Technological advances have introduced trends in five critical areas that are expanding opportunities for those who can afford them.

1. Running head: THE FUTURE IS NOW 1
The Future is Now: Implications of Education and Technology
Tamara Mitchell
Western Oregon University

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The Future is Now: Implications of Education and Technology
While most disagree whether the future of technology should be feared or embraced, all
seem to agree that information technology of the future will become increasingly complex.
Although technology transcends geographic boundaries, it also is creating a widening gap
between the wealthy and the poor. Thomas Piketty’s, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, links
increasing global inequity to the recent technology boom. Access to technology presents key
opportunities and problems that cannot be ignored.
The future of technology will impact five critical areas in which inequality may become
more apparent. First, education from childhood to adulthood will be based on a continuum of
lifelong learning and will emphasize access and the ability to learn anywhere for those who are
able to pay for it. Second, rapid adoption of new technologies will produce a labor market which
will be increasingly decentralized, dependent on digital goods and services, and will include new
career fields requiring technology-based skill sets. Third, homes, communities, and leisure will
present new safety risks and limitations. Fourth, interacting in the global community will move
individuals from consumers to producers. Fifth, as technology assumes centerstage, individuals
will become more dependent on all forms of technology, but all may not be able to access it.
Central to the vision of technology in 2040 is education.
Expanding Access to Education
Education from childhood to adulthood will be based on a continuum of lifelong learning
and will emphasize access and the ability to learn anywhere for those who have the ability to pay
for it. Lifelong learning will become the mantra of students from childhood through adulthood.
However, the costs of formal and informal education are not anticipated to decrease. The future

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of education may be more complex than previously thought. Piketty recognizes that the
increasing costs of education will limit access to information to those who can financially afford
it. Carrie James and her colleagues from the GoodPlay project warn that the availability of
information threatens to produce more children and adults who are consumers instead of
contributors (2009). It stands to reason that data from the GoodPlay project may raise awareness
about the effective use of technology for youth. However, information online is not entirely
reliable and requires a consumer with a critical eye. More importantly, students of all ages must
be instructed about the proper use of differentiating between credible information and sources
when using technology. As educational offerings expand into the private sector, will students be
able to differentiate between effective and ineffective education? Although informal and formal
systems will exist, online education will continue to outpace seated classes. Certainly,
educational growth has indicated that instruction will become less formalized. Apps, websites,
and YouTube videos continue to instruct a wider audience. YouTube, however, is now offering a
subscription service that gives access to additional content and removes advertising from videos.
Those who can pay for it continue to have greater access to this service.
The Decentralized Labor Market
Rapid adoption of new technologies will produce a labor market which will be
increasingly decentralized, dependent on digital goods and services, and will include new career
fields requiring technology-based skill sets. Clay Shirky (2008) examines the economic benefits
of technology and predicts powerful economic effects on the workforce. His strongest
predictions seem to relate to a decentralized workforce of the future (Shirky, 2008). Individuals
will work from homes, coffee shops, and a variety of locations. Work will increasingly be able to

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be accomplished at anytime and anywhere. Steven Johnson (1997) agrees that the speed of
technology will alter the workforce.
Careers will become increasingly dependent on technology and information production
and use. According to the Department of Labor, these careers include digital media designers,
data analysts, technology-driven project managers, and even instructional designers
(Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016). Diverse skill sets will be required of employees in the
future. James et al reiterate the need for technology users to be skilled contributors (2009). The
Occupational Outlook Handbook developed from data research by the U.S. Department of Labor
indicates that careers in technology and data processing will grow faster than average over the
next decade (Occupational, 2016). If the trend continues the need for individuals to acquire skills
congruent with new technology use will rise. In fact, Oregon’s Vision 20/20 initiative funneled
2.4 million dollars into helping students acquire technology skills. For example, Treehouse
coding academy received funds to offer coding skills to free to participating Oregonians.
Leisure, Homes, and Communities Are At Risk
Leisure time will become more plentiful as technology reduces menial labor, but may
have little guidance in using time productively and safely. This means that children, youth, and
adults will have more time to spend online, on devices, and on technology. James et al argue that
“young people must conceive of the ethical responsibilities that accompany their new media
play” (2009). As children and youth form their virtual identities, the need for self-reflection and
controls to protect them from predators will increase (James, 2009). As children and youth
increase their media usage, parents and organizations will spend additional time educating and
putting safeguards into place. However, if one were to review a recent PEW Research Group

