Trend: Mixed Realities

A trend indicates a direction of change in values and needs which is driven by forces and manifests itself already in various ways within certain groups in society

In which world do we live, and where do we learn? Our world is mixing more and more in all sorts of ways. From the tangible to spiritual, from online to offline, from local to global.

Learning can be done in the real and virtual worlds even when they are mixed, using our brainpower and that of the cloud at the same time. We have to focus on being critical, for example on what is true and what is false, and how to judge this. Learning is not limited to the classroom, but through experiencing, exchanging and learning from others and from around the world.

This Trend is part of the Megatrend Diversification of education and learning

Manifestations

Developments happening in certain groups in society that indicate examples of change. 

Blended worlds

Blended worlds are worlds where real and virtual experiences come together: they are mixed realities. The next step in mixed realities is not only to visit another world (virtual reality), and access layers (augmented reality), but also to touch and manipulate objects in those worlds, to interact with data sets, complex formulae and abstract concepts. When interacting with holograms you will almost feel the science at your fingertips. Learning by doing is easier than learning by listening. Blended worlds mean no more geographical limitations.  

Signals of change: Acer, ScienceDirect, CIO, Springer

Hybrid thinking

The way we think will be a hybrid in the future, combining biological and technological ways of thinking. This means that our brains might be able to connect directly to the online cloud storage system, where there will be thousands of computers to augment our existing intelligence. The brain might connect via nano-bots, i.e. tiny robots made from DNA strands. In such a reality, the training of human skills (i.e. the soft skills) will be of increasing importance. 

Signals of change: CNN Business, Hybird Intelligence Centre, EPR

True or False

Critical thinking is needed to deal with the information around us. Media literacy focuses on this, and will help us to deal with all media and judge its value in a better way (for example to judge real versus fake news). Quality of education, quality free media and high levels of trust among people are important aspects that are needed in order to withstand the impact of fake news. Also, a better and safer internet will contribute. 

Signals of change: UNESCO, Open Society Institute Sofia, European Commission, Wired

Playing fields

Formal and informal, on- and offline, in- and out of school, can we upcycle our learning places/locations (i.e. (re)use them in such a way as to create a higher quality and value than the original)? Isn’t life in general an interconnected learning experience, a playing field. It could be that in the future, all of ones experiences in life will be monitored and will be assessed in value and marked as a ‘quality learning experience’ on one’s resume, not only that which is learned inside the traditional classroom. In science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education they are trying to make connections with real life outside the classroom. And if nothing more, it helps us to reconnect with nature again.

Signals of change: Springer, Scoop, Positive.News

Interesting questions

What might this trend imply, what should we be aware of, what could we study in more depth? Some ideas:

• Who will create the guidelines necessary to ensure responsible use of, and equitable access to, civic engagement technologies?

• How might tech-enabled civic engagement reshape educational governance and decision-making? 

• How to enhance the competency among citizens to deal with fake news adequately, including among those citizens who fall outside the scope of the current education system?