The Power of Online Education

I just finished watching a TED video and I am completely inspired. I see the power of technology in every aspect of my life.  Among many things, technology enables me to

• navigate easily to unknown destinations,
• answer my childrens’ questions instantly and correctly,
• access delicious healthy recipes to feed my family on a moment’s notice, and
• help organize – or remind me to organize – the six people whose lives I am in charge of.

Nevertheless, I have been reluctant to completely embrace technology in the classroom. Some part of me wonders if the teacher is eventually going to be replaced by the computer. Are we to be the next casualty of the technology revolution? After watching this talk by Daphne Koller, I now see the power of technology to help achieve every teacher’s dream. We all want to reach every student, to change their lives for the better, to ignite a love of learning, and possibly guide them to their life’s passion.  

What if we could personalize our instruction for every student? What if we could provide a top-notch education to every citizen of the world? I think it is time to cease being reluctant and start learning more about how we can harness the power of technology for the benefit of our students.