Educational technology funding is soaring, projected to reach $19 billion by 2018. The prospects for educators are both thrilling and terrifying, as we prepare to accommodate the new tools, methods and knowledge that this evolution will require.
Online Learning
Everyone from students to top administrators now has access to a vast treasure trove of online resources. Students can source the information they need, in whatever format they prefer, at any time of the day or night, for extended learning outside of the classroom.
“Blended” Learning
Educators can now combine the benefits of in-person, teacher-to-student learning with online resources and new learning approaches such as project-based learning, maker education, game-based learning, and more. This smorgasbord of options enables teachers and students to personalize their learning models.
More Devices, More Mobility
Students like devices and are more than willing to use them in school. The Journal reported that 89% of high schools students, and 50% of 3rd-5th graders have access to smartphones. More than 50% of high school students also have tablets and laptops.
These devices are useful for homework, research and collaboration. As the devices get “smarter,” with feature-functionality advancing from photography and poll-conducting to location-aware notifications, voice control and even “augmented reality” – you can expect to see an even greater impact on education. Devices are also now available with assistive technologies that help eliminate barriers for students with special needs and learning challenges.
Video – and the Flipped Classroom
Video is on the rise, both in and out of school, and is the tool that has enabled the “flipped classroom.” In flipped instruction, homework-time and instruction-time swap places. Instruction (lectures, etc.) takes place at home, via video and narrated screencasts, while assignments (previously known as “homework”) take place in the classroom. Those assignments then benefit from meaningful teacher interaction and student collaboration, thus increasing the opportunity for creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Increased Collaboration
Students aren’t the only ones using the new collaboration tools. Teachers and entire school systems can now easily and inexpensively share data, content and ideas.
Re-designed Classroom Spaces
If the days of passive, lecture-based learning are phasing out, the classroom may soon morph to accommodate the new norm, encouraging the integration of technology. Perhaps the teacher’s desk will soon be found in the center of the room, surrounded by round tables at which students collaborate and utilize shared technology and tools.
Assessment and Measurement
Technology has also brought us better ways to measure skills, individual progress, and the effectiveness of various tools and approaches. Data analysis can be leveraged to improve individual student experience, and education as a whole.
Social Media
Many of us consider social media “a kids’ thing,” yet we find it increasingly integrated into modern life. Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow, says, “Today’s students are looking at social media not as a separate thing that you do occasionally, but as a pervasive part of the way they are living their lives outside of school – and one they want to connect with their lives inside the classroom.” As educators jump on the social media bandwagon, they help avoid a disconnect between them and their students.
In conclusion:
The world is changing and education must change with it, accommodating new technology and encouraging innovation. Many of these changes will help students develop the skills increasingly valued in the business world, such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and entrepreneurship. However, the tool or technology must remain secondary to and supportive of the ultimate learning goals set out by the student and teacher.
For more on top technology trends:
5 Education Tech Trends For 2015
2015’s Top Education Technology Trends
5 Top Trends in Education Technology 2015
10 Major Technology Trends in Education
How are you using technology in your classroom? Anyone out there teaching coding? We’re looking for guest bloggers! Submit your comments, ideas and any supporting materials you may have here.
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