Innovative Trends in Educational Technology
Fri 14 June, 2019
For schools to take full advantage of different teaching methods, they must consider new technologies. This blog will walk you through some of the most innovative trends in educational technology and examine what the future of technology in education may look like.
Augmented reality and virtual reality
Virtual and augmented reality have reached the stage of being readily accessible through mobile devices and headsets. This accessibility creates exciting new possibilities for education.
Rather than just having to describe tricky concepts or far-distant places, virtual and augmented reality allows students to visualise these fully. This greatly enhances student engagement, particularly for students who do not respond as well to traditional learning methods such as reading textbooks.
Gamification
Gamification is what it sounds like – the use of game designs and mechanics in education. These include things like ‘points’ or leaderboards. In the classroom, you can use a reward system of points to celebrate good marks or behaviour, and then let students’ natural competitiveness drive them to try harder! Tournaments and competitions can lead even the most unwilling student to put in a bit of extra effort.
Video games can be adapted for teaching, with plenty of educational games and apps available. Quizzes, as well as maths and logic puzzles, are easy to find and can provide a fun twist on learning to keep students engaged.
Although the concept itself isn’t new, gamification presents a way for schools to interact with new technologies and use them for educational purposes. Combined with other trends, such as virtual reality and mobile learning, gamification is taking on a new lease of life.
Artificial Intelligence
The future role of artificial intelligence in education is set to be huge. As reported by Forbes, it is expected that the use of AI in US education will grow by 47.5% from 2017-2021. This colossal growth will include things like AI streamlining admin tasks for teachers (such as marking homework), personalising work to the abilities of different students, and even translating what teachers are saying to non-native speakers.
AI can also analyse data on a level humans simply cannot and find areas in which courses need to improve. Did lots of students struggle with one particular exam? What was the topic that they struggled with most? By answering these questions with AI, education can become more focused and efficient.
Mobile Learning
Mobile learning, or M-learning, is arguably the most widespread of these innovative trends in educational technology. Through using handheld computers such as smartphones in the classroom, heavy and possibly out-of-date textbooks can be replaced with quick and easy access to the latest information.
The use of mobile learning also allows students to learn from anywhere. Teachers can immediately interact with students and send information remotely, providing them with instant feedback and allowing greater coordination. This is especially useful for updating students on room changes or results without having to track down each individual.
Education on data privacy and cyber security
Regardless of how much you use technology in your school, students are part of a generation of digital natives. Computers, tablets and smartphones are all huge parts of their lives, and they know their way around the internet.
However, it is one thing to be using the internet, and another to be safely using it. With questions being asked about cyber security and data privacy in relation to everything from possible Russian interference in Donald Trump’s election, to Facebook’s improper storage of user data, it is clear that it’s important to guard yourself online. Teaching students this vital skill will allow them to use the internet wisely and keep their privacy protected.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the exciting technology trends in education. With constant innovation and development in information technology, it’s important for schools to try out new methods of teaching as this will enhance the overall learning experience.
Soft Egg can offer IT support, network services and classroom solutions if your school is thinking about investing in new learning technologies.