Classrooms today are far more technologically advanced than those of previous generations. While interactive whiteboards, laptops, and online learning modules are now common, a debate persists about whether the curriculum itself has evolved or if traditional lessons are merely being delivered through modern devices.
Some critics argue that the education provided to today’s students remains largely unchanged from that of their parents or even grandparents. However, in an era where artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the job market, there is a growing consensus that young people must acquire a radically different set of skills than the traditional “three Rs.”
At the recent Bett conference in London, educators showcased innovative teaching methods that integrate technology into the core curriculum. One notable example is a new technical college in London, housed in a modest Portakabin near the Excel Centre. Despite its humble beginnings, the London Design and Engineering technical college—serving students aged 14 to 19—was so popular that it filled all 180 available spots when it opened in September.
Within just 12 weeks, students have been engaging in projects that push the boundaries of conventional learning. One group developed a virtual reality environment to take viewers on a tour of an Ethiopian village, highlighting the impactful work of a charity. Another group spent the term programming Pepper, one of two human-like robots from SoftBank, to perform contemporary dance moves such as the dab. Yet another team is preparing for an unconventional skiing trip, planning to teach 11 Nao robots how to ski.
This school stands out not only because it eschews traditional homework in favor of project-based learning, but also because it has industry partners—like the University of East London, Thames Water, and Fujitsu—who actively contribute to shaping a curriculum designed to equip students with relevant workplace skills. Although the model of university technical colleges (UTCs) in England, currently numbering 48, has met with mixed reviews and some controversy, preliminary statistics indicate that pupils in these settings often perform as well as, or even better than, their peers in conventional schools. As James Culley, the head of computer science at the college, observed, the speed at which students are learning is unprecedented.
Beyond secondary education, primary schools are also embracing tech-driven learning. A growing number of institutions are integrating coding into their programs, supported by after-school clubs and DIY computing devices like the BBC’s Micro Bit and Raspberry Pi. In the US, Tynker—a company that teaches coding through games—has expanded its curriculum to include drone-based lessons. Hundreds of schools have adopted this approach, and the initiative is now set to launch in the UK. Through a partnership with drone manufacturer Parrot, schools purchase a small fleet of drones that come preloaded with safety features and a free suite of coding exercises. At Towne Meadow Elementary School in Indiana, for example, teacher Josie McKay reported that students’ confidence has soared as they progress from simple hovering exercises to maneuvering drones around obstacles with precision.
Looking further ahead, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) are poised to revolutionize education even more dramatically. Imagine classrooms where students don headsets to immerse themselves in historical events like the French Revolution or to interact with a holographic solar system. According to Sam Morris of Lenovo, early trials of AR and VR in educational settings have shown that these technologies can boost engagement, enhance group collaboration, and improve multidisciplinary learning. Microsoft’s HoloLens, which was demonstrated at Bett in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University, has even enabled students to explore the intricacies of human anatomy through detailed holograms. Although the current price of such devices may be prohibitive for many schools, experts agree that as costs decrease, these innovations will become increasingly accessible, potentially redefining the educational landscape.
In summary, the integration of robots, drones, and immersive technologies is not just an add-on to traditional learning—it represents a fundamental shift in how education is delivered, aiming to prepare students for a rapidly evolving future.
