YadaBlog

What will it look like? If the past is any indication, it will not be much different than it is today or has been since the early 1900’s. According to Will Richardson it will look much different in ten years. Part of me say it will not, the realistic part, the part that comes from being in the public school system since I was 4 years old. Another part of me says, “Hooray! It needs to change.” This is the part that has been disillusioned by all of the restriction put upon us as teachers in the guise of “protecting the children.” For example blocking social networking sights, blogs, and podcasts. Don’t even get me started on political and social changes that have occured that are destroying public education.

David Byrne (formerly of the Talking Heads) had a recording called In the Future. Here is my take on it as the future pertains to education.

In the future, a student will go to school in their house, probably in pajamas

In the future, learning will be done on-line.

The teacher may not ever meet the student face to face.

In the future, learning will be collaborative and independent.

In the future, schools will be used only for sporting events, physical education, instrumental music, social gatherings and maybe art.

There will be no need for busses, bussing, magnet schools, heating bills, snow days, and cafeteria food.

In the future, teachers will be students and students will be teachers.

In the future, education will be personal, not public nor private.

Everyone will be able to see what you learn.

In the future, school supplies will include a laptop computer, internet access, head set with microphone, a blog, and a My Space page.

Video camera optional.

In the future, students will learn about school while studying history.