I think the way we best understand will not alter in the subsequent ten decades, but the resources we use and that which we focus on most definitely will. We will nevertheless learn by engaging directly with wonderful educators. But as universities face pressure from students who want to see demonstrated ROI on their schooling costs, they will need to rethink how and what they teach.
1. Learning will mirror how we receive knowledge outside of the classroom.
We are living in a world where practically everything is 'tech' We're glued to our mobile phones from dawn to night - gaining awareness through social networking and sites. We download apps to find new languages and also watch YouTube videos/movies to learn to play musical instruments. Yet, in regards to learning in the classroom, we've barely scratched the surface of what's possible; many universities still require pupils to purchase print textbooks and we lecture at pupils as they sit. I'm encouraged by the innovative approaches I've noticed some professors accept since they adopt more technology from the classroom and I think that is only going to accelerate as they learn and earn access to new and useful tools.
Of course, what technology looks like in ten years may change pretty radically. Innovation in AI, for example, is occurring at a quick pace. While I don't believe AI Trainers and teaching assistants could possibly replace teachers, I really do think that machine learning algorithms will help teachers on non-priority jobs - like reading instructions out loud, grading standardized tests, taking presence - so teachers can focus on more 1-on-1 time with pupils and on the more considerate activities only a person could do, like forming debates, writing critically and initiating more intriguing and compelling talks.
2. Learning will be much more interactive.
Teachers are working to make a more lively classroom experience for decades. This has taken shape in experiments using flipped classrooms (an educational approach where educational material is delivered outside the classroom, while activities traditionally considered "homework" move in the classroom), as well as a heavy emphasis on group work and peer cooperation.
At the same time, by integrating digital quizzes and examinations, videos, simulations, and gamification components into course material, teachers may create a lively learning experience for each student on an individual level. By capitalizing on the electronic habits of students, the classroom could be full of interactivity regardless of the class dimensions or subject.
3. Learning will be a lifelong endeavor
But in education, we frequently speak about higher education providing a larger ROI and better educating students for jobs. However, what does this look like once you consider 85 percent of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been invented yet? In ten decades, while I think it'll be essential to ensure pupils are gaining skills which make them employable, we also need people to become more adaptable and we must instruct them how to learn.
It is possible, that their formal schooling won't finish when they graduate college, and they will need to level-up their own skill set several times throughout their career. Accordingly, in higher education, it is going to be important to balance building technical skills with a broad critical thinking and communication abilities (which will help individuals as they conform to the changing workforce).