50 years later... by Rochelle

50 years later... by Rochelle - May 2020 Scholarship Essay

Technology is furthering the rapid changes happening in the world on a daily basis. It’s interesting to imagine what the future will look like, how certain aspects of this world may morph into something completely different than what it looks like now. One thing that will constantly advance with technology are schools. 50 years from now hands-on learning will steadily be increasing and there will be more technological advances for students to relay these skills when applying them to the real world.
Hands-on learning is a key to success in many students' lives. This type of learning allows students to experience with trial and error, understand the potential gaps between theory and practice, and allows them to engage in kinesthetic learning. This aids students in information retention for long periods at a time. In the future, school boards will understand that students do not all learn in the same way. Their goal should be to appeal to students and to ensure that they retain what is being taught. This change will physically look like changes in traditional classrooms, preparing students with social techniques needed for life such as public speaking, how to buy a house, and more practical resources for life.
Hands-on learning will go hand in hand with the new technological advances, for example, biometrics and multi-touch surfaces. Biometrics technology recognizes specific physical and/or behavioral traits in people and uses that to pinpoint the needs of a person or their identity. It is gaining in use in real world applications. Biometrics technology in the classroom will allow students to have their individual needs met so they can complete their lessons to the best of their abilities. Similarly, multi-touch surfaces may become more relevant to education as a technology desk and workstations. Virtual tools could be streamed directly to the surface, enabling students to perform at a high level. Having technological advancements across schools would allow for students throughout the country to receive a more ethical education. All students deserve the same standard of teaching, regardless of zip code.
These advancements will become like second nature in the next 50 years. Students will be able to learn, grasp, and retain information better than before because the learning appeals to their learning style. The only way that students will be able to move forward with society, is through utilizing advancements that are available in every age. Biometrics and multi-touch surfaces are just the beginning of a new era that will occur in the education system.