A Hypothesis of How Learning Will Be Conducted in the Future - Essay Example

The student enters a login and selects an option from a drop-down menu containing a list of subjects. Welcome to the year 2020, where students from all over the world take lessons together thanks to the Internet. With new advancements in hypermedia and multimedia systems, students now can take lessons at their chosen time in a virtual classroom. They no longer need a teacher to take them through lessons as they learn independently, at their own pace, with technological assistance.

Taking on the role of a trouble-shooter, a teacher steps in only when students encounter difficulties with a particular aspect of the study. A learning activity in 2020 could very well be like this: A student clicks open a textbook and learn concepts through a variety of text, visual images, and graphics. At the end of the chapter, a voice takes the student through a quick test, which has been designed by the teacher. The test will evaluate the student’s understanding and accordingly mark grades.

In case of below-average grades, a link will direct the student to a “real” teacher who will then explain the concept through video conferencing. Thus a teacher operates behind the scenes and designs strategies instead of being a direct participant in the learning process. In such a scenario, advanced forms of Internet and the virtual reality systems form the dominating aspects of a learning process. The use of hypermedia and multimedia in project assignments will motivate students to study better and faster.

Teachers, on the other hand, can keep a track of students’ progress by designing rubrics and other evaluation strategies. In a system where learning is more student-centric and students have the freedom to choose their subjects and pace, an assumption is made here that they are well equipped with the intelligence and the maturity to monitor their studies. This can be a hindrance in the case of children with low levels of understanding, inclination, and disabilities. Besides, despite the online availability of study materials, it might be tough to ensure each student’s access to learning technology regardless of gender or economic differences.

Also, a virtual classroom may be able to teach concepts effectively but not discipline and social etiquette. Online learning happens in isolation even though students all over the world may be accessing study materials at the same time. It can be argued that chatrooms and instant messaging facilitate interaction but it won’t have the same impact as a chance meeting along the corridors or at the cafeteria in a “real” school. Access to the Internet also means the availability of diverse information and material, which may be unsuitable for young students.

Moreover, such availability of resources also gives rise to plagiarism and copyright issues since the students may resort to unfair means of completing. Also, viruses and hacking are other possibilities that can mar the learning process. The most important deterrent could be that students may end up relying too much on technology, thereby affecting the quality of learning. For instance, a project assignment could display more technical expertise than the depth of content. Thus, though the future of educational technology is marked with interesting prospects, it is important to strike a balance to derive the maximum advantage out of amalgamating technology with education.