Episode 106: The Future of Education — Custom Learning Experiences

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Welcome to another episode of K12 Education Untangled. My name is Dr. Kim J. Fields, former corporate manager turned education researcher and advocate, and I'm the host of this podcast. I got into this space after dealing with some frustrating interactions with school educators and and administrators, as well as experiencing the microaggressions that I faced as an African American mom raising my two kids who were in the public school system. I really wanted to understand how teachers were trained and what the research provided about the challenges of the public education system. Once I gained the information and the insights that I needed, I was then equipped to be able to successfully support my children in their educational progress. This podcast is at the intersection between education research and parental actions. If you're looking to find out more about the current trends, issues, and themes in education that could affect you or your children, and you want to know the specific actions you can take to support and and advocate for your children, then you're in the right place. Thanks for tuning in today. I know that staying informed about K12 education topics is important to you, so keep listening. In this episode, I'll be discussing the future of education and its broad implications for many of you. The new school year has already started with all of the activities and busyness of dealing with your kids. Being back in school, you may be wondering what the future of education actually is. I mean, do you ever think about the broader implications of education on your children's generation? Is it possible that robots will be used to deliver science lessons? Or whether students will utilize artificial intelligence to solve math problems? Can we go so far as to say that there won't be any use of working in the teaching profession in traditional schools and universities? I explore the answers to these questions in this episode. Let's untangle this the US Spends far more on education than any other country in the world, yet it continues to produce distinctly inequitable outcomes, especially for children of color. No doubt there are a multitude of concerns that need to be addressed at the global level in order to transform education systems in the future. Some of these concerns include funding education at all levels, the challenges of providing inclusive education, addressing staffing issues and training and development issues to help educators adjust to broader approaches to teaching and learning, including hybrid methods of delivery. The future of education focuses on a more accessible personalized education system that includes a variety of learning content, resources and environments. Personalized education typically includes one a strong emphasis on customized lesson plans, especially in the area of curriculum and assessment, which help support each student's learning journey through a competency based progression rather than the time bound system 2 the value placed on advising and mentoring, giving students the opportunity to access dedicated advisors and mentors who guide their course selection, career planning and other academic matters and 3 a flexible learning environment that uses space, time and personnel creatively, including the use of hands on labs and and collaborative projects. Enter Open Universities Open universities challenged the traditional higher education model by breaking down entry barriers and embracing open admission policies. These distance education establishments exist here in the United States as well as in Europe, Asia and Africa in order to maintain comparable standards. Various quality assurance organizations oversee open universities, including the Commission on Higher Education in the United States, which provides a set of best practices for electronically offered degree and certificate programs. This commission serves as a guide for institutions to maintain high standards in their online offerings. Central to providing personalized education for all is is the use of technology, particularly AI, to cater more specifically to student needs. AI has the potential to reshape education through the analysis of learning behaviors and academic performance. However, the diverse group of students in most open universities indicate a range of difficulties related to their individual characteristics, lack of prior knowledge and technical skills and life environments, unsuitable course requirements and inadequate tutor support. The students also reported a mismatch between levels of their academic readiness and curriculum difficulty, a mismatch between personal career objectives and the curriculum, a lack of motivation and engagement in the learning process, and dissatisfaction with insufficient support services. Several studies revealed that customized learning programs with individualized support and attention, especially considering learners unique demographics, are the answer to address these previously mentioned difficulties. To effectively scale personalized education to accommodate a diverse, widespread student body with varying educational needs, it's imperative to consider three fundamental system transformation, openness expansion, and adaptable technology integration. System transformation includes restructuring work processes to foster cross functional synergies between workforces within the educational system. This ties into expanding openness to collaborations, especially with corporations, so that the benefit from resource sharing applies to all learners as well as the development of exchange programs. Technology integration includes intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, and generative AI. One transformative use of AI includes the use of AI powered learning platforms in which educational institutions can utilize data driven insights to create create a more personalized learning journey for each of their students. For example, AI can analyze student performance data to identify learning gaps and then subsequently adopt course material in real time to better fit individual learning styles and paces. The future of education may look a little different according to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is defined as basically the vital interactions between humans and machines. For context, the first industrial revolution started at the end of the 19th century with the introduction of mechanical production facilities that were powered by water and steam. The second industrial revolution started at the beginning of the 20th century and dealt with with mass production, assembly lines that required labor and electrical energy. The third industrial revolution began in the 1970s and was characterized by automated production using electronics and information technology. The Fourth Industrial Revolution includes the Internet of Things, which is an example of an Internet connected sensor, embedded products like vehicles and home appliances that allow things to be connected, interact with each other and exchange data. Cloud computing, Big Data and AI are other examples of Fourth Industrial Revolution products. Educational systems now and in the future are not isolated from the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies which are predicted to have a significant effect on learning opportunities, educational policies and instructional procedures. The overall idea of the education system of the future is one in which programs and curricula are designed to match the needs of the employment market. