“One person, one passion, one dream, and one vision can change the future of education in the world.” ―Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D., The Father of Soft Leadership
The future of education is widely discussed globally, especially in the post-coronavirus world. Many reforms are essential in education to keep pace with the changing times and technologies. In this regard, we will discuss the challenges involved in learning and the changes needed in the future of education in the world.
Education and Technology
“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.” ―Bill Gates
In conventional classroom education, learners interact physically to network and exchange their ideas. In online education, the learners cannot network, and learning may not be effective due to a lack of physical interaction among the learners and with educators. Additionally, every subject cannot be taught online, as some subjects need physical interaction with teachers and students. Some of the challenges with online education include lack of accessibility to internet resources, lack of uninterrupted power supply to students, and lethargy of some educators toward online education.
Educators must focus on adaptability, empathy, resilience, creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and complexity. They must update their teaching methods and adapt to technology. They will encounter huge challenges from students who are mentally agile with equipped technology and updated information. Students will ask more questions, compelling educators to do research regularly. Therefore, educators must be more imaginative and creative in creating course curricula and teaching pedagogy to stay ahead of times and technologies. They must be passionate about their profession and offer value to their students through extensive research.
Technology is growing exponentially, and keeping pace with technology is a major challenge for educators. Every new generation is superior to the older generation in understanding, grasping, and adapting. The older generation is less likely to change their mindset and adapt to technologies. So, educators must rise to the challenge to stay relevant and competent in the post-pandemic world to meet the rising aspirations and expectations of their students.
Toward a Universal Education
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character―that is the goal of true education” ―Martin Luther King
Every region and nation has its own educational policies to suit their local needs. They must have a strong foundation for global education. They must have a strong elementary education with an emphasis on technology and learning, relearning, and unlearning. There must be fun in the learning process where students enjoy learning to grow as global citizens. There must be an emphasis on education to enable the students to discover their hidden strengths and passions and excel as successful professionals and leaders. There must be an emphasis on the universal mindset, toolset, and skillset to excel as flexible and adaptable global citizens.
Conventionally the education system emphasizes local education at the core level and global education at the surface level. However, education in the future must emphasize global education at the core level and local education at the surface level to create global citizens who can encounter challenges and come out with flying colors.
The Future of Education
“Technology will never replace great teachers, but in the hands of great teachers, it’s transformational.” ―George Couros
The future of education will be digital and virtual where students don’t interact with the educators and students physically. Classrooms can be anywhere at any time and from any part of the world. Technology can bring down the costs of education. Students and educators must embrace technology to learn, relearn, and unlearn regularly. The future of education will be wisdom-driven, unlike the present which is knowledge-driven.
The future of education will be challenging for students and educators because students have access to information like teachers and the latter must prepare rigorously to stay ahead of students in accessing information, converting it into knowledge, and sharing it with the former. In fact, educators have several advantages over students, as they can share their knowledge with students with anecdotes, examples, and illustrations. However, they must be tech-savvy and equipped with digital expertise to catch up with their students. They must research continuously to update their teaching and training methodologies to impart knowledge, skills, and abilities to their students.
There will be an increased emphasis on virtual and remote learning and less on conventional classroom learning. Education will be unique with an emphasis on four areas—teachers, students, technology, and takeaways.
Teaching is Sanctum Sanctorum
Teaching has survived since the Stone Age. It must focus more on learner-centric education and less on teacher-centric education. Remember, no profession can replace teaching and no technology can replace teachers. Above all, teaching is the mother of all professions, and it continues to enjoy its sanctity as long as human civilization exists.
Emphasize Technology Without Compromising Humanity
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ―Mahatma Gandhi
Emphasizing technology without compromising humanity must be the sole aim of future education. Efforts must be initiated to ensure education for all global citizens to build a better world. A coordinated effort from all stakeholders including intellectuals, teachers, thought leaders, policymakers, global organizations, and nonprofits is essential to achieve education for all.
It is difficult to predict the future of education accurately, but it is possible to predict it up to some extent based on the available information, research findings, and human imagination. We can predict that there will not be any conventional classroom learning. Students sit at their homes or their comfortable places by logging on to their computers or smartphones or tablets to attend their classes. Students may not be in a position to interact with others physically. To conclude, the future of education will be exciting and promising for the learners.
“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people” ―Chinese Proverb
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“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
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Note: I had COVID. I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand is paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for understanding and empathy. https://youtu.be/BFJrSRLHPUk
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Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
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