Think back to your favorite class in school. How would that class be different if it took place today? My favorite was a 7th grade art class. While it’s hard to imagine Mrs. Vincent in a modern classroom with a tablet or smartphone, I know she would be on the cutting edge of art education.
The dynamics of what a traditional classroom looks like have evolved from the old chalkboard and teacher-centered classrooms into connected technology hubs, with online lesson plans, virtual fieldtrips, flipped classrooms and MOOCs. As technology advances, it is changing the way students learn and access education.
In his recent blog post, Dave Evans examines what the future of education looks like through the lens of of the Internet of Everything (IoE). Students will experience a rich virtual classroom—attending lectures, asking questions, participating in real-time discussions with instructors anywhere in the world. Dave points out that in the future, due to the availability of information, it’s possible that formal education will become less about attaining knowledge, and more about how to analyze, evaluate, and use the unlimited information readily available.
I’m sure Mrs. Vincent would be thrilled at the possibilities technology brings to learning today. While the in-person, face-to-face aspect of learning will always be crucial, using technology to make it happen opens up a whole new world of teaching and learning.
Great article, I think Internet is the best source for learning anything. It will surely replace the traditional teaching in upcoming years:)
Thanks for the comment Rohit. While I don’t think the internet will completely replace the traditional classroom, the Internet of Everything is definitely going to expand our options!
Just joined a discussion about graduation rates in the context of MOOCs
http://blogs.reuters.com/reihan-salam/2013/07/26/online-education-can-be-good-or-cheap-but-not-both
Here is my view on this
Online (which I prefer) or not online, in my view students need
“great deal of personal attention and hand-holding”
In a world that is becoming more complex every minute, students want and need orientation, structure and a mentor who helps them understand.
In this world I myself would greatly appreciate to have someone like that … so I am not doubting this need of students.
How can this be delivered?
f2f, blended and online – costs accordingly.
I think that the Internet of Everything could be a great help delivering help, answers to questions and motivation to keep on learning if dosed correctly for each type of learner.
Absolutely agree, Jutta. With the options that the Internet of Everything will open up to us, we can customize learning based on the specific needs of the learner.
Even as an adult, I’m constantly learning, and I spend a lot of time online learning jewelry making techniques, etc. I love the fact that I can learn almost anything online. However, I still have the need for face-to-face and personal interaction to really get the finer points and nuances that are often very important.
I would definitely say that we can not apply a one-size-fits-all approach anymore, but we now have options for almost any type of learner – it’s just a matter of figuring out what works best.
seriously now a days internet is a basic need..