Imagining The Future Of International Schools
When thinking about what the international school of the future might look like, I am forced to think about what makes a successful school.
How can any of us sustain success in the face of new technologies, new paths, and paths to education?
There is a strong focus here on how technology will completely change the educational landscape, and while we can all agree that technology will certainly be a very important aspect of the schools of the future, at the heart of my teaching philosophy is the idea that while the tools we use for learning will certainly changes, the basic values of a productive educational environment must not change.
Imagining The Future Of International Schools
Of course, the main difference in future schools, and this of course includes international schools, will be the students. The “Net” generation is constantly connected, creating and multitasking in the multimedia world. So how do schools manage to keep up with the pace of technology? Some might reply that we can’t and we shouldn’t bother trying. However, I would say that while the MEANS may change, the foundations that have been built over generations cannot. I believe that the successful schools of the future will be those that continue to shape generations of thinkers who are able to function in society, find a place in their environment and survive. As David Willows, who is director of external relations at the International School of Brussels, says in his post “Imagining Schools of the Future”
Imagining The Future Of International Schools
already know to be true. It means taking all our best practices, our experience and knowledge and reframing our understanding into a story that better expresses the motivation and vision of our profession.
So no matter how the tools of instruction or the architecture of our buildings may change, as educators we must work to give our students a strong sense of values that will guide them forward. In a technological world of personalized, self-directed learning, it is equally important that we reinforce the values that connect us to each other in meaningful ways. Another word I would use for this would be “commitment”, a commitment to personal growth knowing that improving yourself means improving your community. We need to develop in students the desire to bring about positive change.
Of course, there has to be a connection for all of this to happen. While technological innovation has allowed us to be more connected than ever, it is vital that we strive to find the right balance between superficial connections and deep human engagement. It’s never been this hard, but the future depends on it. Regardless of whether a school follows an international curriculum or not, this is a challenge for all schools of the future.
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Imagining The Future Of International Schools
