TEACHERS' ROLE IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL ERA OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Teachers' role in the 21st century has become more complex in today's changing world where knowledge is almost unlimited. Teachers are expected to become technologically oriented and responsible not only for their teaching but also for their students' learning. They have to cater for special needs of individual students in heterogeneous classes, and create a student-centered learning environment which strives for excellence, and offers opportunities for enquiry and active learning. Teachers need to meet the standards of the curriculum while enhancing students' creativity, curiosity and motivation. They need to ensure a safe climate in their classrooms and maintain relationships with students, parents and staff. However, the question of how to embed technological changes in education without posing a threat to human values remains unresolved.

The aim of the study was to gain insights about how pre-service teachers perceive teachers' role in a world of technological changes. The study was conducted among students of a Masters program who participated in an online forum of an academic course. The discussion forum was preceded by a You-tube video about the need for educational changes. A content analysis was then conducted on the posts. Findings yielded that although computer-orientation is regarded in a positive way, it certainly cannot replace the role of a meaningful teacher in class. The analysis strongly emphasized a tendency towards the Humanistic Approach in Education with emphasis on teaching values, human relations and social skills, of enhancing creativity and curiosity, and finally developing a holistic view of learners. At the same time the posts demonstrated understanding of the benefits of technologies in education. The study presented a balanced approach which incorporates the old (values) and the new (technology) rather than totally abandoning the old for the sake of the new.