Getting ready for innovation and exponential change or maintaining the humdrum?

Getting ready for innovation and exponential change or maintaining the humdrum?

A look down the road of education

(part 1)

Yes, we live in an age of disruption. Yes, we live in an exponential age. Yes, not much will change in education in the next 5 to 10 years. Should they? Yes! But, despite global forces, rapid technological changes and accelerated change, schools will look, sound and feel the same. Change in schools moves at a glacial pace. The question therefore should not be “How will schools be different in 5-10 years?” but “How should schools be different 5-10 years from now to ensure we are meeting the needs of the students?” Or, “How do we develop future-ready students?”

What are the trends that could affect education?

Technology – Preparing students for life in an ongoing technological revolution

This is the most pervasive and powerful trend for education. Classrooms are a pedagogical jigsaw as schools become an ecosystem with a variety of ways to learn (known as blended learning). Schools will have to give students the opportunity to learn online as preparation for later learning. At least one course should be taken in their school career. Importantly, students must be taught how to navigate the web, research and think critically. Mining for information, checking sources, synthesizing arguments and creating their own ideas will be a challenge for educators. Students will be exposed to coding, web design, and how to properly manage their online footprint and personal brand.

MOOCS have not been as impactful as first imagined. It seems that completing an online course requires a huge amount of self-discipline. We are essentially social creatures and like to learn in groups, even face-to-face. This may change with the current generation who feels more comfortable interacting and forming relationships online. Online study will impact Colleges far more than schools. Colleges are becoming too expensive and online colleges are increasingly more popular. Students can hold jobs while completing their degrees. It makes more economic sense.

Schools will be inundated with increasingly sophisticated ICT tools. Artificial Intelligence (robots interacting seamlessly with students using natural languages) and Virtual Reality (and in textbooks as they can offer rich and current 3D content) will play a role in classrooms with technology increasingly integrated into the classroom. Significant infrastructure and access to technology will be needed. Teachers will become increasingly comfortable with the use of technology and mobile learning and be able to use it to enhance the student experience and critical thinking.

Neurosciences will impact teaching as this becomes the fastest growing science. This is the branch of study that deals directly with how the brain learns. Will we be able to ignore these sources of information that equips teachers and students to learn better than ever before? 

Image source: https://www.alamy.com/reaching-a-crossroads-having-to-choose-between-stagnation-or-change-in-future-symbolized-by-two-feet-standing-on-two-different-colors-with-arrows-on-p-image177988506.html