How The Future Of Technology Will
Determine The Future Of Learning

 

Interviewer = Dr. Chris Calon
Interviewee = Professor Sundi Clark

Introduction

Today computer technology has enhanced learning in post secondary institutions. With the constant improvement in this technology, the future of learning is constantly changing. With the advent of the Internet and E-mail students can converse with their professors instantaneously. No longer do students need to look their teachers in the eye when asking for a better grade or an extension on a project. They can just e-mail them the request and get back to drinking beer at the campus bar.

This is not the end of the changing face of education. In the future we will ever have to attend classes or modify our busy schedules? We will have to meet our annoying classmates or mean teachers? Even now the education system is being changed. Course material is being sent over the Internet and projects returned through email, but the future of programs like ICQ may change that. Even email has become too slow for our fast paced world. So what does the future have to offer post-secondary learning? There is no one better to ask than Processor Sundi Clark. She believes that society will "Plug-in and Learn."

Interview

Dr. Calon -
Hello Sundi. Welcome to the show. How's the weather down in Sydney, Australia today?
Prof. Clark -
Oh it's a beautiful sunny summer day down here. Thank you for inviting me to talk on your show.
Dr. Calon -
Glad you could make it! Your specialty is the future of education. Tell us how you came into this field.
Prof. Clark -
I was in a Multimedia program at SAIT in Calgary, and one-day we had to write a report on the future of education. I became really excited about all the advancements that were being made. Eventually I just fell into being a teacher on the subject.
Dr. Calon -
What advancements tweaked your interest in the subject?
Prof. Clark -
My partner and I had discovered online learning through ZDNet's University and it just got me thinking about what could possibly happen. ZDNet's University was great but it wasn't looking down the road. It was still traditional learning. Actually the movie "The Matrix" was what really sparked my interest.
Dr. Calon -
What aspect of the movie relates to the future of education?
Prof. Clark -
I have been asked that a couple times and this may sound far-fetched, but do you remember the brain probe that they used to connect to the Matrix?
Dr. Calon -
Yeah, it made me sick to my stomach with just the thought. You're not thinking that's going to happen are you?
Prof. Clark -
Why not? They are able to reconnect pathways in the brain now to enable a child to hear for the first time, so why not place a probe directly into the learning center of the brain? We have a long way to go to get this to work, but tests have shown this could work.
Dr. Calon -
I could see this helping just about everyone. From people with learning disabilities to adults that would like a career change and don't have the time to spend on learning a new field of study.
Prof. Clark -
The possibilities are endless. The capacity of the brain is immense and even the smartest people don't utilize the full potential of the human brain.
Dr. Calon -
Without the interactions with other people at school don't you think the human race will suffer from such advancement?
Prof. Clark -
School will still be necessary for interaction and putting the knowledge to use. This probe is just for inputting knowledge into the brain. Physical Education and other hands on courses such as Culinary Arts will need to be taught through interaction. I don't think anything will be able to replace Post Secondary Institutes. The 'hands on' approach is the best way to put this knowledge to use. For an example an Anthropology student will need to get out into the field to complete his studies. This new technology will just speed this process up.
Dr. Calon -
When could we see this technology becoming available?
Prof. Clark -
Not for a long time yet. We will probably not see this happen, but our children's children might see something like this modify their education system. We are a long way off from sticking a probe into a brain; however, the concept is reality.
Dr. Calon -
This has sent shivers down my back; although, this sure sounds like a thrilling time to be growing up. This is Dr. Calon for "Predictions of the Future" speaking to Professor Clark who is qualified in the Future of Education. Thank you professor for informing us of what we can expect to happen to the education system.
Prof. Clark -
It's been my pleasure! Thank you for inviting me.

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