Globalization and Education
Trends, Issues, and Challenges
The world is an ever changing place and what we focus on today may have different need tomorrow.
This is a challenge for our students today. Twenty years ago there weren't web developers, today they are a dime a dozen. How will we know what to prepare them for as well as making them ready for change.
This would be among the highest of influence as we are told to make our students both college and career ready, well then we better know what we are getting them ready to do.
I have an 8th grader that wants to become a fashion designer. This was once a paper, pencil, sewing machine gig, and today one needs a degree in art, merchandizing, and a variety of computer programs to run software that generates designs into clothes. The growth potential is currently at -3% for 2012-2022.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
(2014) Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/fashion-designers.htm
Distance Education
This is a Trend. More and more of us, we as teachers, and our students are looking for alternatives to traditional classroom. The reasons could be from social issues, to personal, to financial, but it is one that we all face. Right now k12 online public schools are becoming more and more popular for homeschoolers as well as parents looking to give their students an edge, where the curriculum can be self paced, either faster, or slower if necessary. I have two students that might find this option appealing as one is an adoptee from the Ukraine, with no formal education, as he lacks the very basic skills necessary to find achievement and I have another 8th grader who comes to school in her religious enforced clothes and is bullied and tormented daily. I could see how both of these students might, along with their parents, find solace and academic growth through such a program.
K12 Public Schools
(2014) Retrieved from http://www.k12.com/about-k12#.VGkfePnF-9g
Funding to keep pace with changing technology.
This is both a trend and a challenge. Schools are constantly trying to purchase technology tools to allow our students to keep pace with their technology driven world, but no sooner is something purchased it is quickly outdated. Many schools don't have enough funding for more than one or two pieces, let alone enough for all.
My school in particular has "purchased" online text books, which in theory is a good idea, however at least half of my students don't have internet access and or computers at home, so while we are attempting to bring forth 21 century learning, we have to ensure that we are making a level playing field for all, no matter their socio economic make-up.
American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century: Social, Political
Communication
Whether we speak the same language or not, this is an ISSUE. What use to be a car ride, plane ride, or bus trip is now attainable via video conferencing, and social media has changed the way see the world. The world has become a "small" place, yet in some countries social media is not permitted, is monitored, or shunned. We need to be mindful of cultural perspectives , religious beliefs, and use more common sense as we put our business out there. One simple laps in judgment as a young woman can have long lasting consequences, such as one of my female students encountered with unsavory photos given to her boyfriend via her phone, were later distributed to the school upon their break-up. This has caused her and her family great pain, and she fears it could have lasting consequences as she seeks a political career upon graduation.
(2014) The Globalization of Education
Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-cohen/the-globalization-of-educ_b_4934023.html
Speaking multiple languages
A global society means we must be able to communicate. Those that can speak more than one language, with or with out a degree will be more marketable. In my classroom, I have all of my students, from day one, ask for items, or privileges in French. We offer introductory French as part of the 7th grade curriculum. It is my sincerest desire that this opens the door for them to want to take a language, whether its French or another, as it opened doors for me, and it will open doors for them as well.
This employment area is expected to have 46% in growth from 2012-2022.
(2014) Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm