Week 6: Last Activity
From the research that I have been doing in this, and other, classes, combined with the information that has been presented by the BC government this year, I can actually see the potential for a massive shift in learning in the next 5 years. I imagine that cloud computing will be a big part of this shift, as we see the traditional classroom change and possibly disappear, or become optional. I believe that in many school districts (those that don’t already have them) there will be optional streams which use much of the technology of cloud computing. These technologies will facilitate environments like “learning commons” where students work on their own selected projects with the help of teachers who guide them through.
Five years is a long time though, especially with respect to technology. Who is to say there won’t be another, much more applicable, technology that will surface and offer better options for learning and sharing.
Posted in: General, Week 06:
jkotler 3:30 am on October 9, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Rebecca,
I think you make a great point about how it is often hard to make long-term projections in the future of technology because of the rapid pace at which things now develop and change. With that said though, I too think the biggest change for cloud computing and learning would be in regards to its widespread use and that we would see it become commonly used in most school districts.
Colin 9:20 pm on October 9, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree I think we will see a big shift in the amount of cloud computing applications that are used in the classroom. As for the technology that they will be using it is hard to predict. One prediction is that we will be using Virtual Worlds that are integrated with a LMS system. It would allow for students to learn while they look and interact within the virtual world. It also will allow for collaboration and can be done online without a need for a building. As this would allow for cost savings I can definitely see this as a possibility. That said these are all guesses and depends on so many variables that we just can’t predict.
pcollins 2:03 pm on October 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
This idea is so fitting for the research I have just completed for my project. Even though many people (educators, administration, parents) see the need for an overhaul in the education system and everyone is floating around predictions about how this might manifest itself….. it is such a huge shift in paradigm that it may take something really, really big to provide the impetus for this change to occur. And yes, the cost savings is undeniable – once it’s up and running. However, the start up costs and the funds for development and research still have to come from somewhere first…. and where does it come from? Private sector? Dismantling classrooms? Teacher layoffs?
PC