IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

Schools, also known as educational institutions, are often compulsory in society. Progressive societies recognize the importance of schools, knowing that a good school system often equates to a better and more equipped workforce. While some societies only require primary level schooling, the more advanced societies may require their youth to finish secondary school before being allowed to work. Good schools also help churn out the talent needed to advance science and technology, medicine, architecture, and the arts. And if a society is known for its school system, sometimes the best and brightest from around the world may go there, wishing to learn and perhaps eventually work there as well.

Because schools are important, many societies invest much in their school systems. Besides hiring qualified teachers, there are often constant improvements to the school curriculum. Competition today is fierce, so schools try to select the best subjects and methods to make their graduates more competitive.

Moreover, schools often aim to improve their facilities when they can. Administrators understand that if the atmosphere at their school is conducive to learning, students will have an easier time understanding their subjects. That is why there are often moves to improve the air-conditioning and soundproofing of rooms. Efforts are also made to upgrade the school's equipment to give their students an edge in learning.

To keep up with the changing times, much innovation is being made in the field of education technology or EdTech. Because of the pandemic of 2020, online learning was thrust into the spotlight as schools in many countries could no longer operate face to face. In other areas, blended learning became the staple to minimize contact. Here, teachers meet their students once or twice a week, with all other class meetings held online or accessed through video.

To help facilitate these changes, some EdTech companies have developed learning platforms where modules are accessed through gadgets. Such modules often incorporate videos and pictures designed to both teach and catch the interest of the learners. Virtual reality (VR) is another development that hopes to revolutionize learning. Through a VR headset, learners are transported to a computer-generated environment where they can interact freely with what is there—much like what is seen in sci-fi movies.

With such developments, many are predicting a future where schools are no longer physical structures people visit. Instead, students will stay at home and learn online or through a virtual reality device. Instead of real teachers, students will listen to pre-recorded lessons or something taught in real-time via artificial intelligence. Sceptics may find such thoughts hard to believe now, but at today's rate of advancement, anything is possible.