What Should the Future of Learning Look Like? Looking Back, Looking Forward

Abstract

This paper explores a possible and desirable future of technology-enhanced teaching and learning in higher education. It takes a normative lens that defines what ‘ought to be,’ based on considerations grounded in the philosophy of education. In other words, its aim is more prescriptive than predictive. It will suggest we embrace technology only to the extent that it brings us closer to realizing the pedagogical ideals of educability, personalization, and active, experiential learning. This paper examines how these principles prove helpful in prioritizing the technologies worthy of being adopted and how technology can contribute in a meaningful way on all three fronts. In addition to the principles of pedagogical innovation, practical considerations for realizing the future state will be identified. In this context, it is argued that the envisioned future of technology-enhanced teaching and learning in higher education can come to fruition only when education becomes collaborative and course creation builds incrementally on previous educational iterations, made possible through institutional support and collaborative design.