What Does the Future Hold?

5 Big Ways Education Will Change By 2020

The article attached above lists these 5 ways that education will be changing in the near future:

1. Students will interact remotely 
2. The success of tech will still rely on skilled teachers 
3. We'll think differently about the diploma
4. Students will have a voice
5. Educators and institutions will be forced to adapt 

I believe that some of these (2 and 5) are not really changing at all. The author uses the word "still" in the second 'change' which denotes that this has already been going on, and teachers will continue to be the driving force in the changing of technology as that is where all students must start their education. Also, number 5 on this list is something that teachers have always had to do. Teaching is a very fluid profession. Each year a completely different class of students walk through your door, and they will need changes to the way you set up the curriculum so that they can get the most benefit. Educators have always needed to be able to adapt to their changing classrooms.  

The other three changes I think are amazing. Students being able to interact remotely will not only allow them to have more time for learning but also can connect students across the globe which would most likely increase their compassion and understanding of other cultures. Students being able to have a voice is incredibly important. They are beginning to develop their critical thinking skills and are starting to figure out how to stand up for themselves. Giving them a voice in the community and in the school promotes this and will eventually lead to more change in society as people won't be afraid that their voices won't be heard. 

Thinking differently about the diploma could be good or bad. On one hand, it will force more students to go to college to get a job that pays well, and not everyone can afford that, which will only continue to increase the poverty gap as more and more students are graduating high school. On the other hand, high schools are overall doing a better job because they have continually increasing graduation rates.