Utopian View in a World Made of Glass - #edcmooc

Corning presents a Utopian view of the use of technologies and in particular their glass products, which seem to be pervasive in all aspects of life, including education. Although the story attempts to create a futuristic view, there are elements of the 20th century (industrialist) learning environment, as the students are initially shown being driven in a car to a physical location and sit in a classroom with seats all aligned, facing the instructor. Much about the video portrays the ability to connect with the Internet at any time and place. Education is implied to be a continuous process, both in formal and informal settings. Learning tools generally use touch or motion sensitive glass devices, such as a touch/motion sensitive screen/table, where they can interact with content and with each other by using something that resembles an interactive Prezi presentation (or perhaps a collaborative development “space”). (Note the metaphor for actual space)

What is being learned and taught?

Various subjects seem to be addressed, but what is also being taught is a way of accessing information, interacting with content, instructor, content experts and other students. In the forest, a Forrest Ranger appears to teaching content related to Earth Science and history. Photo recognition is used by the students to capture the shape of an animal track and identify that a Roosevelt Elk created it. Waving their glass tablet over a hot spot in the woods presents images of dinosaurs within the environment. These are later being shared with an adult, (presumably a parent) on a large wall as they review recordings of their field trip. Homework is done on a touch screen and submitted electronically from home.

This Utopian view incorporates many of the best features of technologies that are available today and some that seem very possible in the near future. However, it assumes many things about culture, access, availability, financial resources, high technological skills and a world without technical problems; beautiful picture that will require more than glass.