Future classrooms may not be physical classrooms at all. We hope to see online learning platforms dissolving geographical barriers, adaptive learning catering to diverse needs (including those with learning disabilities), Open Educational Resources (OERs) offering free, high-quality materials, and collaborative efforts by corporations and non-profits bridging the digital divide to bring technology access to all.
Read further for more information, media, real-life examples, and thought-provoking questions regarding this future classroom trend.
The continued development and widespread use of online learning platforms will allow people from diverse backgrounds and locations to access educational resources. These platforms can provide affordable or even free courses, making education more accessible to those who may face financial barriers.
Online learning and MOOCs take 'future classrooms' in to a fully digital and more accessible world. Already, anyone with the internet can access high-quality courses from world-renowned universities and passionate educators, all at their own pace and convenience. This accessibility empowers lifelong learning and fosters a global community of engaged students that may not have had access to such resources locally.
Discussion Question
As open learning resources become more readily available, what unique value can educators bring to the learning experience that technology cannot?
Present day examples:
There are already hundreds of strong examples of online learning resources. Here are the most popular ones.
Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/
Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/
LinkedIn Learning - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
Skillshare - https://www.skillshare.com/en/
edX - https://www.edx.org/
OpenLearning - https://www.openlearning.com/
Brilliant - https://brilliant.org/
Udemy - https://www.udemy.com/
We mentioned this on the 'Personalization' page, but we wanted to re-iterate this frontier with a focus on students with learning difficulties.
For students with learning difficulties, adaptive learning can be a game-changer. Firstly, it provides personalized questions that automatically adjust to their individual pace and understanding, ensuring they neither get frustrated by being left behind nor bored by repetitive tasks. Secondly, it offers targeted support by identifying areas where they struggle and offering additional resources or alternative explanations. This tailored approach builds confidence and empowers them to overcome challenges. Finally, adaptive learning fosters independent learning by giving students choice and control over their learning path, increasing their sense of agency and motivation to succeed.
Discussion Question:
While adaptive learning promises personalization, could it also lead to homogenization of learning experiences and stifle critical thinking skills if not carefully implemented? How can we ensure adaptability fosters diverse perspectives and encourages student agency in the learning process?
Present day example:
Alta by Knewton (explored in the video above) - A New York based adaptive software tool focused on higher level Math, Science, and Economics.
"The platform continuously monitors students’ performance and adapts in real-time to maximize their learning outcomes."
https://www.wiley.com/en-ca/education/alta
The availability of open educational resources, such as free textbooks, lectures, and course materials, can reduce the cost of education. You are reading an OER right now about growing trends in future classrooms. OER allows learners to access quality content without the need for expensive textbooks, fostering greater equity in educational opportunities.
Some valuable OER's for educators:
https://hapara.com/blog/20-oer-sites-every-k12-educator-should-know/
Discussion Question:
How can we ensure that the abundance of open resources doesn't overwhelm students and instead empowers them to become discerning learners and responsible contributors within this open ecosystem?
Present day example:
This website is an OER for growing trends in future classrooms. There are countless OER's in addition to this one.
Visit this link to see OER's on other educational opportunity forecasts from our UBC classmates - UBC ETEC 522 Class Blog
PhET is a personal favourite with beautiful teaching simulations for Science and more - https://phet.colorado.edu/
Collaboration between private corporations, nonprofits, and educational institutions can lead to the development of initiatives that support education in underserved communities. Corporate social responsibility programs and philanthropic efforts can contribute to making education more equitable.
Relevant news article:
Microsoft launches initiative to help 25 million people worldwide acquire digital skills
Resource mentioned in the article - https://news.microsoft.com/skills/
Discussion Question:
How can we ensure corporate initiatives are in the best interest of the student and not the best interest of the corporation?
Present day example:
Google's Continued Commitment to Education and Equality
"What kids learn today shapes the world we live in tomorrow, but students in disadvantaged communities continue to lag behind their peers with access to better resources. This is particularly true for students in developing countries — at the current rate, it would take 100 years for students in these regions to catch up. To help bridge this gap, we’re supporting nonprofits that are building platforms to scale digital learning resources to everyone, everywhere."
https://www.google.org/billion-commitment-to-create-more-opportunity/