9. Redefinition of Learning Spaces: The traditional ordered classrooms may quickly become a relic of the industrial age as schools around the world are re-thinking the most appropriate learning environments to foster collaborative, cross-disciplinary, students centered learning. Concepts such as abundance of light, colors, circular tables, individual spaces for students and teachers, and smaller open learning spaces for project-based learning are increasingly emphasized. The concept is already in use in well to do colleges & schools. Slowly & gradually this concept is disseminating in India & other developed nations.
10. Smart Portfolio Assessments By Mentors: Tools are increasingly available to students to gather their work together in a kind of online portfolio; whenever they add a tweet, blog post, or photo to any online service, it will appear in their personal portfolio which can be both peer and teacher assessed. This will help teachers to collect & prepare better content & get an insight into student’s personality. Further, role of a teacher as a font of knowledge is transforming to that of an instructional manager who guides students during various difficulties.
This shift is easier said than done. In practice teachers don’t wish to relinquish this role of head in classroom & the success or failure of technology projects in the classroom hinge on the human factor and the willingness of a teacher to step into unchartered territory.
From Smart-Phones & Laptops to social networking & alternative world, individual choices & activities are transforming society irresistibly. But it is very difficult to integrate technology into an operating model of education designed in 19th century. Teachers are the frontline of any ICT investment & so their proper support is desirable. Role of educator is most challenging as many teachers are reluctant; some because of skepticism, some because of fear, some because of inertia & some because of lack of appropriate incentives. Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an after-thought or an event. However, It is important to remember that educational software like textbooks, is only one tool in the learning process. Neither can be a substitute for well trained teachers, leadership & parental involvement.
There are other trends that we expect to see in developing countries in not too distant future, but haven’t included here, as where they exist at all, they are still largely in very embryonic stages.
Let’s wait & watch how these trends pan out in 2012 & beyond!!
