3 Top Educational Technology Trends for 2015
Remember the days when our schools used chalkboards, basic visual aids and had one desktop computer for each classroom? Now, we see more tablets and smart whiteboards being used in most schools. Less hard-bound books are visible and there are more options at our fingertips today for learning – e-books, educational apps, software, and educational websites etc… The field of education is evidently keeping up with changes in technology.
Despite the mounting pressure (for and against) increasing education budgets, educational technology trends continue to grow. According to a report by CB Insights, a venture capital database, ventures from ed tech companies soared up to nearly $1.87 billion last year (2014), up 55 percent from the year before. This is a clear indication that ed tech businesses are gearing up to invest in innovative ideas to improve education standards around the globe.
It’s an exciting, fortunate time to be a teacher or a student. Although we can expect much more new and innovative learning tools in the near future, here are the top examples of educational technology trends that are currently taking education to new heights.
Mobile Learning and Cloud Technology
The majority of students now own a mobile phone, and everyone has internet access. Furthermore, tablets and phablets (kind of a cross between a phone and a tablet) are also becoming much more affordable, making it accessible to kids as young as 2 years. In 2015, we anticipate more mobile learning apps and platforms to become available on iOS and Android, as our expectations around enhancing the learning process amplifies.
At its best, mobile learning technology engages different types of individual learners and various groups of interconnected learners through cooperative and participative learning systems. With this integration, schools have placed their resources into the cloud to access classroom information anytime anywhere. Cloud computing and storage makes that possible.
Digital Textbooks
Digital textbooks have become more popular again, together with the gush of mobile technology within the classroom. They are cheaper, more environmentally friendly, more convenient and portable than the traditional hefty print textbook. digital or e-textbooks are also more up-to-date and interactive. Consequently, this makes it the most accessible educational technology trends these days.
Google Canada launched Google Play Books App late last year to provide digital textbooks that are for sale or for rent. Once books have been rented or purchased, they are stored in the cloud and synced to your devices, giving you instant access to your textbooks on your Android, iOS device or the web. Additionally, digital books are readily available in other sources.
3D Printing
3D printing is an emerging technology that has gained a lot of buzz since 2013, with Canada being at the forefront of the revolution. This incredible printer can make 3 dimensional solid objects that will make effective learning tools, allowing educators and students to create whatever they imagine. Unquestionably, this innovation soars to the top of educational technology trends this year.
According to an article by CNet, printing company MakerBot wants to put a 3D printer in every school in the United States, and they are drumming up support from the industry and general public to make it happen. Thus, it won’t be long ‘til Canada follows suit.
There’s no doubt, classrooms have come a long way from traditional ways. As a result, more people are keeping up with the latest trends and becoming better at adapting to all the changes. The introduction of new educational technology trends is most exciting because it has increased creativity and participation among students. The future promises dynamic and thrilling learning experiences for students and teachers alike.
source: http://www.tutors-on-call.com/3-top-educational-technology-trends-for-2015/
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