FUTURE VISION OF EDUCATION 1

Future Vision of Education

Andrew Fassbender
Post University
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Introduction
The Mendon Upton Regional school district, a district Located in Worcester County

Massachusetts is well known in the area for providing students with high quality education.

Created in 1961 with an agreement between the two towns, it has grown rapidly and benefits

from being in higher than average income areas, allowing for more revenue to fund the schools.

Technology has been the backbone of progress in the educational field, a subject that has been

unfortunately steeped in the tradition of doing things the same way. This district has worked

hard to keep up with trends and is doing so by constantly learning, evolving and investing in

technology. This essay will go through the history of the Mendon-Upton school district as well

as the current state of the district. It will walk through the types of technology it uses and how

the technology is implemented. Scenarios and scanning are also valuable tool when in an

organization that takes part in education for the long term, and they will be analyzed as well.

The Mendon Upton school district has done a wonderful job supporting its students in almost all

aspects of education and thanks to its plans for the future and the investments it has made to

continue developing, will give outstanding educations to children for the foreseeable future.

Mendon-Upton Regional School District

The Mendon-Upton Regional School district is located in Central Massachusetts in Worcester

county. About 15 minutes North of Rhode Island, the district includes two Elementary schools,

one middle school and one High School. In the 2017/2018 academic year, the district had 2,262

students enrolled in k-12 grades among the four facilities (2018). The communities this district

serves is far less diverse than the state as a whole. In this school district, the students are 90.6%

white, as opposed to 60.1% state-wide. The district also consists of 4% Hispanic, 2.2% Asian-

American and 0.5% African American. These percentages are far lower than the state-wide
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averages. Among students who graduate high school, 90.2% of women and 81.4% of men will

attend college or university (2018. This district is also located in a higher income community

than the state average. 8.6% of students are economically challenged, as opposed to the state

average of 32%.

The History of the district. The Mendon-Upton school district was created by a

cooperative agreement made by the two towns of Mendon and Upton in 1961. It is written in the

1959 Mendon town annual report “it was found to be the best interests of all towns… that

Mendon and Upton be regarded as a new Union as of January 1, 1960. It is expected that the

present Center School building will open September of 1960 as a well equipped elementary

school for grades one through six. Eleven classrooms will be in immediate use (1958).

Throughout the district’s history, faculty has provided a high quality education to the students

who walk through the doors. The district’s claim to fame was the first public performance of the

band Aerosmith, which was performed at the then named “Nipmuc Regional High School” on

November 6, 1970. The band charged $1.00 for entry, and Steven Tyler wore a women’s T-shirt

stolen from a locker room, the same locker room they had filled with empty alcohol bottles

before the set.

Current state of the district. The current school district is a model of efficiency,

adaptability as well as technological evolution. The school district’s mission is stated to “deliver

a progressive educational experience focused on the unique needs of each child, providing them

competitive advantage in the 21st century. Exemplary teaching and a high quality curriculum

equip our students with the skills to create solutions for a rapidly changing, technologically rich

and culturally diverse world” (2019). On the same page, the district’s vision is listed as “The

Mendon-Upton Regional School District will be a model regional school community known for
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excellence, innovation and continuous improvement”(2019). These statements lay the

groundwork for a school district that is based upon core teachings that are adapted to each

student’s needs, as well as integrating technology when suitable. Statistics show that students in

this district outperform the state average in almost every category, including Student

Achievement and Composite Performance Indexes. The district also spends more money per

student than the average district, $15,111.95 to 14,083.05 (2018).

