Futures Thinking

Thinking back to earlier readings about the philosophical roots of Technology in education, I can liken futures thinking to critical theory. This is because critical theorists acknowledged that humanity will be able to create technology to shape a desired social outcome. That is exactly what we are doing in Education. We want children to be problem solves, philanthropists, free thinkers, critical consumers and more.

The future of technology is going in the direction of intelligent software, that allows a user to navigate with purpose. Technology is being embraced into the curriculum, purposefully, to navigate the new generations through an uncertain future.


What pedagogy will shape a futures approach?

This is important to reflect on, as I am just starting my career and already, I have seen major changes in curriculum and pedagogies.

If children need to value hindsight, then they will need to be reflective and have good communication skills to evaluate their learning.

If they are to have foresight, they need to be able to choose the best way to design, with the best and most appropriate technologies. They will be discerning and need up to date technology to use and experiment with.

If they are to be responsible in their learning, and have regard for others, they will need team work skills, familiar with role allocating and expectations. If they are to consider the weight of their decisions on the environment, then they need to be aware of the bigger picture, and have the knowledge about how to change.

Students will need to guided through the process of decision making, using tools like the matrix for this course.

Children will also need to partake in social based project learning for social sustainability.

All of this leads to explicit modelling of processes, then pulling away teacher responsibility, to student centred and student orientated responsibilities. Teacher becomes facilitator and guide; the connector.