The Edvocate

Top Menu

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • Contact Us
    • Edupedia
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
    • Request a Product Review
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • The Edvocate Podcast

logo

The Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • Contact Us
    • Edupedia
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
    • Request a Product Review
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • The Edvocate Podcast
  • How to Implement Scaffolding in Your Classroom

  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Nebraska

  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Montana

  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Missouri

  • How to Increase Community Engagement in Your Classroom

  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Mississippi

  • Rex Academy Adds Cybersecurity Course to Turnkey Computer Science Curricula

  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Minnesota

  • How to Set High Expectations for Your Learners

  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Michigan

Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
Home›Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech›10 Ways to Create the Classroom of the Future

10 Ways to Create the Classroom of the Future

By Matthew Lynch
July 18, 2017
Spread the love

While educational standards may differ from school to school there is one thing that is always nearly the same: the classroom set out. Desks are arranged in rows or groups, and the teacher stands at the front and teach. This set out has changed very little in a hundred years even with all the technological advancements that have been made. Edtech not only changes the way that children learn but changes the way they interact with one another, the classroom space and their teacher. Things need to change if classrooms are to meet the needs of the modern learner. Below are ten ways to create the classroom of the future.

  1. Create technologically smart spaces

As education starts to encourage technology in the classroom, the space itself needs to morph and become technology friendly. This can be accomplished by offering charging ports in desks or throughout the classroom. Students should not have to compete for three electrical ports. Classroom USB chargers allow students to charge devices while working. The reality is that if more students are using technology, they need to be able to maintain their learning devices’ battery life.

  1. Morphing the role of the Teacher

Teachers need to realize that their role in the classroom is morphing. Blended learning gives students control over their learning and teachers, while still vital aspects, need to be trained on how to teach and manage the classrooms of the future.  Teachers may not stand up at the front and lecture but teach from the back and keep an eye on student’s screens. Classrooms of the future need teachers of the future if they are to succeed.

  1. Connectivity

In 2015, 96% of students in the US had access to Wi-Fi at school. This is impressive, but this “connectivity” is not always fast, easily accessible or used effectively in the classroom. If students are being encouraged to use edtech and engage online, they need to have the ability to do so quickly and without issues. Cybersecurity and access should still be controlled, but students should have access to perform their work without worrying about their connectivity. Classrooms of the future should offer students effortless Wi-Fi opportunities.

  1. Classroom setups

Traditional classrooms will no longer meet the needs of students in the future. Movement and flexibility are becoming more important and current classrooms set up do not offer this. Study pods, standing desks, windows that decrease glare on screens are just some of the innovations that should make their way into the classroom.

  1. Building classrooms

Architects also need to be keenly aware of these needs of future students and build classrooms accordingly. Classroom of The Future, an initiative in San Diego is pushing educators and builders to think about what schools of the future should look like and how walls need to change to allow better Wi-Fi, buildings need to be greener, and students need to feel welcomed at school.

  1. Communicating differently

Teachers, students, and parents can be more connected than ever; and this changes the classroom. Through social networking and edtech, the classroom is a more open space and parents can “see” what happens every day. By sharing homework assignments, reminders and disciplinary emails the classroom of the future is now more visible to everyone involved. This “online classroom” is also changing the way students view their education.

  1. Technology coaches

This future faculty position would ensure that every teacher, student, and school is on par with modern technology standards. It is impossible to expect teachers to be on top of every innovation and every other aspect of teaching. Experts in the field suggest that successfully integrating technology and education requires at least one “coach” per school.  The classroom of the future would be visited by technology coaches to ensure that all parties involved understand and are benefiting from technology.

  1. Make way for virtual reality

One major change that the classroom needs to prepare for is virtual reality. This does not just mean technology hook ups but the personal space to engage with the virtual world as the technology intends students to do.  With more than $1.46 million invested in virtual reality startups, schools need to make sure that they choose products that have been proven to boost student achievement.

  1. Storing and Keeping Technology

While 88% of US teenagers may have access to a laptop, it does not mean that they own one or have unlimited access. If classrooms are to be technological spaces, they need to ensure that all students are in a classroom that has a 1:1 ratio with technology. Sharing is not the answer. Some classrooms do not allow students to take their technology home, and so secure lock up facilities may be required. Technology is expensive, and classrooms of the future need to secure spaces where technology can be kept.

  1. Start NOW

The best way to create the classroom of the future is by making small changes to the classrooms of today. Moving desks around, installing projectors and asking students for ideas is the best way to morph traditional classrooms into futuristic ones.

