The year 2020, where will we be, what will it be like?

Today communication is fairly instant since many students have cell phones and computers equipped with Instant Messaging; however, by the year 2020 technical devices will be utilized to make all aspects of our lives communicated instantly. Students will be equipped with a learning tablet that will give them instant access to school information, notices, communication, class work, etc. By that time and given the global environmental concerns, most devices will be solar or battery powered.

Teachers and students will have the ability to schedule a meeting time convenient for both and meet online. Students will be able to collaborate about projects 24/7. Messages will automatically be sent to students learning tablets with updated information pertaining to school events. The students will be able to access the information on the learning tablet at school, at home, on the bus, any place, anytime. For example, a student may be sent an alert that their bus is delayed 15 minutes. This notification from a GPS system would allow the student to prepare for school instead of wasting time waiting for the late bus at the bus stop. The student would be able to view the location of their bus at any given time.

Students will be able to use their fingerprint to pay for their lunch, enter the school building, board the bus, etc. At any given time using a GPS system, a parent will be able to know the location of their child. Communication will be instant.

The rapid changes and advances that we are seeing today in technology will continue to transform the classroom. The top jobs of 2020 are not known yet, therefore, we need to educate our children how to continually learn. They must understand the importance of developing and utilizing a learning network to guide them through life.

The new learning environments will consist of simulations, immersive environments, virtual reality, networks of learners and more. Physicians will be able to practice new techniques in a realistic but simulated environment. In any career area, individuals will be able to experience and practice the skills before performing on the job.

Starting from the time of birth, children will be learning and communicating differently by the year 2020. The future toys will have the ability to capture children’s learning experiences. The technology will record information about the child’s routines, preferences and development. Parents will better understand the development and learning needs of their children. By the electronic feedback from the new tech toys, parents will be able to determine which toys to purchase that will enhance their child’s learning.

Virtual reality activities and games will be used by preschool aged children to improve their learning skills in all subject areas as well as socially. These games will build critical thinking skills and be able to identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Parents will be able to be more involved because they will be able to observe and interact with their children from home or the workplace. The day’s activities of each student could be viewed by a parent at a later time as well.

At the high school level, students will be sporting an abundance of high tech gadgets. Each student will have a learning tablet which will be the center for their communication, organization, and learning. High quality podcasts will be created by teachers and viewed by students for presentation of new material. Web cams and microphones will be connected to a computer in each classroom which will record and coordinate video, audio and screen capture and upload the recording and make available to RSS feeds . These uploaded recordings may also be posted on blogs.

Students at an early age will be taught and experience communicating and collaborating with others as part of their learning. Virtual field trips will be able to be taken on a regular basis and students will be able to learn about and explore the world and different cultures. Classrooms will be able to have partner schools in different countries. Students will be able to collaborate on projects with students from other countries. Parents will be able to be more involved with the education of their child through watching live or recorded videos of the classroom activities.
Each student will have a laptop purchased by his/her parents; however, students who qualify for free or reduced lunches will be provided with a computer through grants and funding. In 2020, new computers will not come loaded with application software; students will be encouraged to use open source software.

In the year 2020, many more students will be learning and completing classes online. Some students will be home schooled; however, many students will still attend physical classes to gain social and athletic skills. The students will have a vast learning network that will not be limited by a rigid curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to attend physical classes and take some online or blended classes as well.

Textbooks will not be common in the year 2020. Students will read books online and be able to download them to their learning tablet, personal computer or PDA device. Dependent upon an individual’s learning style, the student may download an audio version of the textbook.
Students will be more engaged and actively participate in their learning through the use of technology. The basic theories will still be taught to the students, but they will be able to take charge of their learning and further learn and develop skills of their personal interest or intended career path. Connectivism will no longer be debated, but will be viewed as a learning theory.

By utilizing the web tools and technology, students will be able to communicate with other students around the world. Class projects will be completed by working with groups that include students from many different countries. The technology and tools available will smooth the process for ESL students and make a wealth of services available to learning support students.

Although it will take a very long time for all of the new technology to infiltrate our educational system, the teacher’s role in the year 2020 will be quite different. Because of the technology and the need to teach our students how to collaborate and continually learn, teachers will in some cases work in teams which will draw from a variety of skills and services. Teachers will become more of a facilitator in some instances.

We need to teach our students how technology can help in every facet of life, at every age, and guide them to recognize their full potential will be found by becoming a lifelong learner.

Resources:

VISIONS 2020
Transforming Education and Training
Through Advanced Technologies http://www.technology.gov/reports/TechPolicy/2020Visions.pdf
Karl Fisch’s Blog: http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/2006/11/2020-vision.html