Can robots replace English Language teachers?

Pre discussion questions

What do you think of robots replacing real teachers?

How do you think technology will be used in the future of teaching?

Now robots are heading to an English language course near you! In South Korea, students are being taught English via robots remotely controlled by teachers in the Philippines. 

Teachers may fear that they may be replaced by robots. But at this stage it does not seem that teachers will be replaced by robots.

And often teachers believe that technology replaces good teaching methods. However this is not true. A good lesson has interesting stimuli. A good lesson has good teaching methods. And it has good communication and understanding between the teacher and the student.  Technology enhances good teaching and looks for new ways to get students interested in the class.

For example the camera and recording functions in smart phones creates good learning.. A good teacher can use this technology. For example, in a discussion about family, students could show pictures on their smart phones while they talk about them. Another activity could involve giving students a list of words for them to find outside of the class and take photos of them with their phones. These photos could then be used to make word cards to help remember the new words.

Being able to record students with phones allows a lot of other options as well. Students can record an interview on their mobile phones and this can then be swapped and the students listen and write down what was said in the interview. So you see, technology enables teachers to teach better. It enables teachers to diagnose and help improve speaking problems. This is similar to what we do in writing.

So, remember: don’t fear technology, accept and enjoy it! The robots will always lose to a knowledgeable and good teacher who has a good understanding of technology and how it can improve the classroom learning. 

Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. Some of the answers are very close and have similar meaning. The meaning of these words is how they are used in the reading. Some of these words have different meanings in the dictionary depending on how they are used.

 The answers are below the table.

A=8, B=1, C=2, D=7, E=3, F=5, G=6, H=4

Some example sentences using the new words or phrases from the meaning of how they are used in the reading to help you understand better.

1.      The driver said that we are heading to the airport.

2.      With drones we can remotely view things.

3.      At this stage we do not have a new president in Korea.

4.      The U.S. central bank stimulated the economy by releasing more money.

5.      That color is good for you because it enhances your appearance.

6.      Learning another language gives you more options in your future.

7.      Learning English enabled me to get a promotion to work in another country.

8.      The doctor diagnosed my problem as not a serious problem.

Some questions using the new words/phrases. Try to use the words/phrases in your answer.

1.      Where do you think the world is heading to with new technology?

2.      How would you feel about having someone teach you English remotely?

3.      At what stage did you decide what job you want for the future?

4.      Do you need coffee to stimulate you? Do you use something else to stimulate you?

5.      How has technology enhanced your learning?

6.      What options do you have for your future

7.      In what ways has technology enabled you?

8.      What diagnosis do you give yourself for your English learning problems?