Woe to the teacher who has not embraced the internet

Last week the American businessman and financial education activist Robert Kiyosaki made a remark on Facebook that did not go well with many people who follow him. He said the ‘old idea of a teacher is obsolete; the internet and mobile devices are how people are learning’.

There were many individuals who insisted he was so wrong and that the statement undermined the work of teachers. They, like many of us who use public forums like this, were too quick to disagree without observing how Kiyosaki presented his claim. The key words there were ‘old idea of teacher’. With the opportunity to stay judgment until they have thought about the statement, many who disagreed may have a different take.

A few decades ago (and unfortunately in some places today), the transmission approach to teaching was the way schools operated. Teachers and prescribed text books were the deposits of knowledge and understanding. Students paid attention to learn as much as they could from the teacher. Once in a while, a prudent teacher realized the students also had something to offer and would incorporate discussions and feedback sessions. The students mostly took the teachers’ interpretation, who in turn may have gleaned it from a textbook author. In other words, one would learn what the teacher had learned.

It was important to learn what was expected because one would be tested at the end of a school term.

In many cases then (and today) what is not prescribed in the curriculum does not get taught.

The advent of information and communication technology and tools now gives the teacher and student new possibilities. The teacher may use podcasts with ideas and perspectives from other teachers to supplement their own effort. Almost all the knowledge the teacher previously brought to the class is now available for the student on the internet. The student only needs prudence to ask guidance on where to find reliable resources.

Robert Kiyosaki is not against teachers. He wants to point out that the internet and related technology tools are a big part of the teaching and learning process. Teachers who will not step up to the challenge of incorporating new technology tools in their practice are not only at a disadvantage, but dangerous for our schools. Although they can be great mentors and offer inspiration for young people, they offer an impoverished learning experience as they are likely to keep behind developments in their respective teaching areas.

Alvin Toffler has said that the illiterate of the twenty first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.