality teacher every time! Teachers work so hard and don’t get the praise they so deserve!
One on one is important. Just having the chance to speak to a live person, eye to eye makes a difference.
Any way to help children learn new things is a good thing!
My daughter homeschooled 3 of her 5 kids one whole school year. She was tired of all the teachers’ strikes at the beginning of the school year. She said she became so overwhelmed that she couldn’t do it anymore. Plus the kids missed their friends & their school!! They kept trying to get away with not doing some of the school homework. They also said why should they go to bed at the same “school time” when they don’t have to leave the house, why should they get dressed, etc. It was a bunch of things that all added up. BUT she does remind the ones still in school, when they say they don’t want to go to school, that she could always go back to homeschooling! They really come back to reality quick!!
I think that well-trained teachers are more important, although up-to-date technology is helpful too.
I would always, always choose a quality teacher!
Interaction with people is more important. I feel that you can learn more and it’s healthier for the child to be around others.
In my opinion, qualified teachers, schools, etc. are stepping stones to adulthood! Not just about learning the curriculim, but about how to pay attention, take orders, getting along with others, getting ready & being on time every weekday. I have the utmost respect for the good dedicated teachers!!
Having a quality teacher is so important.
Like I said. I think a mixture of both is good. I do believe that a teacher in a structured setting is a must.
If CGPGrey’s Digital Aristotle futurist perspective reveals anything, it’s that technology may ultimately be the source of quality teaching itself.
God bless,
Miles
My children are grown. And I’m a grandmother of three. I have nothing against using technology as a teaching aid. What I don’t like is when people start using it solely and eliminate humans.That just doesn’t sit well with me.
I believe that technology could be an aid to quality teaching.
been out of school a long time and dont have kids. i know the school system where i grew up is not as good as it once was. i think technology has ruined things. some are good, but it is too easy for kids today, they can look up things and not really learn them. they are too busy with facebook, twitter, etc. some is good but the schools are overboard. teachers dont go thru the lessons anymore, there are no discussions, the entire system has become lax. people wonder why kids dress the way they do, look how the teachers dress, jean, flip flops, shorts, etc. i cant believe what kids where to school today, as well as the teachers. i always dressed for school, even in college. the school system has cut programs, no exercise anymore, which is why our kids our fat today, driver’s ed, school supplies,. technology can be an aid but can not replace a good teacher. it is disgusting what they pay them today and expect them to do so much. more have become babysitters and not teachers.
My grand daughter is home schooled. I’m not sure how that works, but it seems to be a trend lately. Kids should go to school and have a teacher. I may just be old and out of touch, but why does everyone feel that their child should be sheltered?
i think the good teacher is more important, they can give a foundation of curiosity and a faith in authority
I do not think that technology can totally replace good teaching.
I would choose a quality teacher.
I think that quality teaching is much more important. You can have all the technology in the world but it’s useless without a good teacher.
Teachers aren’t valued like they should be. They go into it knowing they’ll never become rich. They truly care and want to help. They know the value of a good education.
Quality teaching! Technology is nothing if a student doesn’t have a solid base.
They are both important. I got through school with good teachers and no technology (OK, so this was waaay back).
I think that quality teaching and technology are equally important. So long as we remember that technology should not take over the classroom. Teaching without technology is just as important!
When my son was in school, I always preferred a good, quality teacher over everything. My son was never a fan of school, ever, which made it a challenge sparking his interest. A good teacher would always stimulate his interest and he enjoyed school better
I think that quality teaching gives our kids their best chance!
Both, good teaching and keeping up with the times.
The quality of teaching lies directly behind interaction. I am a supporter of this!