The digital frontier

Envisioning future technologies impact on the classroom

Bibliographic Data

ID9843519
AuthorsSharon Leahy (0000-0001-6840-371X, Arizona State University, corresponding author), Sean M Leahy, Charlotte Holland (0000-0003-1889-8157, Dublin City University), Francis Ward, F Kingdon Ward (0000-0001-8120-8265, Dublin City University)
Year2019
Volume113
Pages102422
Publication date2019-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFutures (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-3287 • E-ISSN: 1873-6378
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.futures.2019.04.009
OpenAlexW2943120267
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited28

Global advances in technology and information are purportedly propelling transformations and disruptions across many sectors, including education. However, historical reviews of technology integration in education mainly reveal weak or ineffectual impacts on learning, and only minor reforms to date within the education system. This study adopted a futures studies methodological approach to explore how K-12 educational spaces and experiences might be shaped by emerging and emergent technologies. In this regard, a series of vignettes are presented which critically examine the potential of augmented reality technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart materials technologies to transform future learning experiences and learning environments across K-12 education contexts, while also challenging assumptions about, and considering influences on, these futures. The focus of the study was not to predict a single or desired future for education, but rather to critically consider a range of possible education futures informed by the articulation of these three vignettes. The paper concludes with discourse on an emergent pedagogic approach that has the potential to prepare teachers and learners to interact and flourish within radically re-configured learning spaces that lean on the aforementioned technologies to support transitions within and beyond the school and its connected communities

Articulation (sociology · Business · Emerging technologies · Engineering ethics · Frontier · Futures contract · Knowledge management · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Artificial Intelligence · Augmented Reality Applications · Computer Science · Engineering · Mobile Learning in Education · Robotics and Automated Systems

Tools

Open DOISci-HubOpen Access