Evolution of Thought

Upon reflection of what I have learned over the course of this class, I find that I understand more deeply certain elements of my surroundings that I have taken note of but couldn’t define or discern the relationships between. I am naturally primed to gravitate towards new technology and take special note of their implications. Through this course, I have had the pleasure of learning about many emerging technologies and ponder the impact they may have on education. Not only that, I understand a larger framework of how these advancements fit together to paint a picture of the future where knowledge, information systems, and technology bring global citizens together to accomplish incredible things that can change the fabric of our society. My thinking has been shaped considerably by the concept of Knowmads (Moravec, 2013), the framework of Society 3.0 (Van Den Hoff, 2014) and the emerging conceptual frameworks that may usher in the next phase in education.

After learning about the concept of Knowmads as Morevac (2013) and others have laid out, I have come to identify with being a Knowmad. Moravec describes a Knowmad as an innovative knowledge worker who is able to generate value in any circumstance working with any group (Moravec, 2013). As I reflect on my past education and work experience, I find that every position in which I have found success has required me to draw upon my personal knowledge base to develop creative and innovative solutions to complex tasks. This trend continues to this day as I am finalizing the RtI and ESE programs at my school in preparation for my departure. I am excited to move on to my next career step, but paramount in my mind is to have a fully fleshed-out, comprehensive and reproducible program that will work in the school for years to come. Historically, this is my mindset when I undertake any major task. I carefully set up systems and organize materials as I go so that others can come in and successfully achieve results, as well. Understanding clearly the aspects that define a Knowmadic worker has, in a way, validated my choices of jobs in the past and has clarified to me why I do not thrive in positions that do not have the qualities of innovation and creativity. I feel more certain about the future and feel confident about my choice of career as an instructional designer because it plays to my strengths and will be needed in the rapidly changing future.

The concept of Society 3.0 (Van der Hoff, 2014) has given me a lens in which to understand the quickly changing world and the likely direction of education within it. Vand der Hoff (2014) defines Society 3.0 as a knowledge society where global citizens come together to share knowledge, space, and resources to meet the challenges of the future. I feel a recurring sense of excitement when I see these trends of access over ownership in things like Uber, Airbnb, and Kickstarter. This sense of sharing extends to more than physical objects, space, and capital, to the more revolutionary exchange of knowledge and information. Information that can be used to optimize our mind, body, and spirit such as the idea of power poses offered by Amy Cuddy (2012) in her Ted talk has become ubiquitous. I have personally have used Amy Cuddy’s concept of power posing for years now, and find it extremely useful to center myself before giving a presentation or conducting an important meeting. I fully appreciate information such as this that like-minded communities can share through youtube, blogs, podcasts, and wiki pages and see them as the precursor to a new approach to education where substantive learning can take place in any setting or circumstance. Through this concept of Society 3.0 and Education 3.0, My thinking on how the Conceptual Frameworks of the next phase of education has been clarified and I am able to cogently articulate my previously amorphous beliefs. I see the limitations of the current system, over reliance on grades, standards, and testing and am passionate to play a role and shaping an educational system that will better prepare students for the challenges of a knowledge society.

Through what I have learned in the course, I feel ever more confident that I can successfully meet the challenges of the future. The future is unknowable, and I understand that we all must be prepared to cope in an ever-changing environment. Most of the information I have learned in this course has validated and clarified my positions and worldview. I am excited to continue developing my knowledge base to add value to whatever project or institution I become involved in. I see the information I have gained throughout this course as being a valuable foundation on which to build even more knowledge and expertise as I become more fully engaged in Society 3.0.

References

Cuddy, A. (2012). Your body language may shape who your are. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Moravec, J. W. (2013). Knowmad society: The “new” work and education. On the Horizon, 21(2), 79-83. doi:10.1108/10748121311322978

Van Den Hoff, R. (2014). Mastering the global transition on our way to society 3.0. www.society30.com: Retrieved from https://society30.com/get-the-book/