You might not realize it, but you’ve always been a part of the digital revolution.

This uprising began long ago, perhaps even before you were born. In the latter half of the 20^th century, people began developing digital technologies. Researchers and innovators experimented with ways to improve upon the work of the Industrial Age. These solutions were a tremendous advancement over mechanical and analog technologies. They allowed us to significantly expand the way we communicate, live, work, and learn.

Digital technology disrupted the way people thought about and used technology.

The disruption that comes with digital technology

By its very nature, technology appears disruptive. It can change how we go about the business of living and learning. The education landscape, in particular, has been forever altered, thanks to virtual reality simulations, instructional gamification, and flexible courses that encourage learning beyond the traditional school environment.  With all the trends disrupting PK-12 schools and higher education, you may wonder what’s coming next.

According to McKinsey & Company, however, technology quiets disruption. The digital revolution forced schools to broaden the curriculum to include not only STEM classes but also the social and emotional skills needed for 21st-century digital citizenship. During the transition, edtech has been a fluid companion to educators. It has adapted to student needs and reduced the administrative tasks of teachers by as much as 15%.

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Why then, would the digital age be going away? 

Two new architectures in technology will augment the computing we do in the current Digital Age. Quantum computing will expand our existing computing space, making it possible to work in multiple dimensions. Neuromorphic computing will imitate the human brain by using critical thinking to reach conclusions and solve problems.

Will the advance of new technologies kill the Digital Age just as the information age ended industrialism?

The answer is no. You’ll likely still be using digital technology in education. It will exist in conjunction with advanced technologies.

The relevance of digital edtech

Don’t start gathering up your digital edtech hardware just yet. There’s still plenty of life left in the mobile devices and apps your students are using. You’re going to need these tech tools to get your students ready for the future ages of technology and the disruption it will bring.

In readiness, schools are turning to instruction on computational thinking. It’s a process for solving problems, especially as they relate to computer applications.  Learners experience how to:

·      deconstruct a problem,

·      look for patterns,

·      formulate an abstraction that describes the results, and

·      develop a responsive algorithm as a solution.

Computer science still relies on digital technology to accomplish computational thinking. This likely will be the case indefinitely, even as other technologies advance human learning and working. Digital technology will always be relevant.

In conclusion

What will come after the Digital Age in your school? That’s up to you to decide. In all probability, however, you’ll still be using digital technology for a long time to come.