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study, one might be less-concerned with leisure time strictly being spent online. In “A Snapshot
of Reading in America 2013”, most Americans (87%) read a print book in the last year (Zickuhr
& Rainie, 2014). If the best indicator of future performance is past performance, then print books
and real-world materials will still be part of leisure in 2040. Still, new technologies and new
spaces may include additional fees which will be accessible by those who have the fiscal means.
Multimedia, virtual spaces, and communication-based technology have costs. For example,
Amazon Web Services, Hulu, Netflix and other entertainment tools require subscriptions to
access. Homes and communities may be a different story.
Homes and communities will be tied to new philosophies, new technologies, and new
spaces that will be designed to meet individual and group needs for those who can afford them.
At home, individuals will have a variety of tools available that they can purchase for obtaining
information and conducting activities. Amazon Alexa, Google dot, and other ambient computing
devices offer a seamless experience with informational access. However, other tools will be
available for additional costs. In fact, Ray Kurzweil predicts (2005) the change of human-created
technology will help to extend the human lifespan, eradicate a variety of sickness, and lead to
exponential community growth. For Kurzweil (2005), technology will become an extension of
the human body as hybrid biological and non-biological processes work together. Neil Postman
(1998) does not see the advantages of new technology distributed equally among all homes and
families. In fact, he feels that computer technology is a game of “losers and winners” (Postman,
1998). For example, for some families and individuals the future advancements of technology
will be relevant for their roles or easily accessible because of the resources available to purchase
the technology. However, others may have less access to technology, but may still be targets for

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those who have access to the technology – Postman provides an example of individuals “buried
in junk mail” from advertising agencies (1998). Humorously, Douglas Rushkoff proclaims that
“The phones are smarter, but we are dumber” (Rushkoff, 2013). His expression unveils the truth
that as technology becomes more complex, we may be less ready and able to properly apply the
technology to critical world problems. In this sense, technological advances may pose problems
for humanity.
Communities may either be oppressed by machines or will use machines to calculate
solutions to complex problems. While some predictions seem to be straight out of fantasy or sci-
fi novels, others mirror horror stories. Ray Kurzweil (2005) warns of the impending need to
control artificial intelligence and machine learning before it spirals beyond humanity’s control.
In these communities, individuals and groups would fear an uprising of the machines. It stands to
reason that those without fiscal means to access this technology would be safer from such
threats. Still, Hubert Dreyfus refutes Kurzweil’s arguments as imaginable in theory, but
unattainable in practice (Dreyfus, 2004) since science has not achieved a functioning form of
artificial intelligence in the last twenty-five years. So, if humanity is not using artificial
intelligence for obtaining information and conducting activities, what will be the tools of the
future? Joseph Weizenbaum (1968), who explored the future of artificial intelligence, anticipates
that AI will remain dependent on the information that humans provide and will not ultimately
produce original thought. In Weizenbaum’s estimation (1968), the tools of future communities
will have complex processing power to the degree that humans develop machines that will
calculate pre-determined, but not original, solutions. Weizenbaum, Roszac (2004), and Dreyfus
would refute the notion of a community in which family like the Jetson’s would own an AI maid

