The World Teachers' Day, celebrated on October 5, is an opportunity to recall the importance of those who transmit knowledge, spark curiosity, and accompany new generations in their journey. In Tunisia, as in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and many regions of the world, teachers remain at the heart of learning. Their role is no longer limited to transmitting knowledge; they help students understand complex concepts, develop critical thinking, and use information and technologies responsibly.
Artificial intelligence can now provide instant answers and generate content in seconds, facilitating access to knowledge but not replacing the discernment needed to verify information, contextualize it, and understand its implications. Meanwhile, digital distractions and screen fatigue invite a rethink of the place of technology in the classroom. A study by Epson among parents and teachers in the META-CWA region highlights this need, with over two-thirds of respondents noting screen fatigue and considering a more reasonable approach to technology in schools necessary.
The study also shows that visual technologies can promote a more collective use of digital tools. 62% of respondents believe that visual technologies, such as projectors, enhance student engagement, while 61% consider them to stimulate creativity. Used as teaching tools, they enable collaborative work, idea confrontation, and more concrete learning. This approach aligns with Epson's Engineered Future 2035 vision, which aims to develop solutions that meet users' real needs.
In education, technology should support teaching practices rather than replace them. Projection can facilitate collective work, printing can give concrete dimension to learning, and digitalization can simplify resource organization and sharing. The challenge is also to develop skills that digital tools cannot transmit alone, such as collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. These skills are built through exchange and experimentation, with the teacher as a guide.
This evolution requires supporting teachers through training, digital skills development, and access to reliable equipment adapted to classrooms. For Epson, technology is not meant to replace teachers but to enhance their impact and enable them to create more interactive and inclusive learning experiences. While tools can transform the way we learn, they do not replace the empathy, encouragement, and ability of a teacher to inspire their students.
The progress of education will not be measured solely by the sophistication of technologies but by their ability to help young people think, create, collaborate, and exercise discernment. In the age of artificial intelligence, technology can transform the way we learn, but teachers remain at the heart of what gives learning its human dimension. The synergy between technology and teaching can lead to more effective and engaging learning experiences.
As the education sector continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize teacher support and development, ensuring they have the resources and tools needed to provide high-quality education. By doing so, we can harness the potential of technology to enhance learning while preserving the human element that is essential to education. This balanced approach will be crucial in shaping the future of education.
Key points
- The role of teachers in the age of artificial intelligence is more essential than ever, as they help students develop critical thinking, discernment, and skills that digital tools cannot transmit alone.
