Tech to transform Masters in Education

According to Henning Fries, CEO of Blooms Education, robots can never replace the teaching abilities of a human being

With technology apparently at the forefront of everything now, the use of new gadgets in classrooms will undoubtedly have a big impact in shaping future learning and delivering education.
Henning Fries, CEO of Blooms Education in the UAE, explains that there has already been movement away from the traditional classroom set-up.
"I believe future learning will reflect real-time learning and real-life scenarios, enabling students to participate fully in their community and their city," he noted.
"We have already seen the use of technology, such as iPads and smart phones, being accepted in the classroom. 
Virtual Reality is likely to become more commonplace. New technologies will ensure wider access, and therefore, a greater understanding of teaching for students."
Fries says that in the digital era, good teaching will always be good teaching, and teachers should just stay focused on understanding their students and keep connected to each other.
"It's about understanding students' needs, building a connection with them and helping them develop their knowledge and skills," he said.
"Technology is an exciting platform, which may enable higher engagement, as this is what students are most familiar with."
On technology making distant education easier, the education expert says technology is an access tool - it's how all of us access our global world. 
"Access will become easier and technologies such as avatars, holograms, etc, will allow students to recognise technology as they would their teachers," he said.
Although the use of robots seems to be on the rise in factories, and private companies as well as government institutions worldwide predict that machines would do most work that is currently done by humans, Fries doesn't see robots taking over teaching in the future.
"Robots cannot take over teaching. The human connection offered by teachers can never be replaced," he said. "Technology can only support what a teacher delivers, not the emotive, motivational interactions that a teacher or facilitator or coach can provide."
According to him, all teachers need to do in the digital era is know what technologies their students fancy and making a lot of research about the same.
"Knowing your students' needs is at the forefront of successful education. To continue to deliver this, teachers should know what technologies students and their families are engaging with," said Fries.
"Teachers will need to make time to research new products and platforms and implement purpose-designed sessions." 
Ismail Sebugwaawo is a Reporter based in Abu Dhabi