July 2023: Tech & Education Highlights at Geek Summit India
Welcome to the July archive! This month we dug into why some teachers push back on tech, whether tech could ever replace a teacher, and how to survive a sluggish internet connection. Below are the key takeaways you can start using right now.
Why Teachers Sometimes Resist Using Technology
Many educators feel swamped by how fast new tools appear. Learning a new platform takes time they don’t have between lesson plans and grading. Add the fear that a tablet might make them look outdated, and the resistance makes sense. It’s not laziness – it’s a genuine worry about staying relevant.
Another big concern is control. Teachers worry that tech could undermine their authority if students start bypassing instructions or if a crash leaves the class in chaos. When a tool isn’t reliable, it can feel like a liability rather than a help.
Finally, the digital divide looms large. Not every student has a laptop or reliable broadband at home. Teachers who care about equity worry that pushing tech might leave some kids behind, creating a new kind of classroom gap.
Is Technology Making Teachers Irrelevant?
Short answer: No. Tech is a powerful sidekick, not a replacement. It gives teachers fresh ways to present content, lets them personalize learning, and frees up time for one‑on‑one coaching. But the human touch—reading body language, motivating a shy student, sparking curiosity—still needs a person.
When we look at classroom data, the best outcomes happen when teachers blend tech with their own expertise. Apps that track progress work best when a teacher reviews the results and adjusts the lesson. The role shifts from “lecturer” to “guide,” but the guide remains essential.
So, instead of fearing obsolescence, educators can see tech as a tool that expands what they can do. The focus should be on upskilling, not on being replaced.
How to Cope With a Slow Internet Connection
We’ve all been stuck waiting for a video to buffer while the class loses momentum. Here are three quick fixes you can try right now.
First, trim the number of devices on the network. Every extra phone or smart speaker eats bandwidth. Turn off anything not needed for the lesson.
Second, move the router to a central spot and keep it off the floor. A higher, open location reduces interference and can boost signal strength. If possible, plug your laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable—that’s the most stable link.
Third, schedule bandwidth‑heavy tasks like software updates for after school. When the router isn’t busy, you’ll notice a smoother experience. And if you’ve tried everything, give your ISP a call; sometimes a simple line check resolves hidden issues.
Remember, patience helps too. A brief pause to troubleshoot can be a teaching moment about problem‑solving and resilience.
That’s the July roundup. Keep experimenting with tech, stay flexible, and don’t let a slow connection slow you down. See you at the next Geek Summit post!
Why do teachers resist using technology in their classrooms?
From my perspective, many teachers resist using technology in classrooms due to several reasons. Firstly, they might feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological advancements and the time-consuming task of familiarizing themselves with new tools. Secondly, they might fear that technology could replace their roles or undermine their authority. Lastly, they may also worry about the potential distractions and the digital divide that might disadvantage certain students who lack access to technology at home.
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How do you cope up with slow internet connection?
In my recent post, I shared some strategies on how to deal with a slow internet connection. I found that by minimizing the number of devices connected, limiting bandwidth-heavy activities, and regularly updating router software, the internet speed can be improved significantly. I also mentioned using wired connections for more stability and trying different locations in your home to get the best signal. Lastly, contacting your service provider to discuss the issue can also be helpful. Remember, patience is key when dealing with slow internet!
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Is the advancement in technology making teachers irrelevant?
In the blog, we explored the question of whether technological advancements are making teachers irrelevant. We found that while technology has indeed revolutionized education, it doesn't render teachers obsolete. Instead, it provides tools to enhance their teaching methods and personalize learning experiences. Teachers still play a crucial role in guiding and mentoring students, a task that technology cannot fully replace. So, while technology is changing the role of teachers, it's not making them irrelevant.
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