In a few hundred years, when the history of our time will be written from a long-term perspective, it is likely that the most important event historians will see is not technology, not the Internet, not e-commerce. It is an unprecedented change in the human condition. For the first time - literally - substantial and rapidly growing numbers of people have choices. For the first time, they will have to manage themselves. And society is totally unprepared for it.
--Peter F. Drucker

The topic of future trends in technology for schools involves an incredible amount of inherent change, especially in reference to technology capabilities. This site is an introduction to many of the aspects of technology change that will impact education in the next few years. The goal of the site is to give administrators a glimpse into the rich technology resources available on the Web. Using this site for "just-in-time" references to issues that all administrators will or are currently facing, will assist districts in managing change through research and understanding.  Some current pivotal issues include a clear understanding of possible affects of technology tools will have on learning styles, facilities planning, student achievement, budgeting, and teacher preparation.

KEY COMPONENTS:

The major divisions of this Web site are: Current Trends, 24-7 Access, Learning Theories, Technology Solutions, Problems Created by Technology , and Future Trends in Technology.  The goal of the site is to expose educators to elements of innovation and critical paths for planning.  Many of these elements administrators have already begun to experience.  A clearer vision of how fast the evolution is taking place, how planning becomes a crucial factor for success, and how total system preparation (teachers, staff, students, administrators) is vital to education.

Specific futurists are referenced from which predictions have been made to show the impact of technology on education through size, power, and flexibility issues. The impact on student learning styles, teaching strategies, and even educational paradigm shifts as a result of the new technologies are also addressed.  Working with the Texas Long-range Technology Plan for student and teacher preparation (STAR Charts),  new Texas legislation (HB 4), and SCANS curriculum will better prepare Texas students to be flexible,  able to face the future challenges of a dynamic global economy and the, as yet, undreamt of future technologies.

Teaching people skills without giving them a vision for a better future a vision based on common values -- is only training.
--Nido Qubein

Copyright (c) Dr Joy Rousseau 2006 use with permission