.M s Ryan: Good morning. And thank you for inviting me
.Interviewer: We all know that UNESCO believes that education is a human right for all. So what exactly IS its aim in the next 30 years?
.Ms Ryan: UNESCO wants to make sure that all people get an inclusive, quality education. Inclusive education means that c hildren with and without disabilities participate and learn together in the same classes. And all children should have access to high quality teachers, materials, and school. UNESCO also wants to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; that is, education throughout life. Learning does not finish when we leave school anymore.
.Interviewer: And why now? Hasn’t this always been important?
.Ms Ryan: Of course. But we are now thinking about the many skills that children will need in order to be successful in the 21st century: The ability to collaborate and work in teams, critical thinking skills, oral presentation skills, written communication skills, ability to use technology, willingness to examine civic and global issues, ability to conduct research to learn about issues and concepts. All these are basic skills that a citizen will need in twenty years’ time.
.Interviewer: Everybody talks a l ot about education. Why is education such a common topic in debates now?
.Ms Ryan: Our world is changing, and in order to prepare our children for this new world we need to change the way we educate them. We must create a curriculum that will help students to connect with the world and understand the issues facing our world Obviously, te aching in the 21 - century is different; never before could learning occur the way in which it does now -- everywhere, all the time, on any possible topic, supporting any possible learning style or preference.
.Interviewer: So, what do you think classes will be like in 2030?
.Ms Ryan: Schools in the 21st century will become a place for teachers and students to connect with those around them and their community. Teachers in this new environment will talk less while providing students with tools so that they can turn information into knowledge.
.Interviewer: I see. So, if we’re able to maintain the student's interest in the material by showing how this knowledge applies in the real world, kids will be excited about going to school.
.Ms Ryan: Exactly. In this type o f classroom, activities and lessons are directly related to the community. Students collaborate with people from different schools and different countries to learn about issues that affect us all.
.Interviewer: Are you talking about reaching the whole world ? Global education?
.Ms Ryan: Well, yes. That’s it.
.Interviewer: So, you’re saying that schools have to make use of technology and multimedia. Students should have full access to technology and, if possible, every student will have a laptop.
.Ms Ryan: Right . The lessons are not based on textbooks, instead they are project - based. Skills and content are learned through research and projects, and textbooks are just one of many possible resources. At schools, there will be labs, learning centres, as well as stud ios for art, music, theatre, and so on. Each classroom will be equipped with a computer or television so that all students can watch school productions as well as presentations from other schools.
.Interviewer: Do you think that textbooks will disappear?
.Ms Ryan: As I said, textbooks are just one of the many tools we can use in school. But it is true that today's tools make it possible to learn about other countries and people first - hand. Of course, textbooks are still necessary, yet, there is nothing like l earning languages, cultures, and communication skills from actually talking to people from other parts of the world.
.Interviewer: Sure. They are digital natives after all, aren’t they?
.Ms Ryan: Yes. That’s true. However, t oday's students have the latest, greatest tools, yet they’re only used to calling or texting with family and friends. Even though students are now viewed as digital natives, many do not really produce digital content. While they own expensive devices that can produce blogs, infographics, books, how - to videos, and tutorials, just to name a few, in many classes they are asked to turn those devices off and work with printed handouts and worksheets. Sadly, these papers are simply thrown away once graded. In fact, if given the chance, students can produce beautiful and creative blogs, movies, or digital stories that they can feel proud of and share with others.
.Interviewer: So, what’s your opinion about mobile phone use in class?
.Ms Ryan: When students are encouraged to view their devices as val uable tools that support knowledge, they start using them as such. I remember my first years of teaching when I would not allow mobile phones in class and I'd try to explain every new vocabulary word or answer each question myself; something I would not ev en think of doing today! I have seen positive changes ever since I started viewing students' devices as useful aids. In fact, sometimes I even respond by saying "I don't know -- use Google and tell us all!" What a difference in their reactions!
.Interviewer : Is there any other advantage you see in the use of these new technologies in class?
.Ms Ryan: Technology allows collaboration between teachers and students. Creating digital resources, presentations, and projects together with other educators and students will make classroom activities resemble the real world. Collaboration should go beyond sharing documents via e - mail or creating PowerPoint presentations. Many great ideas never go beyond a conversation or paper copy, which is a great loss! Collaboration g lobally can change our entire experience!
.Interviewer: So how do you see this new school? What will it look like?
.Ms Ryan: New schools in the 21st century will be bright and spacious, and kids will have room for group projects and individual assignments. Walls will be hung with student work, and there will be places for students to put on performances for their parent s and members of the community.
.Interviewer: We’ve run out of time. Thank you very much for sharing your time with us.
.Ms Ryan: My pleasure. Thank you.
.Adapted from: http://www.teachercertification.org/a/role - of - education - in - the - 21st - century.html and http://www.innovationunit.org/sites/default/files/10%20Ideas%20for%2021st%20Centur y%20Education.pdf [30th November 2016]