My Future Classroom

Technology has improved with time and more specifically so in my lifetime. Computers are hand sized, the internet was invented, and paper books are phased out by e-reading libraries of millions of books in a convenient tablet. Technology has had some drawbacks but I’m going to focus on the positives for now and the possibilities of the future.

Companies, like Intel, are invested in developing the next thing that takes us into the future. Referenced from an article, they are improving battery life for devices, quality of imagery, and even 3D shopping. (Bush, 2009) How can this technology be applied to classrooms to bring education away from the typical teacher lecture to student-led manipulation of their environments based on their understanding?

I have three concepts that I would like to see in the classroom if not in my life-time, then the next. First I think virtual reality would be amazing for the learning environment. Virtual reality is suppose to be a trend for 2016. (IEEE, 2015) History and English teachers could take their students back in time to experience the environment, opportunities, and the atmosphere of pivotal and crucial events in history. Science teachers could move through the stars. Elements could be observed bonding at the atomic level and atoms could safely be observed splitting. Like the Magic School Bus passing through Arnold’s body, students could witness cell division and structure, or disease and viruses moving through an organism. A day to explore the Serengeti or the bottom of the ocean will be common events.

Another concept that I think is close to being a reality is the ability to download knowledge to our brains. I saw it in the movie The Matrix in 1999. The reason I think this may be possible is some developments in medicine with prosthetics. Some engineers at John Hopkins University developed a prosthetic arm with fingers that were controlled by the mind. (New York Times, 2015) The key was getting a computer to be able to interpret the impulses from the mind and translate them to movements on the prosthetic. I’m thinking that once the computers can translate our brain impulses one way we can reverse it. The computer can put impulses into our mind and download information from the internet into our brains.

Last I would love to see a hive mind concept. For example, I’ve found a half filled crossword puzzle, changed a few of the wrong answers filled in, and added a few more answers that I knew. If that crossword puzzle is left for another person to finish then the puzzle that one person started is completed by multiple people. I’d like to think that if someone out there had a problem or an idea, like a student, they could put their problem out to the world and like a wave it would pass by with people contributing solutions, ideas, experience, and knowledge until the original idea makes it back to the student but now a complete concept. There are chat rooms, blogs, and forums where someone can put a question but it will be seen by a very limited number of people. I want to see a hive mind on a global scale. Day or night won’t matter because the world is always there to help and develop or share. Its a community or global collaboration.

This new technology doesn’t have to be scary because the teacher would be there to guide students through their new environment. Students would be taught how to interact with new experiences and to respectfully seek knowledge and truth.

Video Discussion link https://studio.stupeflix.com/v/aVUlqtmbOwUb/

References:

Bush, S. (April 2009). Intel makes its top ten technology predictions for next decade. Retrieved from https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/products/micros/intel-makes-its-top-ten-technology-predictions-for-next-decade-2009-04/

IEEE Computer Society Predicts Top 9 Technology Trends For 2016. (Dec 2015). Retrieved from https://www.computer.org/web/pressroom/Technology-Trends-2016

New York Times. (May 2015). Prosthetic Limbs, Controlled by Thought. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/21/technology/a-bionic-approach-to-prosthetics-controlled-by-thought.html

Mobile Learning, in my opinion

In education there are many methods of teaching. If I take one, for example the Socratic Method, and I apply it to a classroom, it can be a very effective method of teaching. The Socratic method is used by the teacher asking a question and then allowing the students to use critical thinking to come up with an answer or solution to the question. (Paul and Elder, 1997) As an educator if I ask “Why do we need morals to live together?”, it’s a good question for students, but what if I also said, “by the way, don’t use people as a resource, or religion. I just want you to find the answer in books.” That seems very counterproductive and an obstruction of education. With this example, I am proving a point of allowing mobile devices in classrooms.

This is a digital day and age, information is conveniently located at our fingertips. I’ve even heard that due to the readily available access of information people are dumber because we know we don’t have to retain information since we can just “Google it”. I agree that it doesn’t benefit a student to look up every answer on a test but technology has afforded us tools and resources that let students think critically and find answers or solutions to life’s questions. Mobile devices are many tools in one so that students don’t have to have books, calculators, compasses, and video cameras. The student has access to other places and other people to discover answers they may not find in their immediate area. Denying mobile devices in the classroom would remove a major resource that students can use to, not just learn, but to improve their understanding or creativity.

There are several different learning styles for students. Some are audio learners, visual learners, tactile or kinetic learners and mobile devices allow each student’s learning style to be addressed. A student can use their device to watch videos explaining difficult concepts or theatrical interpretations of literature and poetry. Certain apps require movement to accomplish tasks. Teachers are using GPS for scavenger hunts in several subjects. The camera feature allows students to collaborate and produce a cohesive and developed complete idea and film it.

The mobile device shouldn’t be the end all. Teachers should use devices to enhance learning, allow students to use critical thinking, and explore different methods of learning.

References:

Daccord, T. (September 2012). 5 Critical Mistakes Schools Make With iPads (And How To Correct Them). Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/5-critical-mistakes-schools-ipads-and-correct-them/

Paul R. and Elder, L. (April 1997). Foundation For Critical Thinking. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/socratic-teaching/606