Technology. The district has made introducing technology a priority, going so far as to

create a technology plan ranging from 2016-2021. The belief statement of the technology plan is

to “prepare students for the 21st century we must purposefully integrate technology to provide the

most innovative instruction so all students may effectively communicate, collaborate and

create... that the district infrastructure should support the use of technology in all classrooms, that

students should be held to high standards when using technology in a responsible, ethical, and

safe manner, that technology integration should begin in preschool with a clear progression to

extend through high school”(Amitrano, 2016). Of the technologies detailed in the Horizon

report, a few are already being implemented into classrooms in the district. The first would be

Makerspaces, which is currently being utilized in classrooms. In Grades K-4, every classroom

has a SMART board that is used on a regular basis in support of teaching and learning. Teachers

prepare lessons using the available software, and students are able to effectively manipulate the

SMART board to accomplish the task outlined by the teacher. In grades 5-12, each student and

staff member has access to Ipads that is used n a daily basis. There are apps available to use

including Explain Everything, Book Creator, and Notability. They also have access to e-text for

schools that provide electronic books. Each classroom at the middle and high school has access

to a projector with an AppleTV to display material on the Ipads for presentation

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purposes”(Amitrano, 2016). The second technology that the district is implementing is Online

Learning. Currently, “courses are delivered through learning management software such as

Google Classroom. Teachers have access to online catalogs of digital content. This provides

more interactive lessons. The high school is also a member of the “virtual high school” and

offers advanced study online course opportunities to students throughout the year”(Amitrano,

2016).

Scenarios in many ways are the main basis for futuring. The origins began almost 70 years

ago “Since the early 1950s, when RAND Corporation developed scenario analysis methods for

the military, and the 1970s when Shell first used the scenario planning process for corporate

strategy, the prospect of thinking rigorously about the future has given hope to numerous

organizations. Strategic planners have long believed that they could get a leg up on their

competitors if they could see through the fog and create a somewhat clearer picture about the

technologies, products, customer demands and business models to come”(Schmidtt, 2014). The

concept of scenarios is looking around at what the company does, and looking into the future in

order to understand the changes the company will need to make in order to still be in business 30-

50 years later. That includes making plans for events such as wars, economic downturns, advances

in technology and even the effects of global warming. A company with the priority of longevity

needs to make clear-cut response scenarios for each of these situations. While a company should

not waste time and money looking at every scenario, the company should look into major evens

as well as the past to see where they should focus their efforts. There are also downfalls to this

method. If a company spends too much time and money concentrating on the wrong prediction

about the future, it may come back to hurt them. Companies should also keep in mind that this
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does not mean that they should stop planning for the next 3-5 years. Both planning time periods

are needed. That is where scanning comes in.

Scanning is defined as a process by which a company or individual scans an environment

and turns data into usable information giving an organization true data-driven intelligence that can

inform scenarios, forecasts, and issue briefs. This can create a massive amount of data, and another

obstacle of this technique is sifting through all of that data to find real concrete results. “The key

to this mountain of data is to use the intellectual capacity of social, economic, technology, political,

and environmental experts so that Extension will have manageable information and trend analysis

in issue areas. Ongoing scanning and monitoring of the environment identifies the direction of

issue-based change and the relevant events affecting changes observed” (Sobrero, 2004).

Scanning must include local environments as well as global trends. Researchers have challenges

when using this technique, including trying to determine what current and historical events will

affect the company, as well as which ones to factor in more heavily. Getting the broadcast wrong

at this point in the futuring process can throw off the entire set of predictions to focus on.

Futuring is something that every company should be putting an emphasis on. While a 3-5

year trend and outlook is very important, more long-term outlooks are a huge benefit to

determining the outlook of a company. From preparing for natural and economic disasters to local

economy collapse to federal government shutdowns, a company that looks into the future will be

more prepared to weather the storms than those who don’t.

The advancement of technology has been shaping the trends within education for years.

It is most likely the advancement that has had the most amount of impact on education in history.

Between having an ability to transport students to different places across the globe to increasing

student participation and understanding, to analyzing how a student learns, it is obvious that the
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field of education will never be the same, and almost all for the better. There are trends that

point towards Virtual Reality playing a larger role in the classroom. The technology has become

an inexpensive way to transform a classroom into many different things, being able to examine

different parts of the world as well as being able to design environments by creating programs

and writing code. This paper will examine educational, economic and financial, and even

demographic trends that will show that advancing technology- Virtual Reality included- is

something that has and will be a trend that will completely change not only the way the world is

taught, but also how it learns. These trends must be regulated and implemented properly, but the

economic and technological opportunities make it a promising technology.

