What is on its way out .... and what is on its way in!

I have been reading 21 things that became obsolete this decade by The Business Insider. These things include:

• PDAs - the Palm Pilot has been replaced by the smartphone.
• Dial-up internet connections.
• Getting film developed - now everything is digital.
• Movie rental stores, VCRs, CDs and record shops - now you can download just about anything from iTunes!
• Maps - now we just use GPS.
• Newspaper classifieds - thanks to eBay.
• A landline and public pay phones - everyone has a mobile.
• Long distance phone charges - thanks Skype!
• Fax machines
• Phone books, dictionaries and encyclopaedias.
• Backing up data on CDs - now we use external hard drives or Dropbox.
• Getting bills in the mail - everything is electronic.
• Paper - most communication is now conducted online.

But what about the next 10 years? Well according to the TeachPaperless website the following changes will occur in education:

• Out will go desks, language labs, books, lockers and paper.
• In will come individualised computing via handhelds.
• The concept of homework will be replaced by 24/7 learning.
• Digital portfolios will replace standardised tests as a way of getting into university.
• There will be more emphasis on differentiation and personalised learning.
• The traditional role of the IT department will change - it will become the place where real change is instigated in schools.
• Professional development will change as PLNs become more powerful.
• Parent-teacher conferences will be unnecessary as parents will always be able to access what their students are doing online.

Exciting times ahead!

Photo Credit: Towards the Back by Kim Cofino (superkimbo in BKK). This photo is of the Elementary School Learning Hub in the International School of Bangkok, Thailand.