3.2. Actual relevant trends, initiatives, etc.

Texel

To get more insight in the relevant trends in Texel, we tried to get in contact with the student coordinator of the Hogeberg. Though, we want to understand how things work on the island and helping to improve the system, his answer was very hostile: “However, I can not imagine how you can assist me to improve and future-proof the Texel education.” Apparently, they don’t want any help from outsiders nor helping us getting a better understanding of the situation.

While doing so, the only information about their educational system is the internet site of the school, http://www.dehogeberg.nl/. On their site, information is spread about more digital education. Students need/ or can borrow a laptop of some projects or classes. How the school implied this is uncertain, at 9-12-2015 they posted the first regulations. It seems, the school is lacking behind, because, at 21-10-2014, the newspapers are filled with information retrieved out the field research that has been done by kennisnet. It appears, that already 31% used laptops or tablets in the classroom. In the “Trouw” and “Telegraaf”, they said the infill of the laptops use is different for each school. The devices are used for certain courses, as digital books, making online exercises some schools use it only for the new students others for the whole school. As the integration of the laptop differs from schools, the school can still be old fashion and use the device as a book behind the glass. But some schools are very innovative and use the device really as a new way of personalized education, with homemade materials. (Sabine Peterink)

When we interpret the website well, compare this with other schools and reading the mail from mister Bakker, we think this school is very traditional. Probably they will use the tablet or laptop as a lightweight solution for books and students will be able to make their homework digital and read their books digital, but more interactive use is not in it yet.  

Netherlands

When we look on a much broader scale there is a new trend visible since 2000.

• The new way of learning:
  In the publication of “het nieuwe leren”, written by R.J. Oostdam, H. Blok, T.T.D. Peetsma describing 3 different methods. 1) Students need to start learning actively and independently,2) a natural way of learning and 3) students are free and willing to learn. Characteristics of these different approaches are: student-centered, responsive to individual abilities and interests, students participate actively in the (re) construction of knowledge, learning is linked to meaningful contexts, students learn together with and from other students, they can choose themselves and thus serve also a certain responsibility for their own learning and the role of teacher moves towards facilitator or -facilitators. To reach these goals, students schedule have free space to choose their own domains they want to improve, or schools invent artist to have inspiring lectures and workshops with the students. http://wij-leren.nl/nieuwe-leren-basisonderwijs.php
• Adaptive learning
  In the article of “adaptive onderwijs” from Dr. Hofman practices and reflections on it are explained. It appears 3 main themes are important in this type of educational system; Relationship, Competence, and Autonomy. A significant positive correlation is shown between the types of adaptive teaching and learning yield, or the output of the school. Because, there are 3 basic needs formulated it is a simple and accessible concept. Teachers have a wide interpretation range, they can reflect on what they do, find out where they want to pay attention to and determine how adaptive education - or elements of it - want to shape their everyday practice. The pillars are based on the following schedule.

http://www.onderwijsmaakjesamen.nl/thema/inspirerend-onderwijs/krachtig-leren-adaptief-onderwijs/
http://wij-leren.nl/veelbelovende-praktijkvarianten-adaptief-onderwijs.php

• Bootcamp model
  The first trials with this method were made in America and the results seemed to be very promising, what is also underlined by Obama. The project is started with business people, who wanted to raise their station. But, last semester, the first trial in the Netherlands has been at the TU Delft, provided by Anke van Hall. The boot camp is an alternative for longer and more expensive degree programs. It helps to improve developing and encouraging new talents, filling knowledge gaps, enhance strengths and improve insights. Within the course of Anke, the role of study material, homework, and work that is done in the classroom, have switched. Instead of getting an informative lecture, this time, can spend on helping making/improving assignments and explore with the students where there are missing links and what they are interested in. Homework becomes now work doing together in class. While teaching new information and understanding of these information becomes homework, which can be discussed during the next meeting session. http://www.educationdive.com/news/can-a-coding-bootcamp-replace-a-four-year-degree/410059/

The way how the educational system works or should work is a large discussion point nowadays. All kind of institutes have their opinion, vision or idea’s. For example Salman Khan, Ken Robisson or the organization TEDx. http://www.frankwatching.com/archive/2011/06/24/5-praktijkvoorbeelden-van-vernieuwing-in-het-onderwijs/ How this will continue and which effect is has on the future educational system will be explained in the next section.