Education, The Next Revolution and Evolution

Some months ago we started a series on eduction. We left off with what we envision as the next evolution and next revolution in education. It started with a conversation with a very close and dear friend in Philadelphia working on a part of what will become the next revolution and evolution in education. My friend has proposed that camera's be put into city schools in an effort to limit and or control both the amount of violence and deaths going on in that city's schools. My concerns on this are the invasion of privacy issues in such a move. He held fast to his position and was trying to sell me on the idea that anyone could log onto a web site and check in on their son or daughter in the classroom and see what was going on. That's when it struck me. This is a potential educational tool. The ability to log into a classroom and view everything that is going on? The implications are nothing short of amazing when you look at the big picture.

As we went into these discussions, we came up with the idea that children could go home with a CD or DVD of the days major lessons as they were recorded during that day. Major changes on how one could go about preparing for one's homework or test. Then we came up with that should someone miss a day or two of school, they could always catch up by getting the video for that day and viewing it at home. The talks kept growing as to the many ways that video in the classrooms and the schools could benefit everyone. In talking with a friend in the social services sector about this, the concepts were very sound. What does one do with children on suspension or those that have been kicked out of school? How do they further their education? What of those who are severely sick or incapacitated? Could they benefit by logging onto a school web site and learning the lessons on line?

In this modern day of rising prices, cost cutting, cut backs and ever increasing fuel prices, would it make sense to start having classes in the home? The amount of days a student now goes to school is being cut down to it's bare minimum to address these costs now. Well let's look at the real potential here. There is no reason why we can't take the best of the best teachers from around the country and have them teaching students over the Internet while the children are home. Questions can be saved for a few days of school each week or each month that can not be addressed on line. Other teachers can be on standby at home for student questions or extra instructions where needed. The amount of teachers required nationwide can be dramatically decreased. Schools can be closed most of the school week or month cutting transportation costs, electric, heat / air conditioning, and food expenses as well. Payrolls would also be dramatically cut as well as benefits for teachers.

The quality and consistency of education can be brought up to all new levels at the same time. We would be able to use the absolute best of the best teachers to educate all of our children. This would require a major new investment in our Internet infrastructure which we need in this country anyway. Areas not marked for present and or future improvement would now get all the latest updates. The costs for increasing this infrastructure are easily offset by the savings in reduced educational and related expenses. I can hear all the teachers and those who depend on their living through the educational system screaming now as most of your jobs would be lost. Well there are plenty of jobs in other fields no? Welcome to the future. There is no reason not to go this route as the only arguments will come from those who will be displaced from their present jobs. The proposals have already been submitted in Pennsylvania. And now they are also entered here. So spread the word.