Eyal Gutentag Looks at the Way Education Has Evolved as a Result of COVID-19 — Diane and Eyal Gutentag Charitable Fund
The majority of the world’s school systems are still locked down, and as a result, teachers and students internationally have had to adapt. It’s clear that the impact of COVID-19 will be long-lasting, but how will it affect the way our education systems evolve long-term?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought mass devastation. It has also forced us to grow, adapt, and get creative in many parts of our lives. While this disruption has in no way been welcomed, it potentially could spur positive change, even in education. Teachers everywhere are being forced to rethink how we educate, and what exactly we are preparing students for. While some of these changes may fall by the wayside as we settle into a “new normal,” many of them may be long-lasting. Educators are finding new ways to communicate with students outside of the standard classroom dynamic. Advanced technology, creative solutions, and progressive approaches may ultimately be what our education system needs to better prepare our youth for the future world.
In this article, growth expert Eyal Gutentag, who holds a MA in Ed Tech from Columbia University, looks at 3 ways education has evolved as a result of COVID-19.
1. Education is becoming more connected globally.
The age of COVID-19 has shown us just how connected to each other we all are. It is more clear than ever that the actions humans take are not isolated, but have a ripple effect globally. Eyal Gutentag anticipates that perspective change will translate into more interconnected education systems internationally.
The coming generations must understand how to navigate their connections and work globally to succeed. This begins with increased communication in the classroom and beyond. As many schools move to online platforms, remote teachers, and technological advancements, the ability to connect students with others around the world increases. With increased technology, modern education will continue to evolve into a more interconnected global network that exposes students to new cultures and ideas.
2. The role of the educator is developing and changing.
The typical role of an educator (a teacher in a standard classroom) has changed drastically over the course of the pandemic. Not only have parents, grandparents, nannies, and other guardians been suddenly thrown into the role of educator, but traditional teachers have had to redevelop as well.
Eyal Gutentag points out that our image of an educator is expanding. Students can now learn skills from technology alone, a parent, teacher, or even older sibling. The role is no longer as cookie-cutter as it once was. The pandemic has forced us to examine the importance of leadership. It has evoked changes in how we facilitate student development in more creative ways, and these changes will continue as we move through and out of the COVID-19 crisis.
3. There is an increased focus on life skills.
Throughout the shut-downs worldwide, students have had to face new challenges. Some of these challenges have been difficult or even emotional. In our new constantly changing global environment, young people need more resilience and creativity than ever to navigate the world. Already, there has been a shift to an increased focus on life skills in the classroom. Collaboration and communication have taken on a new meaning, and these skills are becoming incredibly valuable in the future workforce. Emotional intelligence, teamwork, and empathy are no longer optional.
As we move forward into the new world, our education systems are going to need to put more attention on holistic education, not just transferring facts from teachers to students. It’s going to be interesting to see how teachers implement these important life lessons into the curriculum as our world continues to change!
Originally published at https://www.dianeandeyalgutentagcharitablefund.org on August 13, 2020.
