Information Age Education

Information Age Education: “Did You Know?” Presentation

March 5th, 2007

Did you know? The rate of change on this planet is increasing at an exponential rate. The amount of information on the planet has doubled in the past few years and continues to increase at an amazing pace. We can only begin to imagine what the world will look like in 10 years. We live in exciting and wondrous times - and perhaps, it’s a bit unnerving.

Did you know? As educators, we have an important role in preparing our students for a world that is only just starting to take form. We live in the Information Age, a time of connection and expansion.

Did you know? China will soon be the largest English speaking country on the planet.

Did you know? Karl Fisch, Director of Technology at Arapahoe High School in Colorado, has created an amazing video presentation entitled Did You Know? It takes us on a brief journey into the future world of astounding facts that will make you think about where we need to be as educators and as a society. He has some additional presentations that you will also want to see. (Note:The music in Did You Know? is a mix of three tracks from The Last of the Mohicans.)

Did you know? Scott McLeod, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Policy and Administration at the University of Minnesota, has has an excellent blog, Dangerously Irrelevant. If you are interested in exploring the value and direction of education, you’ll appreciate what he has to contribute. He has also has links to Karl Fisch’s presentations.
For more information about the skills our students will need, read this post about 21st Century Skills.

Be in the know… it is the Information Age after all.

3 Comments Add your own

1. Earlene | May 20th, 2007 at 1:01 pm

I think in this ever changing world we live in, if we are not acceptable to change, we are in big trouble.
2. Richard Birdsall | June 3rd, 2007 at 7:10 am

While Karl’s original presentation is breathtaking, the facts presented are mostly inaccurate or unverifiable. Researching the sources Karl offers I find only a handful of the data he uses is accurate. Fully two-thirds of the data he uses is wrong, simplified to the point of being misleading, otherwise misreported, or unverifiable.

Should we be pointing the way to the future with inaccurate information?
3. Bridget | September 25th, 2008 at 6:16 am

Yes, technology in the “Information Age” is changing the world at a fast pace and the challenge for educators is to keep up with this cultural phenomenon. New technology can be a great tool, especially in middle & high school, for students to become more ‘connected’ to the world. However, implied in the video was a sense of alarm and the need for greater competition. Neither of these are necessary for preparing students for personal satisfaction in the workplace as adults. The statistics and comparisons of the U.S. with other countries distractd me from the topic: ‘How can I improve as an educator?’. It is more useful to make proposals for inspiring students rather than being seduced into thinking that ‘more information’ is ‘more educated’. I believe that a well-rounded, resilient student with interpersonal, critical thinking & creative skills truly prepares a student for a bright future.