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will accelerate the rate of disruption in jobs which maybe now many are experiencing, so it becomes necessary to empower people to take charge of their education and career strategies. Given that 65% of students in school today will work in jobs that do not currently exist and 47% of today's jobs will be automated in the next decade, this means that organizations and educational institutions institutions will need to have a successful strategy and adopt new products to provide valid offerings. In this era, not only will K12 education need to change, but transformation will also need to occur in higher education. An issue arises though. In the future the problem won't be a lack of jobs, but a shortage of skills skills that will depend on the Fourth Industrial Revolution ideas that integrate big data, cloud computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The need for STEM courses is even more vital. At the same time, it's important to activate student centered learning involving the use of visual, verbal and kinesthetic prompts. This paradigm helps to improve students learning according to their abilities and interests which could lead to lifelong learning. Another factor to consider is that reading comprehension, writing expressions, and mathematical reasoning are not valid skills for future jobs. Because the Fourth Industrial Revolution is about transforming knowledge skills into soft skills. Critical thinking skills, coordinating with others, and time management skills are some of the soft skills that would be basic requirements to deal with the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and ideas. Even the delivery of content and curriculum will be different in the future of education. It's not likely that content will be presented by textbooks or but more by massive open online courses or MOOCs as the active substitution for course curriculum. In the future, the number of MOOCs are increasing exponentially around the world, making learning more accessible to more people. The Setting Commitments report from UNESCO in 2022 summarized the actions needed to improve future global education systems and identified five specific areas, including schools that are inclusive, equitable, safe and healthy providing learning and skills needed for life, work and sustainable development better planning and execution from teachers better training and increased support for for the teaching profession the teaching methods that challenge new ways of learning and teaching the implications presented by the use of digital and hybrid learning and how education for the future is to be financed. UNESCO's overall goal is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030. This goal requires that politicians, educators, administrators and learners require a social and governmental attitude toward change so that they are able to cope with the challenges faced presently in education as well as those which may arise in the future. It means that education must examine these future needs and the constant changes which are facing the future employment sector. Of course, the opinions of parents also need to be considered. The structure of education systems is another factor to consider given that these include public schools, independent schools, private religious schools, parent initiated schools and homeschooling children of empowered parents are better prepared to achieve in school. Therefore, the training needs of parents to support their children's learning now and in future education systems include assisting parents to support their children on an emotional, intellectual and physical level understanding that the relationship between parents and children can influence success in education education understanding how their children learn guiding parents to help their children choose and manage their extracurricular activities helping parents understand the role of motivation in academic achievement assisting parents with helping their children cope with the pressures in school and education reinforcing the importance of personal relationships with their children's teachers and the school's management team and providing the guidelines and frameworks of the education system which includes policies and processes. Education systems of the future need to be learner centered and flexible enough to meet the needs of all students from those that are diverse learners as well as those with disabilities and those who are gifted and high performers. One thing is certain about the education system of the future. Information literacy will be the bedrock for all students ability to thrive in the information age. The need for information and technology literate lifelong learners is greater than ever. Schools must equip students with the knowledge and skills that enable them to separate good information from bad information and to set up and regulate the learning so that they become lifelong learners. This future education system would utilize Universal Design for Learning, which is a framework that is grounded in three principles. One Every learning experience should be designed to support multiple means of engagement, 2 the learning experience should provide multiple ways and strategies to teach content effectively for all learners and three learning experiences should integrate multiple means of action and expression of understanding. Universal Design for Learning, or UDL is not a band aid, but rather a framework for uncovering and overcoming barriers to learning across all systems and subsystems in states, districts, or schools that are working toward creating equitable learning environments for all students. An investment in education or human capital is an issue of national importance because it's key to competing for the economic status of any country. 21st century occupations that require low social intelligence, such as transportation, logistics, office and administrative support staff, cashiers, etc. Will be replaced by computers, whereas occupations that require high creative and high social intelligence like medicine, education, art, etc. Will be at low risk. The education system has to reorganize to these changes and mediate how students live and learn by adopting new ways of thinking. The current education system needs to stop focusing on memory based information that's available today by button click or search engines and they must develop thinking in the changing technological world of the future employment landscape. The education system of the future must train students to develop a strategy for finding information, sorting, filtering, organizing, processing, finding more information and confronting it with prior knowledge, then critically evaluating, drawing conclusions and continuing until they find creative, sound and reasoned solutions. Education systems need new goals to reflect the demands of the future. These goals are called future skills, which are basically the knowledge, attitude and values that will be necessary to prepare future learners. There's definitely a link between 21st century skills and the future education system. Researchers found 12 main skills that are needed in the 21st century, including skills where humans have an advantage over machines, skills that require deep thinking, critical thinking, creative and innovative thinking and problem solving, information management and data literacy skills, digital content creation skills, citizenship skills and digital ethics, welfare and security skills in the digital environment, problem solving and decision making skills in a digital environment which includes emotional skills and social skills. Have you had a chance to check.