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like Rosie. Douglas Rushkoff cautions that the temptation to accomplish too much in the given
moment. Rushkoff uses the term “Digiphrenia”—the way our media and technologies encourage
us to be in more than one place at the same time” (Rushkoff, 2013, p.19). However, computers
and technology could be used to store large amounts of data in databases, retrieve information
using cloud computing, streamline speech and handwriting recognition interfaces, and produce
computers capable of complex calculations based on parameters outline by human programmers
(Bork, 1997). Technology in the global community will be just as complex.
The Global Community and Complex Interactions
Interacting in the global community will move individuals from consumers to producers.
Those who have means to produce will be at the forefront of advancement. Steven Johnson
(1997) acknowledges that ordinary people will have access to a platform to share information
and opinions on a large scale. Although his prediction was made over a decade ago, trends
indicate that the average person has more influence than ever before to sway public conversation.
If this trend continues, communication will be almost instantaneous (Johnson, 1997). Still, it is
difficult for those who do not have the technology needed to enter the conversation. Technology
will allow future families, friends, and colleagues to communicate through voice, video, and
print technologies with those who have similar technologies. Multiple viewpoints will be shared
personally and publicly (Negroponte, 1996). However, those who do not have access to such
technology will not have a voice in the public conversation. Although technology is advancing
quickly, it is complex. Ken Robinson claims that labor intensive jobs are being reduced while the
need for human ingenuity and communication lead to new technologies that are “revolutionizing
the nature of work everywhere” (2011, p. 22). With the potential for human ingenuity also comes

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the potential of technological abuses. Douglas Rushkoff explains that the “tragedy of the
commons” exists when “individuals acting independently, out of self-interest, may deplete the
shared resource even though it hurts everyone in the long run” (Rushkoff, 2013). Whether, one is
considering that that more technology may result in harsher abuses to Earth’s resources or
potential control of one group in power above another, technology could be used to create unfair
advantage of the few over the many. One thing is certain, companies and individuals with greater
access to technology would have more opportunity to use it to manage, lead, and control people
and organizations. Still, Ken Robinson sees technology as a neutral tool which has as much
potential for positive uses as negative (2011). This compounds the issue for third world countries
that do not have resources for individuals to participate in the global marketplace. While
Robinson sees guidelines as the key to proper uses of future technologies (2011), other thought
leaders see communication as a mediator of technology in the future.
Unrestricted and Uncensored Communication
Communication seems to be a broader function of new technologies as well as a key to
negotiating positive uses of technology. From individuals to families to companies, tech tools
have the power to connect those with the financial means to afford the tools. For the wealth,
there will be a blending of public and private discourse – Family pictures will be shared as easily
as political opinions or scientific assessments. One concern is the publications of amateurs may
be left unchecked and unrestricted in the future (Solove, 2011). However, Clay Shirky sees this
amateurization as positive, “Group action give human society its particular character, and
anything that changes the way groups get things done will affect society as a whole” (2008). To
deepen the concern, those who will participate in the future conversation may be those who can

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afford the privilege instead of those who have something important to communicate. Another
caution is shared by Douglas Rushkoff, “What we are doing at any given moment becomes all
important” (2013). Because we can share anything instantaneously does not mean that we
should. It will be more difficult to separate meaningful communication from trivial
communication (Rushkoff, 2013). There is no doubt that information technology will guide and
shape society through particular tools.
Several types of information technology will become central to our lives. Social media,
data analytics, ambient computing, and artificial intelligence are only some of the tools of the
future. As technology assumes centerstage, individuals will become more dependent on all forms
of technology. Curt Bonk, who feels that technology creates access to education for the masses
and individuals, would predict that tools for online learning would be part of the future (Soo &
Bonk, 1998). Unfortunately, access to this education requires tables, phones, computers and
other devices that many do not own. The disparity may become apparent at earlier ages. Jane
Healy would predict (with reservation) that technology and tools would be developed for
children at younger ages – She acknowledges the sophisticated world-conceptions of children
and youth, but laments shorter attention spans and restricted communication abilities because of
technology (2011). Certainly, social media tools of the future may still pose a threat to refined
communication and thinking of developing children and youth, especially for those who can
afford the tools.
Dangers and Warnings
Dangers and warnings related to technology misuse, particularly information security and
surveillance, is another important aspect of the future of technology. It stands to reason that the