Virtual reality has numerous advantages when it comes to being implemented in the

classroom. The first is financial. While buying computers and laptops can be expensive, Virtual

reality can be started for less than $100, if the student brings their own device such as a

smartphone. In fact, Google has come up with a solution, making public designs to make VR

headsets out of cardboard. If the student is not as handy as others, VR headsets made of

carboard can be found on Amazon.com for under $10. Many apps for virtual reality when using

smartphones come at little to no cost as well, which means this technology could be brought into

a classroom for minimal cost, as long as students are bringing devices with them to use. Tech

companies are starting to create programs and software to use this new technology while

reducing costs and creating one single space where teachers can go to find content to use for

courses.

The second benefit of Virtual reality in the classroom is its effectiveness. Studies have

shown that Virtual Reality creates a much more interactive experience, which helps students

retain information. “Many experts contend that the memory retention of subjects after a VR
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experience tends to be higher than after viewing video- or text-based learning materials. In

their article in Education Psychology Review , authors James Clark and Allan Paivio explain

how memory is anchored and made stronger when there is increased multi-sensory and

emotional input. The idea is simple: as presence—and emotional responsiveness—increases,

memory retention also improves” (Dinsmore, 2018). Studies have shown that more and more

students are reacting better to interactive learning. The one-on-one environment created by

Virtual Reality is a great way to do that. Disnmore went on to discuss experiments where groups

of students were presented with information in two ways- through conventional video and a VR

experience. 48 hours later, all of the students were given memory tests, and the students who

participated in the VR experience performed twice as well as those who watched the standard

video. It seems that those in the VR group considered the video as more like a personal

experience rather than something they watched on television. These headsets can also have an

effect on how well students can concentrate on the subject being taught. If a student is in a

classroom watching a movie on a TV, maybe they will be distracted by friends, a smartphone or

looking out the window. With a VR headset, it is a 100% immersion technology, where it is the

only thing that student can see and experience.

Demographically, Virtual reality can have a huge impact on lower income school

districts. Without the money to invest in high cost tech and equipment, and possible not enough

funds to go on things like excursions and field trips, VR might be the next best option. “By

using a VR headset or device, students can be transported to places and environments which are

not readily available to them. This enhances their learning experience and can help them

visualize things that were previously only theoretical. Imagine if you a student who is learning

about the American Revolution and are curious about the life of a “redcoat” or British soldier.
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With the help of virtual reality, you could be transported to the Battle of Bunker Hill and

experience it firsthand. The first thing that you would probably notice is the sense of urgency in

the air, and the fierce fighting going on all around”(Lynch, 2018). This technology can transport

students through space and time, to experience things they may have only dreamt about. Flying

through outer space to see other planets up close instead of paying for the class to go to a

planetarium.

However Virtual Reality doesn’t care much about demographics. This technology can

link the world, regardless of where you are or the language you speak. By relying more on

visual stimulation rather than listening to an instructor, this technology can be rolled out

internationally without much issue. Also, a software developer creating programs to use VR in

the classroom can easily translate any words or lectures imbedded into the experience. In fact,

VR is considered the next big advancement in language learning courses. It allows the students

to become immersed in a cultural setting and even take part in what feels like an in-person

conversation with a native speaker of that language. Imagine instead of sitting in a classroom

reading French off of a blackboard, you can put on a VR headset and be walking around on a

chateau, having a simulated conversation with a winemaker! “In virtual reality students are

“learning by doing” by experiencing, reflecting, conceptualizing and experimenting in new

environments. Some studies have also shown that students feel more motivated and engaged with

the use of virtual reality because they can get closer to the culture and listen to authentic

conversations”(Berti, 2018). The possibilities of VR breaking down barriers and being

implemented in almost all aspects of education are endless.

