Ripe for Innovation, Part 2

Educational process: learning at home via electronic means was a tough sell even for a ‘short time.’ For a longer term the shortcomings in virtual education became more apparent. Attention span is one. Effective learning methods is another. Variety of learning customs to the student’s needs is yet another.

How much research and innovation has been done on this challenge? How quickly are we learning to adapt to a new methods of education? Will it improve more? Will effectiveness of teaching and learning expand in turn? All unknowns currently. Much work needs to be done. Much research. Risk taking and innovation will demand a lot of our educators. And the students if we are to weather the change well.

And then the policy question will be: is remote learning better overall than in-person instruction? If so, do we need school buildings? Or will those buildings continue in demand but of different design parameters?

Public health practices and policy: will face masks be a retained appurtenance to our way of life? Will we protect ourselves and others by wearing masks as a public courtesy? Or at least some form of respiratory protection? China has been doing this for years, but mostly because of poor air quality. Now the focus is on preventing the spread of germs of whatever variety.

Will doctors’ offices be re-designed for traffic separation? What about cleanliness of labs, waiting  and consultation rooms? Will virtual visits be the norm with in-person visits saved for more critical examinations and treatments?

What effect on the healthcare industry will we witness in the next 10 years? A lot, I bet. And will it be cheaper or more costly?

Housing: with work from home expanding, commuting will lessen or disappear. More focus on individual workspace in homes will occur. Quiet zones in homes for study, learning, working and chilling out will become an important feature of most homes. Location will be less important. Urban, rural or far rural will be equalized for work purposes. Property values will be lower as more diverse locations lower the cost of land per dwelling. Town amenities will become more important to support enriched cultural experiences for residents. Long commutes to cultural meccas in urban areas will be less. The face of housing will shift with lifestyle changes and focus. Size of space will be called into question when 24/7 use shrinks personal space. Just think of it. Imagine it.

Consumerism: America is the land of consumption. Having more and better of anything was the sign of success and upward mobility. Those two benchmarks were all-important to the common man. Will this remain? Or will consumer behavior become more personal and private? Will we demand as much quantity as we have in the past? Or will the focus be on use and longevity qualities? Will the use outside of the home still be an important consideration on which car, house, clothing, jewelry to buy? Or will we become tamer, less flashy?

Each of the above assumes a lasting shift in American lifestyles. If that is true, then entertainment will change as will most occupations. This will require a supportive change in education and interpersonal relationships. Soon philosophy and sensitivity to history and news will be recast.

A new millennium? Or a false start? When will we know which? If even?

December 16, 2020