Out my interactive expert on my website? There are some great conversations and questions going on there. You can check it out at liberation through education.com/forward/askmenything. Again, check out the questions and conversations happening there ationthrougheducation.com askmenything.

The way future education is taught based on these skills must change. Learning topics need to be challenging and allow for deep thinking. For example, a relatively small number of learning topics need to be covered in each class to ensure ensure depth quality of learning. In addition, lessons need to be sequenced logically and combine different learning topics to provide an effective logic based education and to prioritize knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in different contexts. This will also mean that new assessment methods will have to be developed for this learning style. In other words, the education system of the future needs an educational revolution where students learn limited subjects in combination with different disciplines at a deeper level emphasizing learning skills. Art and education practices have been found to contribute to the development of deeper learning and 21st century workforce skills. A 2016 nations art report card showed that 43% of students attended schools that offered music classes less than once a week or not at all. 21% of students attend schools that offered visual arts classes less than once a week or not at all. Research has shown that teenagers and young adults from low socioeconomic backgrounds who have a history of in depth art involvement show better academic outcomes. Arts education helps students develop their creativity, strengthen their problem solving skills, build collaboration and communication skills, and increase their capacity for leadership. Arts education supports the engagement, attention, motivation, and persistence that's necessary for students to succeed independently in college and later in the workforce. Family literacy levels are important factors in the new educational models that may occur in the future. Models that involve early literacy, reading, writing, and language activities or organized by the family in the home are known to contribute to the development of children's stronger language and literacy skills. Families will need training in order to contribute to the adaptation of the education system in the future, especially since it will be more digitally based. So how can you apply what I've just discussed to you personally and to your family? Here are the action steps you can take regarding this topic based on what I've discussed in this episode. The main action item for you is to just be aware of the components of the educational systems of the future and how these impact your children's learning now. These include recognizing whether the curriculum of your middle schooler or high schooler aligns with employment skills skills forecast ensuring that your children get access to STEM courses and supporting those who are already in these classes. Getting your children involved in extracurricular activities that develop their soft skills like critical thinking, cooperating with others, and time management skills. Sports and similar activities can provide these experiences. Experiences. You also need to continue learning about how AI is currently used and will currently be used across your school district. Finally, I encourage you to stay abreast of the policies and processes within your children's school system so that you can best support their academic progress. Here are this episode's takeaways. The Future of Education focuses on a more accessible personalized education system that includes a variety of learning content, resources and environments. Personalized education typically includes a strong emphasis on customized lesson plans, especially in the areas of curriculum and assessment the value placed on advising and mentoring and a flexible learning environment that uses space, time and personnel creatively, including the use of hands on labs and collaborative projects. The Future of education may look a little different according to the Fourth Industrial Revolution the Fourth Industrial Revolution is defined as basically the vital interactions between humans and machines. The Fourth Industrial Revolution includes the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Big Data and AI. Educational systems now and in the future are not isolated from the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, which are predicted to have a significant effect on learning opportunities, educational policies and instructional procedures. The Setting Commitments Report from UNESCO in 2022 summarized the actions needed to improve future global education systems and identified five specific areas, including schools, that are inclusive, equitable, safe and healthy providing learning and skills needed for life, work and sustainable development better planning and execution from teachers better training and increased support for the teaching profession the teaching methods that challenge new ways of learning and teaching the implications presented by the use of digital and hybrid learning and how education for the future is to be financed. UNESCO's overall goal is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030. Education systems of the future need to be learner centered and flexible enough to meet the needs of all students from those that are diverse learners as well as those with disabilities and those who are gifted and high performers. One thing is certain about the education system of the future. Information literacy will be the bedrock for all students ability to thrive in the information age. An investment in education or human capital is an issue of national importance because it is key to competing for economic status of any country. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, then go to my podcast website@k12educationuntangle.buzzsprout.com and leave me a text message about how you're enjoying my show. That's k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com go to the episode desc description and click on the Send me a text message link. Again, it's k12educationuntangle.buzzsprout.com and leave me a text message today. If you don't want to miss out on any of the content that I have provided or what I'll provide next. Then be sure to subscribe to my podcast on whatever platform you're listening to this. Have you gotten a chance to check out my interactive expert on my website? There's some great questions and conversations happening there. You can check it out at liberation through education.com forward/askmenything. Thanks for listening. I hope you'll come back for more K12 educational group discussions with even more exciting topics to untangle. Until next time, aim to learn something new every day.

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