About the cover
Imagine taking a group of students on an ocean-exploring adventure — without ever leaving Columbus. Or learning about history and science in the same lecture. These things are happening. This month’s CbusNEXT section focuses on education as we explore the future of learning.
As automation threatens to change or even eliminate some jobs, educators say that focusing on what makes us human — empathy, creativity, critical thinking — will be the keys to success.
Teachers and futurists discuss how technology can enhance a student’s learning, from tablets to virtual-reality tools. And we’ll look back to a time when there were no smartphones or iPads, and see how schools have changed since then.
Higher education is transforming, too. University officials explain the need for more interdisciplinary study and flexible class schedules; community colleges take us through the changes they’ve made to better prepare students for jobs that are in demand. But as all of these new opportunities arise, will students be able to afford college? This month’s cover photo, by Dispatch Photographer Kyle Robertson, shows some of the nearly 9,000 students who attended Ohio State University’s spring commencement ceremony. More than 11,700 students received academic degrees and certificates in May, setting a graduation record. See the full photo at CbusNEXT.com.
The CbusNEXT series, exploring the future of Columbus and central Ohio, started in June with a look at growth and transportation. It will continue on the fourth Friday of each month through the end of the year. You can find all of the sections at CbusNEXT.com. There, you also can explore videos, then-and-now photos from various spots throughout Columbus and photos that show some of the city’s best scenes.Do you have ideas about the future of Columbus and central Ohio? Are you interested in talking about the region’s future at a neighborhood meeting? We want to hear from you. Email us at CbusNEXT@dispatch. com or tweet using #cbusnext.