Let us take the more obvious route at the moment, for now. It is no mystery to us that the advancement of technology has skyrocketed and is gradually succeeding in taking over our society, and somewhat indirectly, the natural world; therefore, it is only fitting to presume that in the context of the year 2035, high schools will be nothing less, if not more. Books, and I am fairly certain on this, will most likely all be on electronic reading devices, and children of future generations will rarely be able to experience the pleasure of attaining a book in one's hands, savoring select pages significantly more than others, never quite getting over the distinct smell a book holds within the minuscule strands of material composing its pages. I do believe children will still have the ability to physically attend school and classrooms, yet the possibilities for virtual education will increase and become more widely available. I do not, however, believe twenty years is a long enough time period for drastic change. Therefore, I will leave here the assumption that reading will still take place, along with many of the activities conducted today. However, technology will play a larger role in the education process (similar to what we see now with Smart Boards). I can also stand with the assumption that teachers will still remain, not being replaced with "equally capable" robots ready to "do the job" yet. And with the implication of a broader use of technology along with its simplification of everyday life, the standards of work will essentially decrease, molding a generation of high schoolers lazier than the last, expecting a robot to do for them what they themselves should be doing and as a result experiencing the comfort of self-sufficiency and independence.
It is also a possibility to depict the future of high school as heading completely in the opposite direction. As with the countless possibilities able to occur within existence, the mentalities and beliefs of individuals are as many, as diverse. And quite ironically, the future of high schools could in fact, be a reflection of beliefs and ideas presented near centuries ago. In the present day, there are many who strongly oppose the current force and restriction placed upon nature and humanity. Such individuals have the ability to influence the school system, therefore making it based more on an individual's actual needs, rather than the forced and corrupt methods used today to shape an individual for a government controlled society. The demands will decrease, as will strict, robotic, and tedious requirements. Emphasis on strongly subjective examinations will drop significantly, eventually along with the need for them at all. Classroom environments will be less rigid, less tense and controlled, as will the teachers and methods used to teach (as neither will be under strict standards). Books will be paper, technology, minimal. And with increased emphasis placed on the individual, class choices will multiply and the requirements for general classes will demolish. I also believe in the possibility that the immense significance placed onto the acceptance and attendance of college/universities will drop, when in the subtle barriers of such a system. Within such eased demands and increased freedom, it is strongly possible that the natural desire for education present in human nature will instinctively come out, as it will no longer be shunned and restricted by force.
It is also a possibility to depict the future of high school as heading completely in the opposite direction. As with the countless possibilities able to occur within existence, the mentalities and beliefs of individuals are as many, as diverse. And quite ironically, the future of high schools could in fact, be a reflection of beliefs and ideas presented near centuries ago. In the present day, there are many who strongly oppose the current force and restriction placed upon nature and humanity. Such individuals have the ability to influence the school system, therefore making it based more on an individual's actual needs, rather than the forced and corrupt methods used today to shape an individual for a government controlled society. The demands will decrease, as will strict, robotic, and tedious requirements. Emphasis on strongly subjective examinations will drop significantly, eventually along with the need for them at all. Classroom environments will be less rigid, less tense and controlled, as will the teachers and methods used to teach (as neither will be under strict standards). Books will be paper, technology, minimal. And with increased emphasis placed on the individual, class choices will multiply and the requirements for general classes will demolish. I also believe in the possibility that the immense significance placed onto the acceptance and attendance of college/universities will drop, when in the subtle barriers of such a system. Within such eased demands and increased freedom, it is strongly possible that the natural desire for education present in human nature will instinctively come out, as it will no longer be shunned and restricted by force.
Mariam you have once again left me speechless. The way you wrote your post was beautifully written and I enjoyed reading it. You have given amazing examples and through these examples you have proved your point. Mariam, your writing style makes me want to read your post fifty times. That is why I enjoy reading your blog. Stellar job! Keep on writing!
ReplyDeleteWhat if a university could accept 1,000,000 students instead of 10,000? The technology of the future would certainly take many of the physical limitations placed on modern education out of the system forever. Countless students could complete one on one courses online without taking up space in the university's campus. Would campuses even exist in the form of buildings, and classrooms, and land, or would education strictly exist online? Students would no longer go to school, rather school would come to them. This topic is clearly one that can be expanded on almost infinitely. Exquisite work!
ReplyDeleteI feel as though it is acceptable for me to be picky on your post as your writing is generally superb. To be painfully honest, if I found a paragraph like your opening one in a book, I would probably skip over it as it only delays the point. That said, the rest of the post is pleasing as it describes not only the way you expect education to look in the future, but also your opinion and your satirical observations of the way we are headed.
ReplyDeleteI loved your twistingly confident expression of your honest beliefs.
DeleteMariam, having reread your post I take back my criticism because I see now that what your first paragraph adds to it is important.
Deletehaha!
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ReplyDeleteMariam, as my tired eyes skim through your writing, my vision begins to blur. It is not my weary state that has caused this; this is due to the tears that have welled up in front of my optic walls. At this point you are either welling with excitement and fist pumping the air at your effortless victory in making me cry or you are carrying on, unamused at my painful attempts at humor. Oh, but you are not the cause of these teardrops on my guitar (I just referenced a Taylor Swift classic). My eyes are merely watering at having used the computer for so long.
ReplyDeleteYour writing was [surprisingly] exceptionally well-written, following a fluid and organized manner. I especially concur with the ideas presented within your last paragraph.
As a side note to whom it may concern: Mariam began this blog entry by questioning [at the risk of using a dead word] EVERYTHING. She also did not attempt to make it discreet because she is a free-spirit with absolutely ZERO skeletons in her closet. ;)
Mariam, in all honesty, your writing style demands to be paid attention to. Usually, I can 'speed read' a text, grasping important words here and there to formulate a general concept of what the writer wanted to convey. However, if I 'speed read' your writing, all I am left with is a slightly confused expression on my face. Your posts force me to slow down, giving me time to fully process the context and let my mind wander. Your choice and use of words are a bit... extravagant. You seem to turn the simplest of concepts into a philosophical analysis of life itself, begging the question of whether or not a 'simple' concept even exists. I love how you presented more than one possibility for the future of the education system and how you mocked society/the government in the process. Fabulous work.
ReplyDeleteSo many words! So many ideas! So many creative topics! Wow Mariam, this might be a lengthy post but it is definitely nicely written. Your writing is incredible and the way your formulate your thoughts into words is amazing. You have a great amount of talent in writing which can take you anywhere in life. Everything was discreet, clear, and creative. I love how I was able to "enter your mind" and see how you view our future. Everyone has their own interpretations, however, yours was outstanding. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteOnce I began to read this blog post, it was almost impossible to remove my eyes from it. You had me captivated instantly with your concepts and ideas being analyzed and presented to the reader in such a concise manner. Your claims are extremely well thought out and organized; the fluidity of this writing is exceptional. As much as I enjoyed reading your entire blog post, I must say that your last paragraph had me glued to my computer screen. My beliefs coincide with yours especially when it comes to the description of the modern classroom environment. I find your belief on the future of college acceptance and attendance thought provoking, and I would love to see how everything plays out in twenty years. Once again, you have presented us with yet another unique and remarkable blog post. I cannot wait to read more of your work.
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