The launch of this site was successful on 11.1.2014.  It’s hard to believe it was launched 6 years ago…and the plan at that time was to  publish a weekly article pertinent to the K-12 education space today.  If you noticed, it was changing, and not just because of technology, but also because of:

– the changing education “market” (the “customers” of educational services),

– brain research and findings that have an impact on the educational process,

– the “mis-definitions” associated with education (e.g., enrollment problems are not really enrollment problems), and

– the impact these changes will have on the higher education space.

The goal was to list these categories in the top navigation of the site as it grew.  The rationale was this:  put these 5 elements together, and a new educational paradigm emerges that goes beyond life-long learning, but involves thinking which is different than our traditional frameworks and mindsets.  It will be important to create positive experiences in order to not just change the educational process, but change the mindsets necessary to move educational initiatives forward.

Interestingly, in 2020, if anyone had resisted any type of change, change became a requirement.  Back in 2003, when technology really began to influence education, it was said that in 10 years, education would look drastically different as technology became more “ubiquitous.”  That really didn’t happen, although there was some progress toward technologies-enhanced learning.  That’s one of the reasons why this site was started a year later.

And look at where we are today!  Remotely participating in instruction because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Remember those concerns that began with, “What it parents don’t have a computer?”  That’s a phrase that will never be uttered again if education is to continue to take place.  Also, “That’s the way we’ve always done it” can now be thrown upon  the fire to be burned into ash.

And remember, lots of ash make some for great soil for growing grapes and tomatoes.  Or, as was sung in the movie, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in the 1960’s – “From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success.”

More about trends from this year next week.