Journal 7

Can computers tutor students as effectively as teachers?
Ken Luterbach and Jeanie Cole

This post from L&L discusses both sides of the argument for computer directed tutoring being more effective than actual live teachers doing the tutoring. Ken believes that in moderation, there is enough evidence to show that computers do just as good a job as people. Jeanie on the other hand believes otherwise. She believes the teaching process is too complex to even make the comparison. Both argue that the importance of teaching is keeping the students attention. Both disagree on the more effective method.

My question, math. Math in my eyes is a total mystery anyway, so just the word is enough of a question in my eyes. I wonder if computers could do just as good a job with teaching or tutoring math as a real teacher. Math is not as subjective as social sciences. In history a student can argue me about the causes of a world war, or the reasons behind actions in history, but math is totally different. I do realize that math is going more analytical. That is another argument, because I believe the curriculum should go back to the ways of old. I think it is ludicrous to think that computers could replace a math teacher. However, I do believe a computer could assist a social science teacher like me with math.

Will teachers ever be replaced? I already spoke on this, it is ludicrous. But I do think the value of computers as aides to education has no limits and I would love to have that kind of fast, accurate assistance.

How would a computer tutoring system help me out? I think having a history program that is interactive would help the students learn tremendously. It is another way they can get repetition.