Dulwich College Beijing students examine the Deep Racer autonomous vehicle and discuss machine learning. (Photo source: Dulwich College Beijing)
--------------------------------------------------------------
At Dulwich College Beijing (DCB), we pride ourselves on fostering innovation, creativity, and a pioneering spirit. It is with great excitement that we announce the launch of our brand-new course: FutureTech.
In our rapidly evolving, technology-driven world, we recognize the necessity of equipping our students with the skills they need for tomorrow. Our FutureTech course is designed to meet this need, ensuring our students remain competitive on a global scale.
This unique course offering is the culmination of years of dedicated work by Jared Rigby, our learning technology coach, and me. As the director of educational technology and innovation, my vision for DCB’s FutureTech program is an in-house curriculum for Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11). This innovative curriculum, which will be offered for the first time in the coming school year (academic year 2023-2024), aims to develop lifelong learners who can not only adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape of the 21st century but also effectively integrate these tools into their own work.
The FutureTech course is firmly grounded in DCB's learning principles, reflecting our strong belief that learning is most effective when it has a clear purpose, is adaptable and applicable, is personalized, and is relational. The program encourages students to take ownership of their learning process and empathize with real-world issues, thereby empowering them to devise innovative solutions to these challenges.
Crucial soft skills form a significant part of the FutureTech program. Mastering these skills will equip students to excel not only in this course but also in vital components of the International Baccalaureate program, such as internal assessments, the extended essay, and the theory of knowledge. My vision extends beyond the conclusion of the course, with graduates having the opportunity to mentor the next cohort of FutureTech students, fostering a cycle of growth and giving back within our school community.
Year 10 students at DCB discussing the ethics of artificial intelligence. (Photo source: Dulwich College Beijing)
At the heart of FutureTech is project-based learning, with a focus on data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics, alongside research and development skills. Students will explore different domains of modern and emerging technology before embarking on their own piece of extended research.
The program also offers significant benefits for our staff. A key element is ensuring students understand not just the technology behind AI but also its ethical use. This knowledge allows them to apply their skills across different disciplines, creating stronger connections between technology and other subject areas and enriching our overall academic environment.
Throughout the program, students will have numerous opportunities to collaborate with industry mentors, enabling them to devise novel solutions to current and future local or global issues. In Year 10, students will engage with project-based learning in the following five curriculum areas:
In Year 11, students will focus on one or more areas of the course, developing a project aimed at addressing a future problem. Research groups will be paired with an industry expert mentor in their focus area. By the end of Year 11, students will present their project to the rest of the school and a panel of industry experts. In addition, they will have the opportunity to enter their projects into prestigious competitions such as the Microsoft Imagine Cup and Intel AI Global Impact Festival.
At Dulwich College Beijing, we understand that students learn best when they take ownership of their learning through projects that they are passionate about. We believe in using technology for the global good and are committed to equipping our students with the skills to contribute towards this aim. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and technology-focused, a strong foundation in future tech subjects is invaluable. Our FutureTech program prepares students for the jobs of the future and provides them with the skills they need to make a positive difference.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Yosef Karasik joined Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) in 2017 as a computer science and technology teacher, bringing with him an undeniable enthusiasm for innovative practices in education. His passion for blending technology with teaching quickly set him apart, leading to his appointment as the director of educational technology and innovation in 2021. In this role, Yosef spearheads initiatives to keep DCB at the cutting edge of educational technology, ensuring that the college remains a leader in technology-enhanced learning.
An avid enthusiast of innovation, Yosef's dedication and progressive thinking significantly contributed to DCB's receipt of the prestigious British School Award for Science and Technology in 2022. This recognition was for the college's pioneering work in integrating artificial intelligence across its curriculum, a project Yosef played a critical role in. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of conventional teaching and learning, firmly believing in the transformative power of technology in education.