VISION/PLAN
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It is vital for any organization to look towards the future. Whether that be with scenarios

looking up to 50 years into the future, or more immediate plans only 3-5 years away. The

Mendon-Upton school district has made this a priority by creating a technology plan that spans

from 2016-2021. The plan outlines very specific plans, such as budgeting, implementation,

training and development. The report that the district created outlines strategic goals to be

implemented throughout the timeline. It provides four goals as well as initiatives in order to

reach those goals. These are outlines to show how the district will look years into the future

when it comes to technology. The goals are to “prepare its students to be productive digital

citizens, empowering them to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in the

digital world- improve its curriculum as well as the instructional and assessment practices of

professional staff through balanced, purposeful, and developmentally- appropriate technology

integration across all grade levels and content areas- upgrade its technology equipment, network,

and infrastructure so all students may have equal opportunities for access and effective

technology integration may be maximized, and use technology to consistently improve

communication and collaboration with all stakeholders”(Amitrano, 2016, P.4-5). The district

created a panel of 23 faculty and staff members to implement these goals and to oversee the

creation of technology plans. I believe that the district will be able to implement these plans

directly due to the preparedness they have created. The fact that three years ago they saw what

was on the horizon when it came to technology and created a plan shows that they were thinking

of their students and the district’s ability to help them as much as possible.

With every plan and future vision, there are both challenges and opportunities to

understand. It is good to confront these in order to be prepared for whatever obstacles the panel

may run into. Some Challenges this plan may face includes the following-
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 Budgeting- Technology can be very expensive to implement- from training to the

cost of hardware. This can often be the first and biggest hurdle in implementing

technology.

 Implementation- Buying hardware and installing into classrooms will be useless if

there isn’t training and proper implementation of that technology into the

curriculum.

 Accessibility- Ensuring that every child has access to this technology in school as

well as at home is a priority, but also a challenge.

 Time frame- Implementing these changes can take years, and by then technology

may have changed.

 Training- It is a huge hurdle teaching instructor how to use this technology-

especially if they are older and used to more traditional methods of teaching.

These challenges may seem daunting, especially for a district which has not yet begun to

plan for these changes. District with less money to work with unfortunately may have a harder

time raising funds to implement these changes, but hopefully federal policies may start to include

funds to pay for these changes. Although there are challenges, the opportunities are endless.

 Creating infrastructure- this will benefit the school district for decades to come

and lay the groundwork for continued innovation.

 Higher quality education- Implementing these changes will improve the

education children within the district will receive.

 Better training- Technology isn’t going away and the training teacher receive will

help them teach students for the rest of their careers.

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 Creating online ethics standards- The internet and online world can be

treacherous and dangerous to children. By creating course teaching kids how to

safely navigate, you are helping them for the future.

 Expanding access- In todays day and age, a lot of kids still don’t have access to

technology and the internet at home. By increasing access at school, it gives

them experience that will be valuable as adults will be very valuable.

Not reaching these goals will have a huge negative impact on the district. Not only will they be

letting their students down, they will be less prepared for the future. Technology is not going

away- It will only advance and become a larger part of education. Not implementing technology

will set this district behind others, making it non-competitive and most likely give families a

reason to look elsewhere when they are looking for places to live.

Plan For Change

The district is already working towards making these changes, as it outlined in their

technology plan. “Moving forward, the district will regularly evaluate the degree of successful

technology integration throughout all four schools. The general evaluative guidepost for

technology integration will be how well the district is creating and promoting the ISTE Essential

Conditions needed to effectively leverage technology for learning. The district will also evaluate

how successful we have been in meeting the goals and initiatives of this Technology Plan.

Through the use of tools such as surveys, the TSAT (Technology Self-Assessment Tool), the

ISTE Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool, multiple student performance data sources, classroom

observations, and outside third-party evaluators, we will be proactive in responding to the needs

of all stakeholders” (Amitrano, p.27). The plan then goes through eight different areas the

district needs to focus on, including supportive policies and equitable access, which is speaking
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to the list of challenges that these policies might create. In order for this technology plan to

succeed the district needs to continue proper funding for the program, continued training for

teachers, as well as studying to make sure the technology is implemented properly into

curriculums.