So, if we are preparing ourselves for the classrooms of the future, it is important that we start implementing these changes now. They will be slow, but every innovation in technology should be met with innovation in the space around it. Classrooms of the future will be different, but we can start preparing for them now.

 

 

 


Spread the love
TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
Previous Article

10 Must Read Special Education Blogs

Next Article

Learning Upgrade Named Semi-Finalist in $7 Million ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • The Tech Edvocate

    10 Must-Read Books about Edtech

    January 26, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Is Digital Equity the Civil Rights Issue of the Day?

    August 15, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Policy & Reform

    Ineffective assessments, part II: Where assessments stand today

    December 28, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech & InnovationMatthew Lynch

    The Global Race for Online Learning: How Does America Compare?

    June 7, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Uncategorized

    Teachers: A look at the 10 best inventions of 2015

    March 1, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher EducationTrending Topics

    How mobile phones are disrupting teaching and learning in Africa

    June 7, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch

1 comment

  1. OTR Links 08/02/2017 – doug — off the record 2 August, 2017 at 05:31 Reply

    […] 10 Ways to Create the Classroom of the Future – The Tech Edvocate […]

Leave a reply Cancel reply

  • Artificial Intelligence

    What will AI Mean for Higher Education?

  • Artificial IntelligenceEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Education

  • Artificial Intelligence

    In a World of Artificial Intelligence, Where Does Emotional Intelligence Fit In?

Search

Registration and Login

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Subscribe to The Edvocate Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS
  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • How to Implement Scaffolding in Your Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 25, 2021
  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Nebraska

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 25, 2021
  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Montana

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 24, 2021
  • How to Become an Education Administrator in Missouri

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 23, 2021
  • How to Increase Community Engagement in Your Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 22, 2021
  • 18 Reasons the U.S. Education System is Failing

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 3, 2017
  • The Top 5 Unexpected Benefits of Early Childhood Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 29, 2016
  • 7 Benefits of STEM Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 12, 2019
  • The Dark Side of Educational Technology

    By Matthew Lynch
    October 15, 2016
  • Transformational vs. Contemporary Leadership Styles

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 28, 2016
  • Christopher Bowman
    on
    January 21, 2021

    18 Reasons the U.S. Education System is Failing

    I had both of ...
  • Campuses Have Used IoT Projects to Promote Convenience, Security, and Comfort for Students - The Tech ...
    on
    January 15, 2021

    What Universities Have the Highest Rates of Sexual Assaults Per Capita

    […] security remains a ...
  • Europeans Reveal What 72 Things Weirded Them Out While Visiting America In This Viral Thread
    on
    January 12, 2021

    18 Reasons the U.S. Education System is Failing

    […] www.theedadvocate.org ...
  • Implementing Digital Literacy in the Classroom – MarkerSpace America
    on
    January 11, 2021

    8 Essential Digital Literacy Skills That Students Need

    […] of resources, tools, ...
  • Teaching Your Child to Read – Pedagogue
    on
    January 11, 2021

    Reading Tips for Reluctant Students

    […] do they do ...

Ask an Expert

  • Ask An Expert

    How Dumbed Down Education Is Creating a National Security Crisis

    Spread the loveFor the past few decades, our country’s educational system has seen both struggle and tremendous change. With the various ailments plaguing our educational system, education reforms have attempted ...
  • Ask An Expert

    21 Inspirational Quotes That Nelson Mandela Made About Education

    Spread the loveWe all have our heroes. Those human beings that seem larger than life and almost achieve Godlike status. One of my heroes is the late-great Nelson Mandela, who ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyCareer ReadinessChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFirst Year TeachersFreshHigh SchoolK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingParent & Family TechParental InvolvementParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformPreK-12Special EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachers

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents

    Spread the loveEducation is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. One of the most integral parts of this collaborative team ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...

International Education

  • International Education

    How Can We Improve Teacher Training in the World’s Poorest Countries?

    Spread the loveAccess to education is a basic human right and a subject of importance in every part of the world. The desire and dedication to go to school are ...
  • International Education

    How COVID-19 is Creating a Global Education Crisis

    Spread the loveWhile the novel coronavirus has brought the entire world to a standstill, it’s the education sector that will suffer the most consequences. Almost all across the globe, the ...
  • International Education

    Which Countries Provide Free Education At A University Level?

