"A computer is a wonderful thing, but it is cold, and what comes out of it, is cold too." - Della Femina

We are entering the age of the "Learning Society" – enabled by a rich, digital environment, characterized by advances in social networking. - Summary of NML conference – Brussels 2009

The digital environment in a regular computer is mainly graphical and static. The experiences are often focused on the visual aspect. Other senses are barely addressed. Some applications have integrated sounds and music, but usually those are not necessarily functional or do not give any value. Websites are still very static. Whether you check one today or tomorrow, from your home or at work, a website looks generally the same. Computer games, however, already adapt to the user. Depending on prior experience, personality,... the game environment adjusts automatically. Other digital environments should become progressive and dynamic as well.

Networked - Open Innovation - Wireless/portable - Interactive

Out of all changes mentioned, those in the field of technology are the greatest. The knowledge of science increases exponentially and scientists announce the start of a new era: the era of information exchange.

The beginning of the "great leap forward" was definitely made by the arrival of the internet. As, suddenly, people and institutions became directly interconnected and information exchange became just a matter of some digital code, sharing and disseminat of knowledge increased dramatically. Today we see that many more devices than 20 years ago get connected to a network or the internet. Smartphones have become a classic example, but also domotics can be controlled by mobile phone, priests can ring church bells through a text message, and entire movie libraries are accessible through digital TV. The term networking not only implies the internet, but also field-bus networks in companies, local Ethernet networks, GPS...

Learning is not only individualized, it is more social. We learn throughout our lifetime, we learn from each other and from the internet and other media. The school has become a social meeting place, and the infrastructure needs to reflect that. There must be places at school to accommodate group work. Sometimes in an entire class group during a class discussion, for which an open classroom with chairs is needed. Sometimes in groups of 4 for a history assignment, for which you need a working space for 4 people, with internet connection, power outlet for your PC, space to take notes…

"Schools are being encouraged to develop more flexible curriculum pathways, particularly from the age of 14, to provide an education that matches the talents and aspirations of individuals." - Schools for the future. DfES. (2002)

Flexibility in education also requires individualization. Talent-oriented education focuses on the talents of each learner, and is therefore adapted to each individual. This creates the need for individual counseling and guidance. Specific programs may be designed, or peer groups (according to the age) are formed consisting of students at the same level.

Observation on the changing social and technological context of education.

These days, well into the 21st Century, many countries around the world are questioning their existing educational system: does the traditional 19th century model still suffice and if not, how can we be more economically performant in a globalizing world and yet preserve local culture? In many pedagogical circles one can hear voices about a thorough educational reform. More creativity and more practice are needed for students to enter their new professional lives equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills. Our social context has changed. School is becoming a meeting place where not only learning activities take place. The internet is becoming ever more embedded in everyday life. Technology is evolving faster and faster. Whiteboards are now interactive and computers are at the center of many experiences, both social and educational ones. VANERUM is a global company.

  

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