[color=green]“Advances in computer technology have made the classroom unnecessary, since students and teachers are able to communicate with each other from computer terminal at home or at work.”
Thoroughly examining the statement, I feel that I cannot agree with the statement completely, although I cannot negate it fully too. Here, I will essay my opinion in the following paragraphs.
No doubt, the computer technology has made miracle advances in almost every walk of life. Technology has never influenced man more in the history, than today. But some traditional values and concepts needs to remain intact with our lives, so as to make our future generation become fully aware, of not only the advancements, but also of the need of the fellowship, humanity, effects of the personalities and the need of the human supervision.
Although, computers and the Internet, can be useful to study in the higher education sector. The need of a traditional classroom setup, cannot be, and should not be fully replaced by a computer system.
The traditional classroom environment is not only an effective manner of communication of the student with the teacher, but is also very important in attaining the very first attempts of nurturing groupworks, friendships and mental and social relationships. Without such setup, young minds will lack the idea of fellowship. Our future generation, without experiencing the physical school, will lack the aesthetic sense of a great practicality. School days are often remembered as the golden era of one’s life. It is not certainly because of the subjects we study, but because of the environment, the very first friends of one’s life, the interesting and intelligent mischiefs and their punishments, that one has had in the school time.
Also, without a traditional school, students will learn the subjects but will miss the object of learning. They will learn mechanism and working of a scientific process but will lack the interesting and informative discussion on the topic. They will learn to read and write but will lack the abilities of group working and consequently the quality of being patient.
Moreover, it is an obvious observation that pupils observe and absorb many habits from their teachers, whom they idealize.This is a method of learning mannerism that can not be gained from a computer terminal. The effect of personalities cannot be ignored. This is important for character building of young minds. A teacher is the best example that a child has in his mind.
Now coming to other side of the topic, a computer based study program is like a knight in shining armour, for those adults who want to return to schools, to complete or further study, but are reluctant to join the traditional classrooms. The mature learners can get the full advantage of this setting. They can work at their own pace, without worrying about deadlines. They can take help according to their needs. In fact, this setting allows them to work in a flexible environment and with a flexible schedule. They can research and up-date themselves with the latest information from the Internet. They can study in the latest fashion and without interrupting their work and family.
Hence, researching the topic, it is clear that each setting has its own advantages and disadvantages. Learning methods may vary according to the convenience and need of the learner. However, the computer technology cannot replace the traditional classroom setting.
TOEFL listening lectures: A university lecture by a professor of American History
