There is also an emphasis on collaboration, both for students and their teachers. Every middle school teacher has 85 or 90 minutes of collaboration time daily, with the whole team,  With consistent time together, teachers bridge the gaps between disciplines, and develop robust problem-based learning units. The Willoughby-Eastlake School of Innovation (WESOI) is a platform school that infuses STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum and instructional practices with a focus on rigorous Design Focused Learning™ beginning in 3rd grade. Designed Focused Learning™ means that students and teachers are co-designers of the work. The students are engaged in solving problems and developing skills through process-based learning opportunities. Teaching and learning are still centered around grade level standards while students work collaboratively across grade levels and disciplines.

Without getting to into educational apps and subscriptions, I believe that all students should have access to a PC/Mac laptop. Chromebooks are decent and economical, but do not have the storage and processing power as full operating systems. The shear number of programs and applications available to students with full computers is far superior to chromebooks. Managing the devices would require a IT department to ensure servers are up, firewalls are in place, devices work properly, and that teachers have the necessary technology available to them. Projectors, Smartboards, or TVs still play a role in education and can be used by teachers or students to share information. In science, data sensors and analysis software is key in developing 21st century skills. Programs such as AutoCAD/Creo and tools such as 3D printers/laser cutters could help aspiring engineers learn the basics of design early on. Additionally, video recording equipment and editing tools could be used to start a film departement. 

I believe the idea that educators need to change as the world changes and the implementation of technology go hand and hand. Many of today’s teachers were not born into technology like our students and have had to adapt. Honestly, if teachers aren't willing to continue to grow and adapt their methods to today’s students they should step aside. The differentiation that comes along with technology is to great to ignore and passionate teachers at all levels need to work hard to utilize it. If we expect the students to work hard, innovate, and push their own boundaries, we need to hold educators to the same standard.

When I walk in the classroom of the future I see in-person learning, tools to collaborate and tools to bring out creativity, I also see tools to participate remotely! While the other tools are important, I believe that bringing minds together in collaboration with experts is the game changer that technology can bring. 

A teacher is a facilitator of the knowledge transfer process. The knowledge has a source, and a destination which is ultimately a pathway the child’s brain. Teaching works best when the destination is close to the source, as evident in our multiplication tables and other rote memory “transfers.” There a teacher is the primary source. 

However, In a future where job markets are depending on creativity, and advanced problem solving, a teacher can simply not sustain being a source for knowledge across the Universe of categories and contexts for learning. There is evidence for that method right here in EDU 520. Look around the room, who are the sources of our knowledge? It is us, from our own perceptions and in our own locations; The future of learning. 

Similar benefits need to be brought into the classroom. VR goggles and robotics can bring all students new experiences, taking them on field trips, virtually walking amongst the multiplication tables. Telepresence robots can allow experts and interventionists into the physical space we are occupying. This type of room will break down barriers while still providing shelter. Just remember where we all got the idea. Demolition man of course. 

See a telepresence robot in action: 

Of course the classroom of tomorrow must be totally silver and black, include height adjustable desks, treadmills and fancy chair balls. 

Lastly, we must take into account when thinking of the future is that technology is an amplifier. Since the dawn of electricity tech has exponentially changed our trajectory to the future. While we are planning for things we see now, I predict the classroom of tomorrow will be implementing things we haven’t yet thought of yet! Let’s hope it’s excellent. 

Have a great summer everyone.