Redefining Education

As more and more technology finds its way into the classroom, learning is redefined. ”Total universe spend in the global education technology market in 2012 increased 23% to $11.6 Billion, from 2011," said Colin Messenger, a senior analyst at Futuresource Consulting. (Drinkwater, 2013.) Teaching has become individualized, student centered classrooms are the way forward and teachers are beginning to recognize the incredible potential for student self-directed learning. The ability to consume digitalized   learning content at any time is bringing about a revolution in learning. To achieve this change, schools are purchasing iPads and other tablets as well as investing in ebooks and other personal computing solutions. “Tablet sales into K-12 exceeded 3.5 million units in 2012, a growth of 340% on 2011. Sales are expected to double again in 2013, to reach close to 7 million,” (Futuresource, 2013.)

Having iPads and other technology in the classroom has led teachers to look for new content for their lessons - often drawing from interactive websites and APPS to create wonderfully student-centric learning activities. All this continues to the next logical step: Blended Learning. Blended Learning is defined as “a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of student control over time, place, path or pace. (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blended-learning).

I believe that in the next 5 to 10 years, online (distance) learning will form an integral part of education in conventional middle and high schools due to the trend towards Blended Learning. In 10 to 20 years I think that students will be designing their own educational paths within the walls of a school, so that they will have the opportunity to select online courses that aren’t offered as physical classes at their school. The job description of a teacher will change dramatically from requiring them to direct learning to assuming a position of mentor and guide to the education ‘highway.’

Instructional designers should take this opportunity to begin to redesign learning to suit this blended learning model - ensuring that lessons are student-centered and include the technology demanded by students in this age of digital native learners. Professional development and assistance with redefining their teaching to ensure student-centered classrooms and individualized learning are the norm in their schools, will be vital if teachers are to provide students with the IT skills that will make them truly digitally literate.

References

1. “New study shows schools are starting to spend big on iPads and other tablets”, Drinkwater, D., 2013
http://tabtimes.com/news/ittech-stats-research/2013/04/30/new-study-shows-schools-are-starting-spend-big-ipads-and-other

2. http://www.futuresource-consulting.com/research-education-technology.html