Technology versus teachers

"Technology is a tool that can enable more effective teaching and learning," says Dikotla, "but in order for it to be used to greatest effect, a competent teacher's role is invaluable."

Dikotla points out: "Just as the advent of books many centuries ago - themselves valuable learning tools - were no competition for teachers, but rather an indispensible teaching aid; in the same way technology should be viewed as an enhancer and an enabler, and never a replacement."

Technology needs teachers

According to Dikotla, well-trained teachers are still needed to adjust their lessons to learners' needs and provide more comprehensive feedback to students - a factor that is essential to learning.

"When we use computer programmes or videos as the only teaching tools, we stop figuring out why a child is not understanding," says Dikotla. "Also, it requires a human being to appreciate another human being's unique characteristics, and therefore, how the learning process might need to be adjusted in order for a child to grasp a particular concept," he adds.

Dikotla says a computer programme might be excellent at analysing test scores, but it cannot take into account the human aspect. "This means that sometimes the reason for a delay in understanding may be as straightforward as a lack of vocabulary, emotions or even sleep," he says.

"The internet can go down and systems can fail, but in my experience it is only a teacher who can properly mark a written essay and talk to the student afterwards about the result," says Dikotla.

Teachers trump technology

Another reason why teachers will arguably continue to trump technology lies in the fact that humans actively seek human contact. "Children enjoy positive engagement with an adult; the ability to make eye contact and receive the warm encouragement of someone - this is the kind of input that makes all the difference when it comes to motivating a child to keep on trying," says Dikotla.

In addition, human teachers are needed to impart skills such as respect, communication, socialisation, interactive abilities and conflict resolution.

"Computers cannot be compassionate," concludes Dikotla. "They are merely a tool, and as teachers we show children how to use them to make their lives easier and do their jobs better one day; but, we cannot expect them to be the primary teachers themselves."