Part II : How do you think practices in the use of new technologies in schools will develop over the next 10 years? Why?

There are several directions of development that are distinct possibilities in terms of the use of new technology in schools over the next ten years.

Firstly, it has been suggested that the capabilities of the internet will increase dramatically over the coming years – through a number of ways. The speed of the internet will vastly increase, and more people will have access to the internet with better speeds – especially schools. Also, whilst the resources on the internet for students, teachers and schools is already vast – the number is sure to increase to even bigger numbers over the coming decade that is a lot more meaningful. (Shelley et al. 2006)

The capabilities of the internet would develop in this way because of the benefit it holds for education. Given that those who are studying to be teachers are coming through a university system that is imparting the skills and knowledge required to make the best use of new technologies in the classroom – the type of content added to the internet by these future teachers of ICT will be of a high standard and based on a wide variety of research.

New technologies will also develop in education in regard to their assistive qualities – enabling people with varying disabilities more access better teaching and learning environments that will be suited to their needs. (Shelley et al. 2006) Physical, intellectual, social and emotional disabilities could all benefit from technology that is designed specifically to meet the needs of those who suffer such ailments – which will mean that there will be a greater number of disabled individuals attending higher education such as university or entering the workforce.

This development would occur due to the overwhelming need for to schools to become more inclusive in the teaching and learning opportunities they provide to students – combined with the gaining momentum behind the changing view of those who are disabled – as recognising the capabilities before anything else.

The use of technology in distance education would develop, allowing people from any location to have access to a variety of educational resources and courses. (Shelley et al. 2006) Whilst this is something that has already developed somewhat – I believe that the attitude towards these courses will change dramatically in the next decade – with these courses becoming thought of as equal between their on-campus counterparts.

I think this development will occur because of the changing nature of technology – in that the world is becoming something that can be accessed by everyone and the belief that people shouldn’t be limited when it comes to their education.