This was the future vision of education in 1958.
The student desk of the future includes a small camera, presumably so that the teacher being projected on a large screen in the front of the class can keep tabs on the little rascals. One thing that fascinates me about computer consoles of the retrofuture is that the QWERTY keyboard is not yet an assumed input device. Each computing device seems tailored to meet the needs of the intended user.
When you consider the different iPad initiatives around the world, this may not be so far off (I also find the keyboard observation interesting).
What do you think? Is the education system too far behind the technology curve?
[via Paleofuture]
Josh Wagner says
The education system has always been behind the curve. (I mean, c’mon, they taught me to hate macs!) Seriously, though, I think the momentum to just simply increase test scores to secure funding is killing any education going on. iPads (and similar devices) might bring excitement back to the generation that have never known a time without the Internet.
Eric Dye says
True (my school used the Apple II).
Kevin J. Farmer says
I am so torn on this issue. I do not think I can take the time to adequately say even a fourth of what I think. But I will ask a question.
Granted the educational community for the most part does not have the technology integrated into the learning process the way the rest of society has integrated it into their worlds, with that being said, “what kinds of resources are we willing to invest in public education to A) equip schools (and not just those in wealthy districts) and B) adequately train teachers in effective pedagogy based in technology?
The second part of that question should be considered with the fact that sometimes the technology, while being used ineffectually, can impede education.
Eric Dye says
Books and chalkboards are pieces of technology.
Kevin Farmer says
I agree. But in the winds of change is an expectation that old technology will be replaced.
Technology is such a sharp edge. I use it and dare I say love it. But I am concerned about the combination of technology and modern thought. As a Christian I am completely concerned about our ability to think clearly for any length of time. Post-modernism is aided by technology in helping us compartmentalize life and thus not think deeply to see the bigger truths. It reminds me of Bradbury’s ray bradbury Fahrenheit 451…in it the main character laments his inability to think clearly do to the amount of mental noise produced by the technology in the world around him.
Eric Dye says
Good points, Kevin, I see what you’re saying. This shouldn’t be ignored.