Students need a teacher to navigate them in the digital world

From developer to teacher

Having graduated with a major in Applied Mathematics and Informatics from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Mr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn (IT Teacher, Greenfield School Ecopark Campus) initially aimed to become a professional developer. With a solid foundation of knowledge, he achieved certain successes in the field just a few years after graduation.

Even as a student, Mr. Tuấn realized he enjoyed sharing knowledge with those around him. The time spent as a developer, collaborating on projects with colleagues, made this feeling clearer than ever. Therefore, when he learned about a job opening at Greenfield School, he seriously considered transitioning to teaching and decided to commit to the profession.

Leaving behind the experience gained as a developer to become a bewildered newcomer in the education sector was not easy. "While a developer typically works independently with a computer, a teacher must interact extensively with students, each with a different personality," Mr. Tuấn shared.

"Despite some differences, the essence of both jobs is the same: continuously updating knowledge of information technology and transforming intangible ideas into tangible outcomes. "For a developer, these are programs and applications; for a teacher, they are the students' knowledge and skills," he explained.

Driven by the philosophy that students should acquire knowledge and skills to solve life's challenges, Mr. Tuấn rarely introduces new concepts right away. Instead, he presents a problem, plants suggestions, assigns students to find solutions, offers support for questions, and then introduces the related knowledge.

During his teaching process, observing that students often struggled with review, Mr. Tuấn researched and applied technology in 2022 to design software that automates assignments, submissions, and grading. This innovation allows students to self-review, check for knowledge gaps, and become more proactive in their studies and practice.

Technically, this software might not be groundbreaking. However, if digital transformation is defined as using digital technology to do things previously impossible—bridging gaps and barriers to make even small actions more effective—Mr. Tuấn's initiative serves as a typical "case study" to answer the question: What is digital transformation?

Technology cannot replace the heart

The world is evolving daily with the emergence of massive Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. Education is not exempt from this wave, as schools now feature not only teachers with blackboards and chalk but also automation systems, big data, and tireless "virtual teachers."

Many speculate that technology might eventually replace the human teacher. According to Mr. Tuấn, no matter how advanced technology becomes, the teacher's role will not change. Just like the initial passion that led him to the profession, he believes the "image of the teacher" profoundly influences learners.

"AI is a giant engine capable of creating enormous differences in human life in general and education in particular. However, as technology advances, the boundary between 'using' and 'abusing' becomes increasingly thin. More than ever, students need a teacher to guide them so they don't get lost in the digital world," Mr. Tuấn stressed.

He added that AI is a product of training data, where every answer is drawn from an existing information pool, rigidly following algorithmic pathways. In contrast, the human teacher—equipped with both technological and emotional intelligence—understands a student's strengths and weaknesses to help them grow.

"Technology cannot replace the heart. Sometimes, standing in front of the class and witnessing the intense focus, joy, or surprise on the students' faces as I introduce new IT tools, I become even more convinced that the teacher's heart is the very pulse that keeps the engine of education running," Mr. Tuấn concluded.

To stay current and not fall behind, Mr. Tuấn advises teachers to proactively upgrade themselves daily. This upgrade does not necessarily involve grand actions; it can be as simple as reviewing what technologies were used today and what areas need further study and practice.

"At Greenfield School, I am fortunate to work with colleagues who are open-minded and constantly moving forward. International standard IT programs like IC3 Spark, MOS, and modules on programming, graphic design, and AI integrated into the curriculum are testaments to the digital transformation efforts of the Greenfield School teaching team.

To be able to teach and impart knowledge to the students is already a success. I hope every Greenfield School student steps into the world with the confidence of a digital citizen. Technology is the tool for them to go further, and teachers will be the guides to ensure they move in the right direction," Mr. Tuấn stated.

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