An ever changing world. And a CONTEST!

Recently our friends at Microsoft hosted an evening for a group of UrbanMoms members and friends to learn about the new Microsoft Office 2010. In planning this event we decided to touch on how the technology has changed to make our lives easier. We saw how Office is going to make homework a breeze for our kids and make us as “parent helpers” obsolete. We learned about the simplification and intuitiveness of the software. And we got a sense of what is in store for us in the future.

Never before in history has the future been so mysterious. Our children are being prepared for jobs that don’t even exist yet by teachers who often know less about the technology they are using than the kids themselves. Never before has learning been more about how you learn than what you know. Our kids need to be adaptable, open minded and confident because there is simply no telling what is in store for them in the years to come.

Thankfully companies like Microsoft are thinking about these things and planning ahead. I was thrilled to learn about the School of the Future funded by Microsoft that serves as a model for 21st century learning. Obviously here, technology is everywhere and fully integrated in all of the curriculum.

But what about our kids in regular schools? What are they up against in this rapidly changing world that gets smaller every day? How do we prepare them for a future so bright it is sometimes blinding? In my opinion, what we can do is learn ourselves. Understand enough that we can engage in thoughtful discussions that will help build confidence in and provide exposure to these tools and nurture a love of learning and exploration. Because, after all, this is uncharted territory.

To illustrate this point, check out this video created by educators and learners a few years ago about the overwhelming changes happening in our world:

So, what are your thoughts and strategies for helping your kids succeed in an ever-changing world? Comment below with your answer for your chance to win a Toshiba Satellite laptop loaded with Office Professional 2010 valued at $1500!