6 Emerging Technologies in Education

6. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION Technology continues to revolutionize the K-12 environment, colleges and universities, and other educational organizations and institutions. The 2013 Horizon Report identified and outlined six new technologies that are expected to be integrated into the classroom. Some of the educational applications are still being developed, but there are others you can start using now. IN ONE YEAR MASSIVELY OPEN ONLINE 1. COURSES (MOOCS) Online classes open to the public allow anyone, regardless of their background or location, to gain new skills and knowledge at no cost. Interest in MOOCS and their proliferation have grown rapidly in the last several years. EXAMPLE: Google's first massive open online course, "Power Searching with Google, helped participants improve their Internet search skills MOBILE TECHNOLOGY Thanks to their portability, the availability of mobile and interactive apps, and low cost compared to laptops, tablets are increasingly being used as learning tools in the classroom. EXAMPLE: Vanderbilt University students are designing an Android app to help the visually impaired learn math using vibrations and audio feedback. IN TWO - THREE YEARS 3 GAMES AND GAMIFICATION Educational game play can build critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork akills. Badges and ranking systems can also serve to honor student achievements. EXAMPLE: The Historical Williamsburg Living Narrative Project is an interactive fictional game incorporating the geography, culture and characters of early Williamsburg, Virginia. LEARNING ANALYTICS Learning analytics deciphers trends and patterns from educational data to help instructors create effective teaching and learning strategies tailored to their students. EXAMPLE: One company incorporated a tool into its e-textbooks that provides students with insights into their study habits and behaviors. IN FOUR - FIVE YEARS 3D PRINTING This technology has become much more affordable and accessible in the last few years. Applications in the classroom include creating replicas of objects and 3D models of designs and concepts. EXAMPLE: 3D printers could be used to create models of dinosaur fossils, sculptures or molecules. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY Wearable devices, such as Google Glass, can offer the wearer real-time information about their surroundings, track movements and gestures, and offer a hands-free option for various technological functions. EXAMPLE: Wearable video cameras could provide a record of learning experiences and projects. Source: NMC Horizon Report 2013 Higher Education Edition www.nmc.org/publications/2013-horizon-report-higher-ed SAINT • XAVIER •UNIVERSITY Now offering an online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction