Running:The Future Vision of Education

The Future Vision of Education: Education First

Shenikah Grandison
EDU 505The Future of Education
Rebecca Waters

Running: The Future Vision of Education

The Future Vision of Education First

Education First (EF) is an organization that advances the field of Teaching

English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and educates around the world through various
services. This organization serves various populations throughout the world with varying
ages, backgrounds and incomes. Their mission is to educate global citizens. The
organization is a combination of language learning with cultural exchange, academic
achievement and educational travel opportunities. EF population ranges between middle
school children to adults and professionals. They have served in 112 countries in
throughout South America, Europe, China and the U.S. The organization has over 500
offices and language schools throughout the world (Unknown, 2016). EF is
headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland commanding over 43,500 employees around the
world (Unknown, 2016). In this paper the past and present of English First and the
technologies they are using are discussed.
This paper understands and defend the case that adaptive learning with gaming,
wearable technology and a flipped classroom will advance the field of TEFL education in
the EF organization. EF is an innovative company that, from inception, has made
advances toward a technological future. This paper begins with the history and current
state of affairs of EF. Next is futuring, why it plays an important part in education and
method. The demographic, economic policies and technology affecting the future vision
of EF will be discussed. Finally, the future vision of education will be discussed including
a plan for change and call to action that can be implemented now. EF is a modern
company that still has more to give to the world through technology.

Running: The Future Vision of Education

English First: Past and Present

Bertil Hult created EF out necessity. Specifically Hult had faced his own
challenges with schooling due to his dyslexia. He believed in 1965 that traditional
classroom-based teaching was not always effective (Unknown, 2016). This all became
evident during a time where social attitudes are changing and technology was advancing
education. And so in 1965, Hult founded Europeiska Ferieskolan, known now as
Education First (Unknown, 2016). Hult created language traveling. Learning a language
while abroad in that country was a major change in TEFL. Over the years Hult expanded
to language learning for businesses, high school cultural exchange program and opening
a language school in the 1970s (Unknown, 2016). In the 1983 EF began their iconic
educational tours and in 1989 Cultural Care Au pair Exchanges opened (Unknown,
2016). However innovative EF was in the past, the 1990s and beyond brought a new
level of success.
EF is always finding innovative ways of engaging students. EF recognizes the
power of allowing their students to take control of their education. There were three
major changes that change the game for Education First: the personal computer, the
internet and personal learning tools including the CD-ROM in the 1990s and the IPad
(Unknown, 2016). With the 1990s came the personal computer and the Internet changing
the game of international language learning. EF expands their reach around the world
with language schools, online classes and software via CD-ROM. In the 2000s
communication through social media made learning English as a unifying language ever
more important. In response to this, EF entered the business of education through high

Running: The Future Vision of Education

schools and universities. Now EF is breaking into research, working with the University
of Cambridge and Harvard University.
Education first now. Technology can enable us to analyze the learners process
of dealing with language (El-Dali, 2015). Of the technologies detailed in the Horizon
Report adaptive technology and BYOD is already being used. BYOD in EF is being used
by creating a software program that has allowed for learners to taking their courses via
IPad. Students can use the IPad in class to annotate instructor slides, record lecture, take
notes and create mind maps to facilitate their understanding of complex concepts
(Adams, 2015). Addition to this, EF has made it easier to learn English via smartphone
or tablet by creating a free TEFL application. This organization understands as the access
to technology grows to so their methods of reaching learners. Devices have become
personal learning environments and encourage exploration of subjects at the learners
speed (Adams, Estrada Freeman and Johnson, 2015).
It is adaptive technology adding more substance to the organization. EF answered
the called to alternative credentials by using adaptive technology to build the EF Standard
English Test (EFSET). The EFSET is an excellent tool to add credentials, confidence and
proof of one English language skills to schools and potential employers. Alternative
credential models are gaining traction by offering key skills in shorter time frames and at
affordable prices (Riddell, 2015). Upon collective students behavioral data, adaptive
learning technologies display data visualizations in comprehensive dashboards that be
regularly monitored (Adams, Estrada Freeman and Johnson, 2015). EF has taken this and
given it to the student for his or her own evaluation on how to improve. This

Running: The Future Vision of Education

organization aimed to supply a standardized test for all levels to every country.
Contemporary educational tools can now learn the way people learn (Adams et al., 2015).
It is the first free assessment adaptive online assessment test of linguistic ability.
According to Kara and Sevim (2013) new adaptive systems have become cheap and can
run blended or online. The EFSET is used in schools and offered to company to assess
language level. The EFSET was designed to the same standards as the Cambridge
English Exams, IELTS, and TOEFL. EF technical report (2014, Sept.) found EFSET Plus
was positively correlated and reliable with TOEFL and IELTS. This assessment is ideal
for foreign language learners to home in on the areas most needed improvement and
enhancing their comprehension. To facilitate preparedness of ESL student, one must teach
them how to reason and communicate effectively through available technologies (El-Dali,
2015).
The global citizen. The vision of this organization is to give confidence and
freedom to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds (EF, unknown). The
organization has successfully served its global citizens. As stated before their population
ranger from middle school children to adult and professionals. Their programs and
services comprise educational travel, high school exchange, Au pair programs and
academic study. Their global citizens have not only become their students, but partners
and employees. EF works with universities, The Clinton Global Initiative and United
Nations is proving that they care not only about their learners, but considers the world as
their students. EF goal is to educate their students and they are most definitely living up
to their mission.

Running: The Future Vision of Education

Trends in Education
Demographic trends. The two demographics that would affect EF and the future
vision of education are the elderly students and those home-schooled. Fortunately EF
would not be greatly affected by these issues from how the company presents its learning
style, only adjustments.
The elderly population is growing and with this growth many are considering
going back to school. The elderly population is estimated to increase to a little over 20%
by 2050 (Heisler and Shrestha, 2011). EF already teaches the elderly but the new growing
elderly population will be potential customers. These students will want to learn the
language because they have the time to. It is important to find the correct motivation.
There was a study conducted by T.Y. Kim and Y.K. Kim (2015) pertaining to the
motivation of elderly Korean individuals to continuing to learn English. They found most
participants agreed their desire of self-achievement was the most influential motivation
for English learning; face-saving was the second most important factor (T.K. Kim and
Y.K. Kim, 2015). Navigation seminars or classes will have to be created for them.
Learning a new language would have to be at their pace. This population is ideal for
wearable technology and adaptive learning.
The next population to be concerned about are those who will be home-schooled.
Already, Education First is catering to those students from around the world in more than
100 countries. To make their programs more accessible, Education First launched
programs that allowed to students to learn from anywhere. With regard to teaching and
learning for those home-schooled, the academic inputs and outcome are practical for

Running: The Future Vision of Education

guardians to tailor the childrens needs in learning (Alias, DeWitt and Jamaludin, 2015).
This trend will continue to affect my organization because it is their primary population
due to technology and allows for more students to take part worldwide. However, for this
case, the elderly population will be the primary topic addressed with reference to
population.
Economic and public policy trends. State governments indirectly influence
school districts by imposing binding tax and expenditure limitations that constrain school
districts abilities to increase revenues and expenditures (Hayes, 2015). Education First
will see this as a new challenge in offering the best education they can provide to all
populations despite their socioeconomic disadvantages. With the new technology going
to be introduced to Education First, the organization will have to take a look at securing
finances to make this a successful project. To do so we have to look at how schools are
funded and what alternative solutions can be created out of this problem. Finally, the cost
of not going to college is too much of a risk in the 21st century. It was found that
millennials that completed college were more likely to make $17,500 more than those
who only had a high school diploma (Taylor, Parker, Morin, Fry, Pattern & Brown,
2014). This will affect my organization because EF can open alternative routes to
educating oneself English which opens many doors to the learner.
Technological trends. The three trends I think will catapult my future vision of
education are adaptive technology, gaming and wearable tech. Adaptive technology as
exemplified by Khan Academy, is innovative and profound for the student of the 21st
century. Adaptive learning has expanded from one-on-one tutoring to research on data

Running: The Future Vision of Education

and analytics, educational data mining and learning analytics (Johnson and Samora,
2016). Khan Academy, as example, can provide the teacher with the tool necessary to
assist their student to the best of their ability. For instance, teachers can use the data they
are given to determine if a student is lacking understanding or if there is a pattern present
inhibiting them from learning. The purpose of this technology for my organization is
simple. The student and the teacher will work on issues that need to most focus to achieve
their goals. The next technology that will become more useful for learning a new
language is gaming. Some suggest in literature that by providing off-the-shelf video
games can improve student learning and motivation (Choi, Ding, Kopcha and Neumann,
2016). The beauty of gaming is it allows the student to be further engaged with learning.
Students have been experts in video gaming and simulation. If one was to bring to the
classroom, such skills that would be honed in fiction can be sharpened for real world
application. The third technology that will become useful for students is wearable
technology, specifically the Oculus VR. The tech will host countless opportunities that
students would get nowhere else. For instance, this can give English learners the
opportunity to pen pal their counterparts in real-time or run a scenario simulation on
cultural competencies.
Method
The importance of futuring. Futuring is important. Futuring is defined as ...
timely and proactive planning tied to meaningful engagement with people in each
state (Sobrero, 2004). There is a few important reasons futuring is important to
education. It is prepares teachers for rapid change when such situations occur (Sobrero,

