Trends in education

Trends in Education October 2011

Mr. Brown recently gave me an article “21 Things That Will Become Obsolete in Education by 2020” by Shelly Blake-Plock. Below are the first five followed by my comments. I hope they stimulate thoughts and conversation!

1.    Desks

The 21^st century does not fit neatly into rows. Neither should your students. Allow the network-based concepts of flow, collaboration, and dynamism help you rearrange your room for authentic 21^st century learning.

My thoughts: As we are updating our rooms you will see more tables, chairs and soft seating. I believe strongly that creating the best possible environment for learning is critical. I don’t believe desks will completely disappear but they will probably become the exception rather than the norm.

2.    Language Labs

Foreign language acquisition is only a smartphone away. Get rid of those clunky desktops and monitors and do something fun with that room.

My thoughts: Already done. My question is how we can incorporate language, such as Spanish, earlier into our educational environment, not as a separate class but as a normal way of speaking and reading. Any thoughts?

3.    Computers

OK, this is a trick answer. More precisely this one should read: “Our concept of what a computer is”. Because computing is going mobile and over the next decade we’re going to see the full fury of individualized computing via handhelds come to the fore. Can’t wait.

My thoughts: We’re moving there quickly. We have brought cloud computing to LCS. We are testing I-pads at the first and ninth grade level. We are having more students register personal electronic devices. We are still hoping that each student will have a personal digital device in school. We need to be leading edge not bleeding edge on this one.

4.     Homework

The 21^st century is a 24/7 environment. And the next decade is going to see the traditional temporal boundaries between home and school disappear. And despite whatever Secretary Duncan might say, we don’t need kids to “go to school” more; we need them to “learn” more. And this will be done 24/7 and on the move (see #3).

My thoughts: RenWeb. Students can see assignments and assessment results daily as can their parents. This process is in full swing. It will only become more seamless in the next few years. Our collective emphasis has to be on measurable learning.

5.    The Role of Standardized Tests in College Admissions

The AP Exam is on its last legs. The SAT isn’t far behind. Over the next ten years, we will see Digital Portfolios replace test scores as the #1 factor in college admissions.

My thoughts: When I was in high school college admission criteria was based primarily on grade point with test scores close behind. This has shifted due to the loss of integrity in what an A in one school means compared to another. The ability to evaluate mastery of learning through digital portfolios will change this paradigm again.  I strongly agree with this one. Colleges want students that will be successful and will stay until degree completion. The economics of competition for fewer students will drive colleges to a more effective method of choosing students.