The New Classroom

I've found myself taking a look at the role of technology from the pedagogy perspective lately.  I'm not sure if it is because of the advent of junior high in my household, or an unrealized long term interest.  But, I find it interesting as the way our traditional students are interacting with technology during their early learning experiences will influence their expectations as they get out into the work force.  I recently viewed a video that opened my eyes to the possibilities.  What if there are no classrooms, what if students operation in a virtual environment armed with a mobile device, learning while they go around town.  What if the world really is their classroom?  You might find the video interesting!  I found myself wanting to be a part of that type of classroom, definitely inspired by the passion of the teachers highlighted and wondering what it all means to the business world.  Check it out at: 

Learning to Change - Changing to Learn

I also find myself wondering about the role of the educator or the facilitator in a more virtual learning environment.  In our Adult Learning class we spent a fair amount of time discussing the Darkenwald & Merriam article "Adult Education:  Foundations of Practice" which outlines the four philosophies of adult education.  I found myself drawn to the personal development philosophy. This philosophy focuses on the content being whatever promotes individual growth, focus on the student and group interaction.  However, as I think about the future of education and the learning and performance industry, I find myself gaining an appreciation for the progressive philosophy where the teacher and learner are partners, content is drawn from the real world and problem solving is the main method of facilitation. 

Watching the video and listening to the teachers speak about how they will need to work differently to prepare today's student for tomorrow's opportunities, I'm struck by how the world outside academia is struggling to do much the same thing.  As these students transition into the work force, they will have very different expectations of how they work and the type of work they want to do.  Our focus may need to be in preparing the worker of today to work with and lead the worker of tomorrow.