The Future of Learning

Maybe the future of learning can be related to the theme of the present presidential campaign-"Change". By taking the wealth of knowledge that has been acquired throughout history and enhancing this knowledge with technology,educators can create a tremendous environment for learning in the future.

In my own lifetime,changes in the learning environment have been many.I am the product of the non -computer,non-video, non-text educational system. From Kindergarten (there was no such thing a Pre-school) through my college years, I never used a computer or viewed a video in the classroom.My earliest computer memory as a child was from a Doris Day movie. The computer was portrayed as a huge monstrous card feeding machine.Needless to say the monstrous image of the computer has changed to be become a basic necessity of life and education.

When I first began teaching, there were no computers in the classroom. I remember how happy the school secretary was to trade in the manual typewriter for an electric model.The first computer I used in the class room was a Commodore 64 that I purchased at Toys' r 'Us. From there I progressed to an Apple computer with the big floppy disks.Oregon Trail and the adventures of Carmen San Diego were the class favorites.The software choices were limited as was the use of technology in schools.Videos were beta which was a step up from the big reel movie machines and film strips used in my early teaching days.

Looking back, I am amazed how technology has progressed.Technology can only enhance the future of learning. Today's students are fortunate to be part of the advances in technology.Being able to access knowledge with the touch of a finger is a wonderful gift. As educators,we need to guide our students in using the Internet to expand their learning potential. As we were taught not to judge a book by its' cover, students have to be guided to use the web wisely.To give students the skills to critically analyse material on the web should be important component of future learning.

Educators need the "Change" technology can give.Future student success depends on successful implementation of technology. Is this an easy task for educators? No, but it is a necessary task. It is up to educators to become advocates for technology in the classroom.So much has changed since I became a teacher. The future of learning in schools is to be open to change and use the opportunities given to students with the wonders of technology. I have changed the way that I was taught to teach. I can't imagine my classroom without technology. Teachers owe it to their students to keep up with change.Teacher knowledge combined with technology is a winning combination.This winning combination can create a positive environment for future learning and a brighter future for our children. One can only hope.