Running: The Future Vision of Education

2004). Within education, as the world changes, so does the learner. Using the same
methods of teaching for over 100 years does not appeal nor fit a generation raised with
computer technology. The populations of children seem to absorb more information than
any other previous generations. Sobrero (2004) states that successful futuring leads to a
higher quality in decision-making, proactive steps towards change, timely framing and
repositioning assets to address new issues. There are many ways to predict the future.
The two techniques that will be reviewed are scanning and scenario development
and analysis. There are seven steps to predicting a logical future according to Sobrero
(2004). One must scan and monitor the environment, analyze inner and outer assumption,
create a multiple of scenarios for emerging g issues, forecasts, issue briefs, gather
stakeholders for their roles and, use results to inform continual improvement (Sobrero,
2004). Such methods will analyze the future vision of education organization Education
First.
The role of scenarios. The most interesting aspect of scenario development and
analysis is using experts informed imagination because the possibilities can differ. The
key to scenarios is to develop a vision of the future with what is already known.
Regardless of the many possibilities, experts usually create one scenario. This gives way
to opportunities to prepare for the positive outcomes and negative outcomes of an
uncertain future. So what makes a reliable and realistic scenario? Plausibility,
differentiation, consistency and, the ease of decision-making and challenging the
ideology of the organization make for good scenarios (Mietzner and Reger, 2005). There
are benefits and disadvantages to using scenarios for futuring:

Running: The Future Vision of Education

Scenarios
Positives
More than one reasonable future
Challenge old concepts and beliefs
Open to new possibilities
Prepare for worst case scenarios
Develop a common language
Early collaboration
Flexible; easily adjustable
More effective scenarios

Negatives
Time consuming
Scrutiny when picking quality experts
In-depth understanding of subject required
Difficult to broaden various scenarios
Evaluating effectiveness is difficult

The role of scanning. Scanning is an effort to find out the important changes
happening in the world outside the group expertise. Scanning is an organized system to
survey various forms of media to show changes in society (World Future Society, n.d.).
There is a focus on trends when scanning. It is a helpful tool for researchers because of
the systematic way it gathers data. Data needs to be clear and in past trends regarding real
worlds issues and information should include projections that show the likelihood if the
future changes (Sobrero, 2004). Just as in scenarios, the key to gathering data for
scanning is gathering the right experts to manage and track trends of that issue (Sobrero,
2004). It is important to incorporate the local learner into the discussion because they can
be a source that can identify issues.
There is a benefit to researchers who use scanning. They can add other categories
to expand or focus their research. It allows researchers to organize their findings across
disciplines (Sobrero, 2004). Sobrero (2004) stated it allows researchers to observe the
issue in various settings and allows them to be a part of the conversation within the
community and professionally. Its easier for researchers to find patterns of change. They
would be aware if is relevant and valued and be at the forefront of change.

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The vision of the future is filled with many possibilities. To think about the future
and set a realistic course, researchers need tools to assist them. Tools like scanning and
scenario development and analysis are used to create a plausible reality. Using scanning it
was found a major trend toward adaptive technology, gaming, and wearable technology is
being introduced in classrooms. Flipped classrooms are already being incorporated into
classrooms and designing course for the elderly is become more apparent. By gathering
this information from scanning, a plausible scenario was created using the information
gained with information already known. The following scenario is a plausible vision that
can be incorporated within the next 5 years.
Future Vision of Education
My future vision of education for Education First is creating a space that
promotes learning a new language in all facets of life using technology. Education First is
a unique organization that has encompassed most of the new advancements needed to
teach and learn English. It would be a challenge but EF should also introduce flipped
courses into the curriculum within their learning language schools. To further EF,
wearable technology like Oculus VR and smart watches bring gaming and rewards to the
realm of English learning and expanding use of adaptive technology.
The future vision of education. The future of Education First will have students
responsible for their English learning as an everyday experience. The future vision
proposed to Education First can be accomplished within the next five years. It begins
with each student using a smartwatch to remind them of deadlines, meetings and
opportunities to use English. Depending on the level fluency, each watch will be changed

