Are We Prepared for the Extreme Future? A Presentation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Future of Education Conference Team Members: Barbara Ritter Norman Hart Katina Cephus

For I dipt into the future, Far as human eye can see, Saw the Vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be ---Alfred Lord Tennyson, “Locksley Hall

21 st Century Transformation: Emerging Trends The New Economy is globally integrated International Competition is Relentless Competition Requires Lifelong Learning and Skill Adaptation Technology drives Innovation and Economic Development

Global immigration Creates Convergence of Cultures Alliances Generate Opportunities Human Talent is the Most Valuable Resource Education is Linked to Health and Economic Prosperity

Are We Ready for Our Future Generation of Learners?

Are Digital Natives accustomed to experiential learning Create and Use Complex Social Networks Multi-task for efficiency Feel Pressure to Perform and Succeed Thrive on Instant Gratification and Frequent Rewards Generation Z Learners

The Current State of Education The typical classroom setting will not prepare our students for the extreme future. This video illustrates this point.

A Declining Trend: The Realities In 2005… China – 3.3 Million College Graduates India – 3.1 Million College Graduates U.S. – 1.3 Million College Graduates Journal of Business & Economics Research November 2008

A Declining Workforce Trend In an October 2006 report of a survey of 431 U.S. Human Resource officials report… 70% cite deficiencies among incoming high-school graduates in “applied” skills, such as professionalism and work ethic. 72% cite that incoming high school graduates are deficient in basic English writing skills applied to workplace communication, such as memos, letters, and complex technical reports. 47% report that two-year college graduates are also deficient in this skill. 70% rated recently hired high school graduates as deficient in critical thinking and problem-solving skills The Partnership for 21 st Century Skills, The Society for Human Resource Management, The Conference Board, and Corporate Voices for Working Families, October

Our President’s Call to Action “In a 21st-century world where jobs can be shipped wherever there's an Internet connection, where a child born in Dallas is now competing with a child in New Delhi, where your best job qualification is not what you do, but what you know -- education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity and success, it's a prerequisite for success.” President Barack Obama Speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tuesday March 10 th, 2009

Our President’s Call to Action The relative decline of American education is untenable for our economy, it's unsustainable for our democracy, it's unacceptable for our children -- and we can't afford to let it continue.” “It's time to prepare every child, everywhere in America, to out- compete any worker, anywhere in the world.” President Barack Obama Speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tuesday March 10 th, 2009

Skills for Success in the 21 st Century

Skills For Success in the 21 st Century Cross-cultural communication skills Fluency in more than one language

Problem - Solving Interdisciplinary Thinking Critical InquiryCreativity Making innovative Connections

Create knowledge through creative collaborations Gain Group dynamic skills Use Complex social networking skills Implement Teamwork

21 ST CENTURY SCHOOLS “I'm calling on our nation's governors and state education chiefs to develop standards and assessments that don't simply measure whether students can fill in a bubble on a test, but whether they possess 21st century skills like problem- solving and critical thinking and entrepreneurship and creativity.” President Barack Obama Speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tuesday March 10 th, 2009

Learning in the Future Will Involve Change in the educational setting Shift in instructional pedagogy More diverse methods of learning Graphic by Ken Costello

Methods of Instruction Schools need to restructure curriculum and pedagogy to place student engagement at the center of learning Lessons based upon key concepts grounded in events and issues relevant to students’ lives is at the center of learning. Instructor becomes Facilitator Learning outcomes emphasize integration and application of learning

Integrated Studies Focus on Integrative Learning Combines curriculum from two or more disciplines, allowing students to see how ideas are connected. Promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and knowledge retention. Enables students to develop multiple perspectives and understand impact of global interdependencies.

The 21 st Century Campus: New Landscapes for Learning Education will focus on interactions between learners and technologies creating learning spaces that are Internet-dependent and socially networked Diverse and highly flexible Customized for Individualized Learning

The 21 st Century Campus: New Landscapes for Learning Use of Hybrid and Blended Learning Environments Teaching in immersive environments

Video GamesSimulations Active/Field based 3D Virtual Worlds 21 st Century Methods of Learning

Virtual Education 3D Multiuser, virtual learning spaces will provide opportunities for Instructors and students to engage in inquiry- based learning activities and simulations not possible in traditional classrooms.

According to Gartner Research Firm: 80% of active Internet Users will be participating in a virtual world by the end of 2011 Gronstedt, A. (2007, August)

Educational Possibilities of Virtual Learning Environments Virtual field trips to places and events for cultural enrichment Experimentation and collaboration in virtual classrooms and social laboratories Role playing and simulation opportunities Activities and Assignments to develop complex problem-solving skills Students Can…

Visit a Museum in Germany Old Masters Picture Gallery in Dresden State Art Collection

Students in Architecture classes can build replicas of full scale structures and demolish them easily

Learn about space flight and navigation by visiting NASA’s International Spaceflight Museum

Learn how to Conduct Genealogical Research

Global Strategic Learning Teachers connect with educators across the globe via internet, distance learning, blogs and virtual field trips. Students engage in projects with students across borders and enter a global society Students learn about the similarities of other countries/states as well as learn to find value in their differences Students transition into the workplace with better communication skills and in-depth cultural understanding to enable successful competition in a global society.

21 ST CENTURY SCHOOLS “I'm issuing a challenge to educators and lawmakers, parents and teachers alike: Let us all make turning around our schools our collective responsibility as Americans. And that will require new investments in innovative ideas.” President Barack Obama Speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tuesday March 10 th, 2009