Learning Futures: Education, Technology and Social Change

In the twenty-first century educators around the world are being told that they need to adapt young people for an increasingly global knowledge economy in which digital technologies intensify competition and change. They are being asked to re-design and re-imagine educational systems to meet this future world. Too rarely, however, do we ask whether this vision is robust, achievable or even desirable or whether alternative futures might be in development.Drawing on ten years of research into educational innovation, incorporating scientists, teachers, students, industry professionals and policy-makers, this book challenges the often adopted notion of a single, linear educational future. Considering alternative strategies for conceptualising the future of education, Keri Facer takes into account the challenges that future decades may face, including: the effects of climate change on technologies socio-technical developments relevant to educators changing relationships between humans and machines ageing populations and intergenerational relationships the theoretical and practical knowledge and tools needed.Approaching the subject from an educational standpoint, incorporating the accounts of educators, students and communities as active agents in shaping their educational futures, this book is positioned around key areas of interest in education, including: adult-child relationships, models of intelligence and workforce polarisation. Packed with examples from around the world and utilising vital research undertaken by the author while running 'The UK's FutureLab' the book helps to bring into focus the future that is just over the horizon.An important contribution to the debates surrounding educational futures, this book is compelling reading for all professionals involved in education, as academics, students and policy-makers.