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in the respective language a student is trying to learn. This student has already went
online and watched the presentations and videos required for todays lesson. If the student
does not understand, they have time to contact their instructor or other students for help.
When the student arrives to their classroom, they sit at a computer embedded into
a desk so it may also become a flat surface. Each desk has an Oculus VR headset
compartment with the headset inside. By this time the Oculus VR will have many
possibilities. Many companies are demonstrating other potential uses like live streaming
of an NBA game, imagine what it can do for education (Morris, 2016, Jan. 21). The
classroom looks like a meeting space with wide desks and circular tables for
collaboration. The student takes their EF identification card or key and inserts it into the
desk. This will allow the computer and Oculus recognize the user. The adaptive online
software that the student used at home is now connected to the classroom. When they
open the software, the program states how many points the student has received from
completing certain assignments, complete portions of a project or reading certain
materials. Before each class, the software has produced 3 challenging questions in which
the student get more points. The rewards are digital badges or coins and can be traded in
for a tangible item or privilege that students can enjoy. Because this is a flipped
classroom the instructor has briefly recited the expectations, objectives and core of the
lesson.
This one particular day the instructor is using the Oculus VR to simulate an
English conversation at the supermarket. Each student would put on their Oculus VR and
have their own conversation in the supermarket. At the end of the session, the instructor

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would get a real time report on how well each student did in the simulation. The
instructor talks about how to solve an issue most of the class is having difficulty with.
When done with the simulation, each Oculus VR goes into its compartment to be
disinfected. Next the instructor provides a game quiz on cultural competence of the
simulation. All student results and materials are being documented and analyzed by the
adaptive learning tool. The instructor, parent and student have access to information
informing all parties the progress of the student and suggestions on how to improve.
Opportunities and challenges. The proposed vision of EF future is possible. Yet
there are challenges that need to be addressed before this future vision can be
implemented.
Insufficient funding
Real-world application of future technology use
IT adaptability and maintenance
The role of the teacher
Adjustments due population
Funding is always been an issue because technology is expensive and may cause a
financial burden on the institutions to accommodate all students. Using the computer has
real world application in the workforce, but what about the Oculus VR? The Oculus VR
cost about $599.00 alone (Metz, 2016). Should the organization invest technology that
student probably will not use in the workforce or their daily lives? IT department may
need an overhaul and new skills to accommodate wearable technology and gaming. The
role of the instructor would change and teacher will have to readjust away from

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traditional modes of teaching. EF is an organization that caters to all learners of various

ages, nationalities and capabilities. However, Education First will have to focus on the
next largest population, the elderly.
There are many opportunities for this organization to take advantage that can
address such problems.
Alternative and creative ways for funding
Students learn and build a skill in IT
Use of New Tech will give them a new skill
From teacher to coach
Accommodate for a new population
Any IT department would have to expand to fulfill the needs of the students. This would
be an opportunity for students to learn language pertaining to technology. There are
certain fields that require their foreign staff to understand and use technical words for the
industry. This is a learning opportunity to students to learn computer and technology
lexicon and allow students to learn how to fix them. This will provide an expanded IT
department using student to learn and resolve issues. The role of the teacher will change
and it will be a challenge to teachers to stray away from the traditional model. However,
by acting as a coach or mentor the student will be more engaged in learning and will
speed up the process of learning. Finding and developing school leaders has become
imperative with the global teacher recruitment and retention crisis (OBrien and Forde,
2011). Cultural change due to population only means as an organization, EF needs to
accommodate for the expected population. The elderly are living longer and want to learn

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English. There will be a learning curve with computers and Oculus VR. EF can provide
online or in-class tutorials on how to use the technology and coaches can help them along
the way. The real use of the technology that students will be exposed to in EF will only
push their knowledge further than their competition. It is giving their knowledge set they
have not had before and introduce such knowledge in other environments.
If such changes are not made, eventually EF will not provide an engaging
environment for their students. Technology is the call of this new generation and has
become a requirement to function in daily life for most of the world. If EF does not
answer this call, they will not compete in the global market of TEFL schools and
organizations.
Plan for change. How can Education First prepare for all these changes? EF can
address these changes by first learning to accommodate the new elderly learners. By
tackling this concern first EF will be better equipped and more knowledgeable to
introduce new technologies to this population. EF can also introduce a new program that
connects students with IT department to learn technical words and how to apply them.
From there EF can encourage students to create apps and games for them Oculus VR and
learn how this technology can be used in other settings. Instructors coming in will have to
have a philosophy of instruction more suitable for the new direction EF is going. EF can
research other ways of how companies fund their technology and create another program
in where students learn business lexicon using projects to help with funding.
Call to action. What can EF do to begin the path of EF new future vision? EF can
begin with creating student clubs and faculty committees on these issues. For instance

