A Research Synthesis on the Future of Schools: Trends of Last Decade Between 2005-2015
Mehmet Fırat, Anadolu University, Open Education Faculty, Department of Distance Education (Turkey)
Abstract
Scientific developments, new approaches to learning and the digital media revolution revealed the need for new skills and competencies for learners, expanded educational opportunities and caused a paradigm shift in education. This paradigm shift has led to questioning the future of schools. In this study directions and trends revealed from Web search engines on the future of schools. Data collected by two supportive strategies. For this purpose, Google Trends and Carrot2 - Open Source Search Results Clustering Engine used for Web trend. NodeXL used for Youtube video network. The results of the analysis showed that there was a limited number of comprehensive scientific researches directly on the future of schools. Web search trend on the future of schools decreased in last decade. Despite the fact that schools are rapidly transformed by ICTs and uncertain future, the lack of sufficient research on the future of schools in the relevant literature is remarkable. However, a tendency in favor of private schools revealed from the results. At the end of this study a comprehensive list of recommendations provided for future researches.