The human side of education

“Without falling too far into nostalgia, I still believe that the mysterious power of teacher-student interactions can’t truly be replaced by technology…” This article raises the fundamental issue of teacher-student interactions as a core determinant of learning. Research has shown that student interaction, whether it is classroom discussion or other participatory activities, is one of the foundations of knowledge assimilation and academic success.

Teacher-student interaction reveals the human side of education and we will all agree with the author that technology won’t replace it. But are we so sure that these interactions still exist in a traditional classroom.

The problem is not one of conviction or dogma: for a learner, to learn is not simply to acquire a definite amount of knowledge but to engage in personal interaction with the teacher and the learners. Interaction between students, whether in class discussions or other participatory activities, is central to knowledge assimilation and academic achievement.experiences, develop appropriate levels of autonomy and independence.

However, overcrowded classrooms, too heavy curriculum, competition for grades, violence and bullying at school are all symptoms or causes of a lack of interaction. Who talks to who and when during school hours?

This is where digital technology should make a difference in the classroom and contribute to:

• Increase the enjoyment and emotional connection that teachers have with students
• Enhance peer interactions;
• Decrease the level of aggressive relationships
• Prevent misbehaviour in daily routine
• Ensure maximum time is spent in learning activities
• Facilitate group activities so that learning opportunities are maximized.
• Expand participation and learning through feedback to students
• Improve teachers’ responsiveness to students’ needs;

Fully participatory classrooms are the one that are built in interaction and embed participation whatever the topic, the moment, the setting. The pedagogical concept behind interaction has therefore to be very refined and it has nothing to do with technology.

Far from establishing a distance, digital solutions can help bridge a gap between less and more participatory students, enabling the teacher to dedicate more time to those who need it most.

Far from dissimulating the human side of education, technology helps respond to basic needs, making the teacher a mentor and the student an actor of his own learning.