Learning in 2035




Education and the ways in which we learn are constantly evolving. The most recent pandemic had a tremendous impact on the speed at which online and blended learning evolved. Now, we are seeing more and more students shift to online or blended learning for a variety of reasons. It has opened the door for those needing to work, playing competitive sports, facing medical procedures and even those deployed in the military, to continue to further their education.

One area that I feel will greatly benefit from advances in mobile technology and artificial intelligence is the ability to diversify the way we teach to meet the needs of the learner.

There are people who can play a video game and remember complex strategies to complete the task in game who are struggling in the classroom with simple math processes. I can see the future of learning being able to mesh with and incorporate gaming tasks to support the learning and understanding of a variety of subjects for those who do not do well in a traditional learning environment.

With the advancement to game-like learning is the ability, through virtual reality, to immerse the learner in the learning experience. For example, when learning about the destruction of Pompeii, virtual reality can bring the event to life and provide a new depth of understanding for those that choose this type of instruction. The word “choose” is very intentional in that sentence, because that is exactly what it will be. A choice. A choice on what type of learning, the location, the time, and the style of learning. All of the technological and educational advances will offer the learner the chance to choose what best fits their needs.

The ability to tailor programs to give some control to the learner is essential. It is one of the major draws for online and blended learning in a world that has made learning a chore and removed all of the fun and excitement. Having the ability to control parts of your learning and/or to choose to immerse yourself in a virtual or game world to learn will be a huge draw for those who didn’t plan to further their education any more than was absolutely necessary.

We have also already seen the enhancement in mobility of online and blended learning in recent years. With advancements in technology we will also begin to see courses being done on cellphones and tablets with minimal if any need for a traditional computer. Further enhancing the life of the learner by allowing them to continue to have lives as they learn. No more need to plan trips around school holidays when school can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet or cellular connection.

People are traveling much more now than in the past for work, family, or personal enjoyment. Being able to continue in these activities while also continuing to pursue educational goals is essential to meeting the needs of some learners. It is also another component drawing individuals back to continuing their education.

This flexibility also opens up opportunities for learners to meet, interact, and collaborate with others from different cultural backgrounds. Creating a learning environment that is simultaneously enhancing the curriculum and supporting the learners ability to explore new ideas, thoughts, and understandings. Creating a more empathetic and open group of learners that will be interacting with and making decisions in leadership roles.

There are many hardships, challenges, and successes that come with any learning experience. Being able to advance and grow the ways that learning can be delivered, the flexibility that it can be accessed with, and the trajectory that can be taken are all part of that. Putting those decisions in the hands of the learner and then supporting them with a learning environment that is diverse, supportive, and open to growth and change is what keeps learners coming back.



Regardless of technological advances the foundation of any learning begins with the team building it. It is imperative that we, as educators, are open to continuing our own education. We have to be willing to learn these new technologies and ways to utilize them in the most effective and appropriate ways. To support the learner to become the best student and future or current leader they can be. 

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