Industry News
Technological change 'will force education rethink'
Posted on 24th May 2007
The speed of technological change is so great that it will soon lead to significant changes in what children are taught in schools, the director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain will contend in a speech today (May 23 rd).
Baroness Greenfield will tell an audience at the University of Birmingham 's annual Priestley Lecture that new developments initiated by technology will require a reassessment of educational goals.
The considerations will be framed in a broader social context, with thought given to the way that scientific developments in fields such as drugs and genetics will alter day-to-day experiences.
"Baroness Greenfield brings a unique perspective on how the current revolution in technology will alter how we think about education. We are already seeing technology changing how we teach but potentially being able to use technology to alter our thoughts and feelings opens up a whole range of possibilities and questions," commented professor Gary Thomas from the university's School of Education.
Earlier this week the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said that clarification as to whether wireless networking posed a health risk to pupils was urgently required.
"Schools can't afford to delay while the scientists make up their minds," said the ASCL's John Dunford, according to the BBC.