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there can be a club in where students come together to study English and Technology
with a subdivision for the elderly and English a business. What would be unique to this is
that what they learn can have a direct impact on the organization. This allows students to
learn several things: Use English in a particular setting is creative to solve a real world
issue and act as a miniature think tank for the organization. The next action EF can take is
to implement training new instructors coaching and how to introduce flipped course in
their classrooms. By doing so EF will create the culture needed for this vision to flourish.
These calls to action steps will cost nothing and will not cost until the organization is
ready to purchase such equipment. It is possible that EF can create adaptive software
accessible to all students with the help of other students.
Education First is an organization familiar with technology and innovation. Hults
vision for a world class educational experience that would open a student's perspective
about the world has become reality. The world has transformed and so is technology. To
further engage students and toward give more global citizens access to language learning,
Education First must explore new technologies. It is not only going to be one form of
tech to create the future, but many pieces. With the future of vision of education proposal
presented in the paper will take Education First to another level. EF would continue to
build a unique future with the help of their number one asset, the student.

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References:
Adams, B.S., Estrada, V., Freeman, A., Johnson L. (2015) NMC horizon report: Higher education
edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.
Alias, N., DeWitt, D., Jamaludin, K.A. (2015) Research and trends in the studies of
homeschooling practices: A review on selected journals. The Turkish Online
Journal of Educational Technology. 14(3).
Choi, I., Ding, L., Kopcha, T., Neumann, K.(2016) Teaching technology integration to k-12
educators: A gamified approach. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to
Improve Learning. 60(1), p 62-69. 8p.
Unknown. Education first: The world leader in international education. [entire site] Education
First. Accessed: Oct 1, 2016. http://www.ef.edu/
Education First (2014, Sept.) Technical background report. EF Standard English Test. [pdf
download] Retrieved: https://www.efset.org/research/
El-Dali, H.M.(2015, July) Integrated efl skills and technology: Focus on learners perceptions.
Arab World English Journal. No. 2
Forde, C., OBrien, J. (2011) Coaching and mentoring: Developing teachers and leaders.
Edinburgh Dunedin Academic Press Limited.
Hayes,M.S. (2015) The differential effect of the no child left behind act (nclb) on states
contributions to education funding in states with binding school district tax and
expenditure limitations. Public Budgeting & Finance. 35 (1), p49-72. 24p.
Heisler, E.J., Shrestha, L.B. (2011) The changing demographic profile of the united states.
Kare, N., Sevim, N. (2013) Adaptive learning systems: Beyond teaching machines. Contemporary
Educational Technology. 4(2), 108-120

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Kim, T.Y., Kim, Y.K. (2015, Feb.) Elderly Korean learners' participation in english learning the
lifelong education: Focusing on motivation and demotivation. Educational
Gerontology. 41(2, p. 120-135, 16p.
Larabell, J.T. (2015, Dec. 12) Homeschooling: A positive trend giving hope to American
education. New American. 31(24) p10-17, p8.
Mietzner, D., Reger, G. (2005) Advantages and disadvantages of scenario approaches for strategic
foresight. Int. J. Technology Intelligence and Planning, 1(2), 220-239.
Metz, R. (2016, July 6) Oculus rift is too cool to ignore. MIT New Technology Review. 119(4). p.
104-107.
Morris, C. (2016, Jan. 21) Heres what its like to use the oculus rift. Fortune.com
Riddell, R. (2015) The 10 trends are shaping the future of education. Education Dive. Retrieved:
www.educationdive.com/news/these-10-trends-are-shaping-the-future-ofeducation/404406/
Silva, E., White, T. (2015, Mar/Apr) The carnegie unit: Past, present and future. Change. 47(2),
p68-72, 5p.
Sobrero, P. (2004) The steps for futuring. Journal of Extension, 42 (3)
Taylor, P., Parker, K, Morin, R., Fry, R., Pattern, E., Brown. A. (2014, Feb 11). The Rising Cost of
Not Going to College: Overview.
World Future Society (n.d.) Dictionary of Foresight.

Grading Rubric Points self-evaluation:

Running: The Future Vision of Education

Presentation: 19
Educational Context: 15
Trends: 15
Futuring Techniques: 8
Scenario: 8
Five ways to prepare: 10
Call to action: 8
APA Format: 5
Writing Style: 5
Total:

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