Who needs traditional education when everything you need is now online? From massive open online courses to virtual language teachers, the internet offers an array of learning opportunities. This raises a critical question: Do we still need
education in the traditional sense? Some argue that schools were designed to produce workers, not thinkers. While the truth of this claim is debatable, it is undeniable that we now need our students to become more than just doers. They must develop into thinkers capable of solving the challenges created by previous generations. To achieve this, we must provide new ideas and innovative solutions to tackle the evolving problems and technological advancements of our society.
Changing attitudes toward education
Younger generations prioritize practical, goal-oriented learning and often use technology to bypass processes previous generations valued. For example, my teenage son prefers to quickly Google a word’s meaning rather than to search through a dictionary, missing the deeper learning and unexpected discoveries—or what I like to call “happy accidents”—that come with the process. This shift from learning for its own sake to achieving specific outcomes requires a change in how we view teaching. We need to balance efficiency while maintaining the depth of understanding and critical thinking skills that come from a rigorous learning process.
The role of technology in modern education
Incorporating technology into teaching methods offers significant benefits. Technology provides personalized assignments tailored to each student’s pace and level, especially when access to teachers or private tutors is limited. In many ways, this starts with schools of education. At USC Rossier, all Master of Arts in Teaching students must take a course that teaches them how to design, implement and evaluate technology-rich learning environments for K–12 students. And research like USC Rossier professor Yasemin Copur-Gencturk’s shows that artificial intelligence-driven professional development can improve teaching and student performance. However, challenges remain, particularly around equitable access. Not all students have the necessary devices or internet connectivity, which can exacerbate existing inequalities.
Schools and policymakers must ensure technology integration promotes inclusion and equal opportunity. By equipping teachers with better training and resources, and ensuring all students have access to necessary technology, we can foster an environment where critical thinking and creativity thrive.
Preparing students for the future
Integrating technology into education is essential for preparing students for the ever-changing needs of the future. While we cannot predict exactly which jobs will exist, many current roles were unimaginable just a few decades ago, and advancements in AI and other technologies will create even more opportunities. Technological proficiency will be crucial across all fields. By incorporating lessons on the effective use of emerging technologies, such as AI, within different disciplines, education can empower students to enhance their skills and innovate in their chosen careers. Instead of banning tools like ChatGPT, we should focus on teaching students how to leverage them to their advantage.
As we look to the future, it is clear that schools of education and the classrooms that future educators will teach in will need to evolve or risk becoming obsolete. The changing landscape of the job market and the rapid pace of technological advancements demand a new approach to learning—one that is adaptable, inclusive and forward-thinking. This is not a choice; it’s a necessity because technology is not waiting for anyone.
