In today's modern age technology is becoming more and more
prevalent. Most people have access to just about everything there is to know
just a few taps away. This raises the question are physical classroom really
needed anymore?
There are many arguments for and against a
traditional class room. For example, Dukunle Somade, a senior at the University
of Maryland claims that "technology is giving students more and more
reason not to come."
He also says that "students can
easily grab material online, including lectures by gifted speakers in every
field." Lastly, The National Survey of Student Engagement did a study at
the University of Indiana that showed that four of eight "high
impact" learning activities required no class room time at all.
There are still arguments for a
traditional class room. Teachers and professors are still better informed than
the vast majority of websites. Also, the former Director of the Baylor
University Academy of Teaching and Learning claim that he does not see himself
as a gateway to knowledge but a guide to the class. On top of that a class room
creates connections for students that often help them find jobs in the future.
A lot of Teachers and Schools are shifting
to more online based method of teaching. For most people this would work
however it will not work for everyone. Any advanced degree in anything requires
face to face interaction with a teacher. From an advanced Art degree to a PHD
in Physics a personal hands on training is required. For that reason the
traditional class room with never go away but it will remain mostly for
vocational schools and Very High levels of education.
