Reinventing Schools for the Future

This was an interesting article that I read about reinventing schools for the twenty-first century. The article speaks about how most school buildings are in need of repair and updating. Most times the building is repaired but nothing inside has changed. A library still looks like a typical library and a classroom still looks like a normal classroom. Twenty-five students or so are put into a room for eight hours to learn.
Instead this article speaks about making personalized learning communities. These communities would be made up of one-hundred to one-hundred twenty-five students. Four to six teachers would be there to help facilitate learning. Instead of classrooms these would be called learning studios with common areas. The groups would have to be smaller so personal interaction could occur. The studios would be filled with hands on activities, critical thinking, and creativity. Peer activities could even be created with other kids from around the world using proper technology. Classes would be more of student centered learning instead of the traditional teacher centered learning.
Technology would also be different in the new schools. Technology would be everywhere with schools being the hub for new technology. Laptops for every student, Smartphone’s, hand held computing devices, and videoconferencing at any time would be available. Any student could go on the internet at any time to access information.
Physical education is spoken about as well. Instead of having big indoor recreation centers, have indoor/outdoor ones. These could be used for yoga, dance, walking, nature trails, and gardening. Learning could take place on the inside and also the outside. Nature trails could also be used to help students learn about science.
Comfort is also a necessity. Learning spaces would need to have seating that is easily changeable, has enough daylights, plenty of fresh air, and well-designed lights and acoustics. As stated in the article, “Facilities that are created with respect for students are, in turn, respected by students.”
Money would also be used to better the arts programs. Art, music, and performances would be encouraged at new schools even more so than today. The arts help to infuse students with culture and learning. The article even states that science could also be brought into the arts for learning purposes.
Some other points that were mentioned in the article include making the schools green to help students understand about living on a healthy planet, so they too can continue to help with this effort. Teacher professionalism was also brought up. They spoke about how, “Teachers need quiet places to plan lessons and work one-on-one with students, areas where they can collaborate in interdisciplinary teams with peers, and access to the latest technology.” I agree one-hundred percent with this thought. Lastly, schools should look colorful and attractive for parents and for the community.
I thought this was a very interesting and bold article. Some of the ideas brought up are interesting and thought provoking, however I am not sure that everything is possible. First, teachers would need a lot more planning time in their day to accomplish such a hefty change and to keep up with it. New technology sounds like it would constantly be flowing into the classes. This would mean teachers would first have to learn these technologies. For some teachers, just keeping up with the technology we use now is enough let alone constantly changing new technology.
As far as the learning communities and large room studios, I think these are a little bizarre. Just from doing cafeteria duty, I know how loud and crazy a large room of kids can get. How would teachers keep all of the students on task and able to focus with that many students in one room? How would the teachers be able to check to see who is working and who is not? I would think assessment would have to be a huge factor in implementing this idea.