Education 3.0: breaking the mold with technology

Abstract

In order to meet the needs of today's knowledge economy, education needs to move beyond the industrial age approach of treating all learners as if they are the same and adopt a learner-centered model of education suitable for the information age. To support this model, a new and transformative technology is needed that focuses on mastery and customized learning. This article reviews the existing approaches to educational technology before proposing a new, customizable, open, and interoperable technology: a personalized integrated educational system (PIES) that provides full functionality for students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders and bridges the gaps between formal and informal learning. PIES' four primary functions: record keeping, planning, instruction, and assessment, as well as secondary functions, are defined and described. Future challenges and research opportunities are also identified.

Keywords:

• learning management system
• personal learning environment
• educational technology
• educational software
• educational change

Notes on contributors

William R. Watson is an assistant professor of Learning Design and Technology and director of the Purdue Center for Serious Games and Learning in Virtual Environments. His research interest focuses on the critical, systemic change of education to realize a learner-centered paradigm, including the application of technology such as video games, virtual environments, and learning management software in order to create customized and personalized learning environments.

Sunnie Lee Watson is a clinical assistant professor of Learning Design and Technology. She teaches and conducts scholarly work in the field of critical systems theory/thinking for educational change and research, international technology policies and leadership for digital equity, the creation of customized learning environments, and the use of web-based technology tools for multicultural and peace education.

Charles M. Reigeluth is a professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University, Bloomington. His research focuses on paradigm change in public education utilizing digital technology and brain-based, personalized educational methods. He is internationally known for his work on instructional theories and methods.