Call To Action

This part of the plan is easy. The Mendon Upton regional school district is doing a

fantastic job of implementing technology into its schools. The fact that it has created such a

thorough plan in such detail specifically created in order to ensure proper implementation if

technology in its schools is amazing. The time and money spent creating this plan is a worthy

investment in the schools and students who will benefit from it. The town must now continue

it’s vision for the future of its district by implementing what they have outlined, as well as

consider a second technology plan in order to evaluate what it has done and plan for the next five

years. The district should also consider increasing its funding for technology, as costs will

continue to increase as the years go by.

Conclusion

The Mendon Upton Regional school district has made itself into a high quality education

system. Created in 1961, it has continued to be one of the best school districts in the state. The

distric has created a guideline that will point its school in the right direction with regards to

technology. The district understands the responsibility it has to its teachers and students, that

they must have the resources to provide the highest quality education it can manage. The

Technology plan shows how it plans to do that, and also that it understands the role it plays.

“The Mendon-Upton Regional School District uses technology as a tool for student-centered
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learning by providing authentic, project-based opportunities. Such opportunities promote

innovative practices, create unique learning experiences that foster critical thinking, encourage

creativity and risk taking, and enhance collaborative opportunities both within and beyond the

boundaries of classroom walls. As all students must have these opportunities, all students must

have equal access to technology, including the use of assistive technology when appropriate”

(Amitrano, p.3). It seems that the district not only knows what is at stake, but also has created a

plan to implement change as well as proper safeguards and checks to make sure that everything

is moving along as it should. It is a complete, proper, thorough way to implement technology,

one that I believe is unprecedented in such a small school district as well as one that should be

duplicated across the country.

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REFERENCES

Amitrano, A., Et Al (2016, June). Mendon-Upton Regional Schools Technology Plan,

2016-2021.

Https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.mursd.org//cms/lib/MA0221

2727/Centricity/Domain/313/MURSDTechnologyPlan-2016-2021-FinalDraft.pdf,

Mendon.

Annual reports of the town officers of Mendon, Massachusetts. (1958). Mendon, MA: Town of

Mendon, Massachusetts.

doi:https://archive.org/details/annualreportsoft1958mend/page/n217

Berti, M. (2018, November 02). Virtual Reality: Innovating Language Courses in Higher

Education. Retrieved from https://edsurgeindependent.com/virtual-reality-innovating-

language-courses-in-higher-education-d4b325934b85

Dinsmore, A. (2018, June 15). Research Backs Benefits of VR Training. Retrieved from

https://www.td.org/insights/research-backs-benefits-of-vr-training

Lynch, M. (2018, August 10). What Are the Benefits of Using Virtual Reality in K-12 Schools?

Retrieved from https://www.theedadvocate.org/benefits-virtual-reality-k-12-schools/

Massachusetts household income. (2018, September). Retrieved from

https://www.deptofnumbers.com/income/massachusetts/

no contributor listed
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Massachusetts School and District Profiles. (2018). Retrieved from

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/student.aspx?orgcode=07100179&orgtypecode=6

contributor not listed

Mietzner, D., & Reger, G. (2005). Advantages and disadvantages of scenario approaches for

strategic foresight. Int. J. Technology Intelligence and Planning, 1(2), 220–239.

Mission , Vision and Core Values. (2019). Retrieved January 20, 2019, from

https://www.mursd.org/Page/49

no contributor listed

Schmidtt, L. (2014, November 14). FUTURE THINKING: AN INNOVATIVE MINDSET FOR

INNOVATIVE ACTION. Retrieved from https://www.theinovogroup.com/future-

thinking-an-innovative-mindset-for-innovative-action/

Sobrero, P. M. (2004). Futuring: The implementation of anticipatory excellence. Journal

of Extension [On-line], 42(2). Available at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/index.shtml