CLASS of 2032, is a documentary, visualization, and crowdsourcing project designed to explore the future learning experience.

Stage One: Applying Design-Based Thinking to a Real World Project

Stage One began with the launch of our Class of 2032 Challenge, a crowdsourcing initiative that applies design-based thinking and artistic skills to facilitate the production of paintings, digital images, drawings, and other artwork that illustrates ideas of what we might expect from a classroom experience in the year 2032, including themes such as classroom technology, the environment (including furniture), and method of instruction. All submissions will be examined for their ideas on each theme and used to inform, and in some cases provide content, for the project’s documentary and culminating visualization. Limited face-to-face ideation sessions and workshops are available for elementary, middle, and high schools in Connecticut. The costs for these sessions are free, but we do expect to receive submissions soon after our visit. Please contact us if you’d like to book a workshop or participate in an ideation session at one of CT’s regional conferences.

Stage Two: Iterative Design and Development

Stage Two evaluated first-year ideas and used them to create a story for the documentary feature. Starting with interviews with business leaders, futurists, and change agents in education, the documentary explores, (1) what digital technologies are most likely to be adopted in the classroom by 2032, (2) how digital technologies will change how future students will interact and engage in the school experience, and (3) how will instruction be delivered.

Stage Three: Designing our Visual Experience

Once we have received enough ideas to evaluate we will begin to design a visual experience that showcases what we might expect from the school experience in the year 2032. Around the same time we hope to complete our documentary and begin early screenings, including panel discussions and presentations at national and regional conferences.