explore · Strategy · 60–120 min · 5-20 people · medium energy

K12 Futures Library

The K12 Futures Library provides immersive experiences designed to help educators imagine and design the future of learning. This method encourages participants to explore different scenarios and consider the implications of various trends and technologies on education.

When to use K12 Futures Library

Use this method when working with educators or stakeholders in the education sector to envision and plan for the future of learning. It is particularly useful for strategic planning and curriculum development.

What it solves

Lack of vision; resistance to change; difficulty adapting to new technologies.

How to run K12 Futures Library, step by step

  1. Introduce the concept of futures thinking and the purpose of the K12 Futures Library. (10 minutes)
  2. Divide participants into small groups and assign each group a specific future scenario to explore. (10 minutes)
  3. Each group discusses the implications of their assigned scenario for education and identifies key challenges and opportunities. (30 minutes)
  4. Groups share their insights with the whole group. (30 minutes)
  5. Facilitate a discussion to identify common themes and strategic priorities. (30 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Future scenario descriptions
  • Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard
  • Markers
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Provide clear and concise descriptions of the future scenarios.
  • Encourage participants to think creatively and challenge their assumptions.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants getting bogged down in the details of the present. Remind them to focus on the future.
  • Groups struggling to imagine different scenarios. Provide them with examples and prompts.

Variations

  • Use different types of future scenarios (e.g., optimistic, pessimistic, neutral).
  • Incorporate data and research to inform the scenario development process.

Running it online or hybrid

Utilize virtual breakout rooms for small group discussions and collaborative document editing for sharing insights.

What it produces

A shared understanding of potential future scenarios for education and a set of strategic priorities for adapting to those scenarios.

Origin

Adapted from Stanford d.school — source

Build a session around K12 Futures Library

METODIC places K12 Futures Library inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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