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most affluent organizations, governments, and individuals would have access to and control over
this information. Geospatial surveillance can be connected to an erosion of privacy in modern
society. Harlan J. Onsrud (2008) explains that globalization makes it “far more challenging to
protect personal information privacy.” Consider the meta data in a photograph or the location
data embedded in a social media post. Or, consider the intel that can be collected by drones. The
methods of data collection are increasing and along with it the amount and types of data
collected. Lynch and Foote (2015) warn of the capabilities of drones to erode privacy, and
applaud over forty states which have enacted laws restricting the use of drones. In fact,
surveillance can extend beyond drones to a variety of other devices with remote sensing
capabilities. From using satellites to sense the moisture levels in soil to pinpointing an
individual’s locating using his phone, surveillance capabilities increase as privacy decreases. As
a whole, access to geospatial surveillance data is even more complicated under the Freedom of
Information Act (Lynch, Foot, 2015) as individuals have access but not control over their public
records. If technology of today is being misused, what does this tell us about the technology of
the future? Postman (1998) acknowledges technology as a “trade-off” – With every advantage
there is a cost. Daniel Solove’s text, Nothing to Hide: The False Tradeoff Between Privacy and
Security, refuses to regard the issue between security and privacy as an issue only for those who
have something to hide. In fact, the issue is not that black and white. He envisions the oversight
of surveillance as another part of governmental responsibility as long as due process and basic
rights of the individual are reaffirmed (Solove, 2011). Similarly, Tim O’Reilly (2009),
acknowledges current issues related to mishandling of data, but suggests, like Solove, that
processes and laws are being refined and anticipated victories for the future of technology still
exist.

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Anticipated Victories
Anticipated victories of the future of educational technology seem to far outweigh the
costs. Postman (1998) views the addition of new technology as transformative to all society.
However, he does not account for the costs of such technology and those who can afford them.
Martin Greenberger anticipates that the computers of tomorrow will be more versatile, adaptive
for a variety of operations, quickly produce complex calculations, and record data that will
become actionable (Greenberger, 1964). Yet, they may be more expensive. Considering
Greenberger’s predictions were accurate decades ago, one can imagine the complex impact of
informational technology in the future of those who cannot afford this technology. Ken Robinson
acknowledges that it is our approach to education and use of human ingenuity that will drive the
future, not technology. He explains the value of human creativity and outlines three core ideas
for future growth, “They are imagination, which is the process of bringing to mind things that are
not present to our senses; creativity, which is the process of developing original ideas that have
value, and innovation, which is the process of putting new ideas into practice” (Robinson, p.87).
Fortunately, communicating and implementing ideas usually requires technology and tools. In
this sense, technology may separate those who can financially afford to act from those who
cannot. As a result, the focus on technology may be a bit skewed. Robinson would turn the
discussion inward to humanity’s capabilities before looking at humanity’s technological
creations.
As content and creations of others are digitized and shared worldwide, the issues of
copyright and ownership will continue to grow. Ownership, authorship, and credibility are at
stake as ideas are shared, repurposed, and revised without giving proper attribution (Johnson,

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1997). Chris Ruen sees the duplication of others’ ideas as a stifling force to creativity (2012).
Similarly, it may have negative economic implications for organizations and individuals. Still
Open Source Software initiatives have paved the way for technological advances. Although
copyright issues persist with sharing information and technology other benefits are made
available. Software like Gimp, Inkscape, and others allow individuals without funding to access
advanced graphic design tools. Masses contribute to these programs as well as benefit from
them. James et al describe this process as participation in a “digital democracy” (2009). They
further purport that younger generations will be better suited to contribute to digital
environments.
Conclusion
Although the debate over whether the future of technology should be feared or embraced
rages on, the increasing complexity of information technology is acknowledged. Ultimately, the
costs associated with technology may widen the divide between the rich and the poor. Lifelong
learning and accessibility will be emphasized for children and adults who can afford these tools
and instruction. Decentralized labor markets dependent on digital goods and services will
produce new career fields requiring technology-based skill sets while limiting others. New
philosophies, new technologies, and new spaces will be designed to meet individual and group
needs in homes and communities but may not be available to poorer communities and
individuals. Individuals will be moved from consumers to producers in the global community.
Still, individuals will become more dependent on all forms of technology. Although larger
implications of the future of information technology suggest some of the warnings and dangers
are real, anticipated victories of social and societal progress are promised – The future of

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information technology, though uncertain, requires intentional and measured application to
produce a positive future. Should technology become a basic right in order to protect from the
widening gap between the rich and the poor? This is an important issue to consider. Surely,
proactive action to manage the even distribution of technology and how it is applied will be
essential to producing this positive future.

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