For our final two classes of the semester, we discussed how the education landscape might shift as we approach the year 2050. I find this incredibly thought provoking, especially as someone entering a new field. How will education look in 5 years? 10 years? 25 years? Personally, I’m optimistic. I hope that we continue to see advancements in technology that makes our lives easier. I hope that we develop groundbreaking tools that make learning more inclusive and accessible to everyone. I hope for a lot of things! But I think the biggest adjustment that needs to be made in order for my personal hopes to becomes realities a bigger emphasis on purpose and thoughtfulness. Too often we see tech released without it being thought all the way through. Now we can’t anticipate every possible outcome. I understand that, but I hope that, as we incorporate technology into classrooms, teachers are mindful and intentional with it. There’s zero reason to increase screen time for primary students, unless there is a clear and calculated learning objective that can be achieved through it. I think continuing to be in touch with nature and integrating technology into the outdoors as much as possible should be one of the objectives of every teacher. We need to strive for a healthy society and not one dominated by screen-time and trends.

I think there is massive potential in AI and I like the approach of how openly accessible it (currently) is. I understand in part that it is so we can help develop the AI, but I hope that it continues to be a resource anyone with internet can access. It’s not crazy to imagine a distant future where AI is supporting students through one-on-one tutoring. Just check out the video below with Khan Academy:

I see the potential, and I”m excited about it as an educator. But like anything we do as educators, it needs to be thoughtful and intentional to offer students a rich and inclusive learning environment.