The Future of Education

Our vision is more challenged than ever, and our educational methods and expectations for learning continually require awareness to visual stimuli and visual information. New technology stresses vision differently than paper and pencil. Are we sure that our students really see what we expect them to see? What kind of vision skills is required for learning? Eighty-six children between 5 and 12 years of age went through a vision-screening program looking into, among others; their visual acuity for far distance and for a reading distance, attention in the visual field and eye movements in reading.

The results show that many vision functions are still developing in the teenage years. However, in Norway vision is only screened before the children start school. Some students have serious eye motoric disturbances, which are not identified in health screening or in education. Their accommodation is weaker than expected. The consequences for learning, self confidence and behavior are discussed. Bergen University College has started a research based Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers specializing in vision education to make them capable of helping students developing steadier eye movements and a better visual attention with effect on reading. In future education, we need more insight into vision to adjust methods and ensure that more students are able to develop their capabilities and complete school.