The Essay Topic: Lectures given by teachers in universities used to be the only way of teaching students, however, nowadays technology has evolved and made it possible to study online. This causes many people to believe that the lecture system will not be needed in the future.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
The Essay: The pedagogical technique has changed in this age and hence a large section of the populace contend that the erstwhile traditional method of teaching through lectures alone in universities, will not be needed in coming times, due to advanced technology, giving way to online education. However, I do not agree with this since the impact of a real teacher is more powerful than the best of online study.
To commence with, online classes do not have a personal touch with pupils. True learning happens when students can see, hear and be in the physical proximity of educators. The very presence and aura of a learned professor can propel students to another level of knowledge instilling the love of learning. For instance, the renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle credits his achievements to his teacher Plato’s lectures.
Furthermore, while online education gives knowledge, it does not clarify students’ doubts instantly. Students need to further put in efforts to get in-depth understanding of a subject. Moreover, virtual classroom sessions are no match for real time lectures by learned teachers. For this reason, despite a plethora of online courses on popular educational applications like Udemy, Coursera and Edx these days, the top universities such as the Delhi, Oxford or Harvard Universities, still have thousands of students seeking admission.
Nevertheless, online classes can be an aid in the future, acting as a supporting tool that could be used by professionals to supplement lectures. Yet, they would never be able to replace the exiting lectures in universities.
To conclude, while many opine that giving lectures in universities will not be needed in years ahead that would be substituted by online classes, I do not agree to it. Live lectures can impart deeper meaning and clear concepts of students, although online classes would be of some use to pupils.