    Spread the loveAlmost two dozen countries provide free or nearly-free university-level education to their citizens. Some even allow students from other countries to participate in their free education programs; some ...
  • International Education

    Teachers’ Pay Must Be at the Heart of Global Education Reform

    Spread the loveWhile most in the education field believe they are underpaid for the work they do, there are many people who argue that teachers’ pay is fair. Some of ...
  • International Education

    Innovative Approaches to Global Education Challenges

    Spread the loveGlobal education is an ideology that deals with the enhancement of individual perception of the whole world. It is an approach that helps us to become global citizens. ...

Early Childhood Education

  • Child DevelopmentEarly ChildhoodParenting

    40 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Child’s Preschool

    Spread the loveIn six months or so, we plan to move my 4-year old son Matthias to a new preschool. We are looking for a location that is close to ...
  • Child DevelopmentEarly ChildhoodModern ParentingParenting

    Should You Choose a Play-Based or Academic Based Preschool For Your Children?

    Spread the loveAs parents await their child’s first school years, it is unclear what they should expect when they finally send their three- to five-year-old children to a preschool. Many ...
  • Early ChildhoodEquity

    The Foundational Principles of Anti-Racist Early Childhood Education

    Spread the loveFor children to have an anti-racist early childhood education, many steps must be taken by parents and educators. Some of these steps occur before children even set foot ...
  • Early Childhood

    Growing And Guiding Early Childhood Education Leadership

    Spread the loveEducational leadership is vital in any school whether it is elementary, middle, or high school. Depending on the school’s age range it is important for the leadership (which ...
  • Early Childhood

    Reducing The Role Of Implicit Bias In Early Childhood Education Settings

    Spread the loveImplicit bias is defined as the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. While bias is inescapable, that does not mean ...

Gifted and Talented Education

  • Gifted and Talented Education

    The Edvocate’s Guide to Working With Twice-Exceptional Students

    Spread the loveTwice-exceptional is a term used to explain kids who have exceptional talents in some educational areas and challenges in others. In some instances, a twice-exceptional learner could theoretically ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    Implementing Curriculum Compacting in Your Classroom

    Spread the loveAll educators agree that differentiating instruction for students is very important. Yet, many districts cannot put this policy into practice. An almost unlimited amount of remedial curricular content ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    What Does Academic Enrichment Involve?

    Spread the loveAcademic enrichment activities in the class can take numerous forms and do not always involve prescribed lessons from the curriculum. Enrichment encourages learners to take a more expansive ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    What is Academic Enrichment?

    Spread the loveSome learners struggle to keep up in class. Other learners have the opposite challenge. For some learners, their learning moves through content too slowly, causing a lack of ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    The Edvocate’s Guide to Cluster Grouping

    Spread the loveCluster grouping is a method educators utilize to meet gifted kids’ educational needs. If cluster grouping isn’t practiced at a certain grade level or a certain school, contemplate ...

Black Boys in Crisis Series

  • Black Boys in Crisis

    The Importance of Mentoring Young African-American Males

    Spread the loveTeachers need to realize that at home, in their neighborhoods, and in school, many students face difficulties that can interfere with learning. Compared to their middle-class counterparts, it ...
  • Black Boys in CrisisDiversityEquity

    7 Ways That Black Students are Discriminated Against in U.S K-12 Schools

    Spread the loveAfrican Africans have a long history of being mistreated in the United States, starting with slavery. It should come as no surprise that their children face the same ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGifted and Talented EducationHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningParent & Family TechParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformSecondary EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 4: How to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom

    Spread the loveBuilding a culturally responsive classroom is hard. To help you along your journey, here is your guide to exploring and respecting the cultural backgrounds of your students while ...

RSS Matthew on Education Week

  • Au Revoir from Education Futures November 20, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • 6 Steps to Data-Driven Literacy Instruction October 17, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Four Keys to a Modern IT Approach in K-12 Schools October 2, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • What's the Difference Between Burnout and Demoralization, and What Can Teachers Do About It? September 27, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Revisiting Using Edtech for Bullying and Suicide Prevention September 10, 2018 Matthew Lynch

About Us

The Edvocate was created in 2014 to argue for shifts in education policy and organization in order to enhance the quality of education and the opportunities for learning afforded to P-20 students in America. What we envisage may not be the most straightforward or the most conventional ideas. We call for a relatively radical and certainly quite comprehensive reorganization of American’s P-20 system.

That reorganization, though, and the underlying effort, will have much to do with reviving the American education system, and reviving a national love of learning.  The Edvocate plans to be one of key architects of this revival, as it continues to advocate for education reform, equity, and innovation.

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact

The Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
advocatefored@gmail.com

Follow us

Copyright (c) 2021 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.