Future Vision of Education Presentation Blancato, A. (2016). Waterbury Adult Continuing Education Jenny Chasse Post University

Context/Organization Services students 17 and older Programs offered: Adult Basic Education (ABE) High School Diploma (HSD) English as a Second Language (ESL) GED Preparation & *Testing (English & Spanish) Distance Learning/Online Classes Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA)* Phlebotomy* Enrichment Courses* * Students are charged a fee for these services Waterbury Adult Continuing Education (n.d.).

Technology Possible Future Use: Currently in use: Online learning via Connecticut Adult Virtual High School (CT AVHS) Students can learn at their own pace without having to attend classes on-site (Adams Becker, Freeman, Giesinger Hall, Cummins, & Yuhnke, 2016). Online classes prepare students for the possibility of continuing online studies in post-secondary, which has been an option for almost thirty years (Sass, 2017). Various subjects are offered (i.e. Civics, General Math 1A, US History 1, Grammar, etc.) Possible Future Use: Virtual Reality via Second Life Students can use a virtual program to immerse themselves in language (Knutzen & Kennedy, 2012). Students can meet and interact with learners from all over the world in a global classroom (Uzun, 2017). Republican American. (June 2016).

Scenarios Positive Aspects Challenges Used to prepare for possible future changes in the educational context An anticipatory technique to change yesterday’s logic and to create a plan for the future (Sobrero, 2004). Educators will envision one or more possible future scenarios and utilize new methods to adjust to developing technology as well as the changing world. (Mietzner & Reger, 2005). Positive Aspects Challenges Can recognize potential weaknesses in methodology Time consuming Can open up the mind to several possible futures Required in depth understanding of educational field Can be easily adjusted as new issues occur Subjective; educators often envision what they wish to happen as opposed to what might actually happen

Scanning Positive Aspects Challenges Scanning the environment and collecting, analyzing, and sharing data (social, environmental, technological, etc.) (Sobrero, 2004). Data helps futurists prepare for changes in the future and to build scenarios. Both observational data and research data are collected and analyzed (Sobrero, 2004). (Sobrero, 2004). Positive Aspects Challenges Gives educators an understanding of the culture and community Time consuming Data can be used to build scenarios Requires ongoing monitoring and updating to stay relevant Data can detect patterns of change and identify developing issues Observational data may be influenced by both internal and external assumptions about the environment or participants

Educational Technology Trends Online Courses Allow adult learners to work on their own schedule, especially those who have jobs and/or families. Adult learners can utilize their real life experiences and integrate them into their education (Tainsh, 2016). Virtual Reality Virtual reality programs help all students, particularly ESL students who can fully immerse themselves in the language (Knutzen & Kennedy, 2012). Programs allow adult students to practice using different types of technology and become more comfortable with the equipment. Increased Presence of Technology The increasing presence of technology, both in classrooms and modern society, require students to be comfortable using computers. Online learning in particular requires basic typing skills, the ability to navigate the Internet, and basic knowledge of tools such as Microsoft Office. Taylor, Harold. (2016).

Economic & Budgetary Trends Funding Programs face competition with nearby programs for state and federal grants. There are variations in the grants: i.e. how long the grant lasts, or whether or not the grant is renewable. Incarceration Over two-thirds of youth leaving custody do not return to school (National Juvenile Justice Network, 2016). The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice laid out guiding principles to offer high quality education in secure care settings. These include “…providing necessary funding to support educational opportunities for all youth in long-term secure care facilities” (National Juvenile Justice Network, 2016). Poverty According to anecdotal evidence supplied by students, adult learners who previously dropped out of school and/or found employment in factories have been laid off. Unable to find another job to support themselves, many have returned to school to earn their high school diplomas in hopes of eventually finding gainful employment. Studioarz (n.d.).

Demographic Trends Aging Population Racial & Ethnic Diversity America’s population is getting older. Almost half of students currently enrolling in college are aged 25 years and older (Ross-Gordon, 2011). This trend is expected to remain stable or increase in coming years (Ross-Gordon, 2011). Racial & Ethnic Diversity The United States has seen a significant increase in immigration since 1950 (Shrestha & Heisler, 2011). Many immigrants have the need or desire to learn the English language, which will possibly raise the number of ESL classes and teachers needed in the country. Homeschooling The number of homeschooled students has increased significantly since 1972 (Mackey, Reese, & Mackey, 2011). Provides an individualized instructional setting, provided quality of the instruction is adequate.

Vision/Plan Continue staff training in the College and Career Readiness Standards(CCRS). Include new technology in the classroom(i.e. virtual reality). Increase online course offerings. Opportunities Challenges New technology Budget/funding concerns Collaboration Instructors reluctant to change methods Continued training in CCRS Student enrollment numbers Students who are motivated and enthusiastic Student retention/attendance Dedication of the teaching staff How to motivate apathetic students

Plan for Change Increase informal administrative visits to classrooms to evaluate inclusion of CCRS. Research available grants. Collaborate with co-workers to brush up on technological skills. Increase student enrollment through community outreach. Maintain student interest, motivation, and attendance.

Call to Action The first step is for colleagues to help each other… Become comfortable with basic computer skills. Gain proficiency using Smart Boards. Learn to navigate the Internet. After all, how can the students become proficient if their teachers are not?

References Adams Becker, S., Freeman, A., Giesinger Hall, C., Cummins, M., & Yuhnke, B. (2016).  The NMC/CoSN Horizon Report: 2016 K-12 edition. Knutzen, B., & Kennedy, D. (2012). The Global Classroom Project: Learning a Second Language in a Virtual Environment. Electronic Journal of E-learning, 10(1), 90-106. Mackey, B. W., Reese, K., & Mackey, W. C. (2011). Demographics of Home Schooler a Reginal Analysis Within the National Parameters. Education, 132(1), 133-140. Mietzner, D., & Reger, G. (2005). Advantages and disadvantages of scenario approaches for strategic foresight. Int. J. Technology Intelligence and Planning, 1(2), 220–239.  National Juvenile Justice Network. (March 2016). Snapshot: Improving Educational Opportunities for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System. Ross-Gordon, J. M. (2011). Research on Adult Learners: Supporting the Needs of a Student Population That Is No Longer Nontraditional. Peer Review, 13(1), 26-29. Sass, E. (2017, April 26). American Educational History: A Hypertext Timeline. Shrestha, L. B. & Heisler, E. J. (2011). The changing demographic profile of the United States [Electronic version]. Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service. Sobrero, Patricia M. "The steps for futuring." Journal of Extension, vol. 42, no. 3, June 2004. Tainsh, R. r. (2016). Thoughtfully Designed Online Courses as Effective Adult Learning Tools. MPAEA Journal of Adult Education, 45(1), 32-37. Uzun, L. (2017). Using the Second Life Digital Environment for FL Education: A Postmodern Perspective. Teaching English with Technology, 17(2), 42-54.

Media References Blancato, A. (2016). Waterbury Adult Education. [Photograph]. Republican American. (June 2016). AM Session Valedictorian Gives Her Address. [Photograph]. Retrieved from www.rep-am.com Studioarz. (n.d.). Dollar Sign. [Stock Image]. Retrieved from www.istockphoto.com. Taylor, Harold. (November 2016). Technology. [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.taylorintime.com/purpose-using-technology/. Waterbury Adult Continuing Education. (n.d.). Waterbury Adult Continuing Education. [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.waterbury.k12.ct.us/34/Home