Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and personal computer pioneer, predicted the future of technology during his onstage Q&A session with Dr. Bill Rankin, director of educational innovation.
After starting a social and technological revolution with the invention of the Apple computer, Wozniak encouraged attendees to be brave as mobile technology continues to get better and change the way people do things in life.
He also predicted the majority of books would be digital rather than printed within 20 years and iPhones would further implement the use of voice-activated commands.
Wozniak also presented his ideas for a more innovative classroom, teaching kids to learn by motivating them to learn instead of teaching them facts.
“If you cant motivate a student to want to learn, that’s so much more important than what’s in the book,” Wozniak said.
And teachers can motivate students in a technology-focused classroom with an emphasis in personalized learning, he said, at least until technology replaces human instruction, that is. But, Wozniak said that hasn’t happened yet.
In his life, Wozniak found passion in things he did and went for his dreams, and he encouraged others to do the same.
“I like it when small groups of people, just like a couple of kids in a dorm start talking about an idea, and you know it’s a long, long project—it might take half a year to a year—but I just love it when small groups start talking about projects that might change life,” Wozniak said.
And that idea matches the advice Wozniak gave to college students trying to find jobs in this economy. He said this is an exciting time of change where software companies are open to new ideas and young, start-up companies are looking for creative people with new ideas.
After the event, many students and faculty lined the Moody concourse to take photos, get autographs and shake Wozniak’s hand.
Jackie McBroom, assistant superintendent for Sanger ISD, said he enjoyed the relaxed nature of the event.
“I really enjoyed listening to him ramble.” McBroom said. “His stream of consciousness is inspiring. He really is a legend.”
