Zurich's Future, History, Now - The Classroom of 2018

Matt Britland Director of Realise Learning

The world today

•  It is an exciting time for schools – technology used in the

classroom is evolving

•  Some schools are really pushing the boundaries with their use of technology – Essa Academy in Bolton have a 1:1 initiative for teachers and pupils

•  The focus for many schools is the device – Tablets for example

•  Often the purpose of this device to support teaching

and learning can be lost or not considered.

•  Educational technology use can be fragmented

•  Schools can buy technology they do not need

•  Many schools are very protective over what students can access on the internet or are using web browsers that limit which websites teachers can use

•  Biggest challenges for many schools are:

ü Having the right people leading/managing technology in schools

ü The digital divide ü Parents may be skeptical ü A change in the role of teachers – facilitator, not

being able to be replaced

The world in 2018

The future of technology in the classroom is not about a device The iPad and other mobile technology is the ‘now’. However, they will play some part in the future. 4 years ago the iPad didn't even exist.

The school of 2018 is about access, anywhere learning, collaboration (global and local) Educational institutions could have traditional students and online only students.

Things are already starting to move that way. Look at disruptive services like Moocs and educational social networks like Edmodo Mooc = Massive Open Online Course

The future is....

What is the cloud?

In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet.

Far too often technology can be a barrier to teaching and learning because not everyone can afford certain devices or computers The Cloud will go a long way to removing this barrier. Educational institutions will need one major thing. They will not need software installed, servers and local file storage. Schools will need...

A fast, robust internet connection. Infrastructure is paramount to the future of technology in education. We don't know what new 'in' device there will be in the future. What we do know, is that it will need to access the cloud. Schools will need to future proof its network infrastructure. Access to the web will need more freedom.

The Cloud will allow schools to have more freedom over Apps that they use. Educational institutions will be able to combine cloud services. You will no longer be reliant on Microsoft Office for instance. Often alternatives are free. Schools can decide what best for them. Work will be set, collected and graded online. Many schools are already doing this – changing the culture

Example Services

Devices This is where the devices come into it. Mobile, wearable and motion sensing devices will be part of every classroom These devices will access the cloud. Each student will have their own device.

Classrooms The classroom of 2018 will change. Thanks to the cloud and mobile devices, technology will be integrated into every part of the school. Schools will become paperless. The world will be the classroom. E-learning will change teaching and learning. Students can learn from anywhere and teachers can teach from anywhere. It will no longer matter where you live and can go a long way to removing the digital divide

Achieving this vision •  Super fast broadband is needed across the country

•  Schools need to have a Director of ICT/Digital Strategy who is an academic member of staff

•  Technology companies need to work more closely with schools

•  Students and teachers need more freedom and access in school

•  The way we think of the classroom must change

•  Collaboration with other schools

•  Teachers need to be part of the vision and receive training and support in the way their way role will change. They must feel empowered and confidents because they have to buy into it. They are important if this change is going to happen.

•  Parental concerns about screen time will need to be addressed.