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Strategic technological education, crucial for future learning, says U.S. expert, Larusson

By Ujunwa Atueyi
12 November 2015   |   2:29 am
FOR the present and next generation of learners in the country to become successful players in the 21st century workforce, leader, Centre for Digital Data, Analytics and Adaptive Learning, at Pearson Research and Innovation Network in the United States, Dr. Johann Ari Larusson, says teaching and learning must be technology-based.

johannFOR the present and next generation of learners in the country to become successful players in the 21st century workforce, leader, Centre for Digital Data, Analytics and Adaptive Learning, at Pearson Research and Innovation Network in the United States, Dr. Johann Ari Larusson, says teaching and learning must be technology-based.
 
However, using technology to support education and making it available for learners, he said, would not guarantee success, but strategic approach to technological education would.
 
Delivering the 60th Anniversary lecture of Corona Schools’ Trust Council (CSTC), with the theme, “Teaching and Learning for the Next Generation,” in Lagos, Larusson insisted that students entering the workforce must have proficiency that support work practices and critical thinking.
 
He said all these are tools that would facilitate teaching and learning for the present and next generation, adding that joint efforts with equal contribution from teachers, students, scientists, engineers, designers, policy makers and other stakeholders is a must to achieve huge success.
 
He said, “Key focus of future education and learning in Nigeria, like all other countries, should be on preparing learners for success in a dynamic, 21st century world. If our current and next generation of learners are to thrive in the future, the 21st century learning environment must provide them with content that will prepare them for the jobs and workplaces of the future.
 
“Because of the rapidly growing networked economy, students entering the workforce must attain skillful usage of online collaborative, creative, interactive and project-based technologies that support work practices and critical thinking within and outside of an established knowledge community.
 
He continued, “These skills go beyond basic technology literacy and require a more social constructivist learning process. Also, having students use technology to support their education helps train students to become successful participants in the 21st century workforce. It is imperative to also mention that strategy, not technology by itself, can ensure the success of any digital transformation in education.”
 
Larusson, who has authored and co-authored dozens of peer-reviewed and award winning publications within his area of focus, also shared his expertise on the possibilities of the Nigerian educational future, highlighting the emerging educational trends for the future.
 
“The future of education will be driven by the appropriate collaboration between learning science, data science and machine learning, even more so than today. Teaching and learning processes will be motivated by the information provided through comprehensive data and analytics, as well as highly detailed feedback and assessment.
 
“In addition, technology will make teaching more student-focused in the future. A plethora of new tools and resources, continuously improved to enhance efficacy, will mean teachers can spend more quality time with their learners helping them achieve their potentials.
 
“And so, 21st century skills, or higher order thinking skills, will likely be embedded across all subjects in the curriculum, at all levels. These are all positive changes to teaching and learning as we know it, and should have a meaningful impact on the learning outcomes of students here in Nigeria, and around the world,” Larusson said.
 
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CSTC, Mrs. Olufunto Igun, remarked that the specific goal of the lecture was to explore global trends and best practices for teaching and learning as well as discuss possible solutions in addressing the challenges and constraints.

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