Emerging Educational Technologies

The following four educational technologies were discussed in EDT 6440 or directed toward research on these technologies.

1. Gaming. There has historically been a migration to urban areas and thus less access to public spaces. With this decrease in young people's access to public spaces, there has been a corresponding increase in online space. The virtual world provides the opportunity to create characters or avatars to represent us in games like Second Life. We can also represent ourselves to friends and family through photos, images, and links. These games allow us to be creative, communicative, and analytic in our engagement. This environment has the opportunity for educators to exploit it for learning. For example, Second Life is used by educators to hold forums for lectures, discussions, and information interaction.

2. Mobile Learning. This type of learning continues to grow as devices support this educational experience. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones currently provide the mechanism for growth. Future devices will only add capabilities to further mobile learning.

3. Online Learning. The profileration of online learning through MOOCs and sites like the Khan Academy. These learning concepts are shaping the future of education and online learning.

4. Cloud Computing. Different people use this term in different ways and it seems that many use it as a "buzz" word without really understanding the concept and capability of cloud computing.

I have included "10 links" below that expand on these four educational technologies and offers more information on other technology and concepts. For example, some links and articles discuss the future of education and what the classroom is like or how it can be enhanced by emerging technology tools.

The Future of Technology.
A brief description by Dr. Leneway on transforming the classroom for today’s changing students. It explains how institutions will evolve to accommodate the changing world of technology with new tools and data and communication systems.
http://blogs.adobe.com/education/2013/01/31/transforming-the-classroom-for-todays-changing-students/
A more detailed description by Dr. Leneway with Transforming K-12 Classrooms with Digital Technology: A Look at What Works! This furthers the explanation of what technology works in the K-12 system.
http://www.igi-global.com/chapter/transforming-k-12-classrooms-with-digital-technology/88961

Cloud Computing.
A good primer on how cloud computing works with embedded video from the site howstuffworks.
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-computing.htm
A down-to-earth article from PCMag about what really is cloud computing. Its not just a buzzword, but a valuable concept for expanding capability.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372163,00.asp

Educational Technology Trends.
I am a big fan of the Horizon Report and I have included links to the 2013 and 2014 editions below. The 2014 edition contains two exciting concepts – 1) Elements of the Creative Classroom Research Model and 2) The Evolution of Online Learning.
2014 Horizon Report.
http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2014-nmc-horizon-report-he-EN.pdf
The 2013 copy is a must read in my opinion for a comprehensive review of emerging educational technology trends. It discusses the most significant trends in three time-to-adoption horizon categories – 1) one year or less, 2) two to three years, and 3) four to five years. It includes discussions of massively open online courses (MOOCs), tablet computing, games and gamification, learning analytics, 3D printing, and wearable technology.
2013 Horizon Report.
http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2013-horizon-report-HE.pdf

The Future of Learning.
The link below is a Haiku Deck presentation on what’s happening now in educational technology.
https://www.haikudeck.com/connected-education-presentation-SscRRZkjFT#
This is a link to an enlightening video of a future classroom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ73ZsBkcus

Online learning.
The link below takes you to an informative article about the Khan Academy and its growth and benefits. It talks about how students are exploiting Khan Academy as a vital resource for academic success. It has several embedded links to include one that takes you directly to the academy.
http://www.distancelearning.com/kahn-academy/
The link below is a powerful resource on the future of online learning and how MOOCs fit into the future of learning.
http://www.bestcollegesonline.org/moocs/ I hope you enjoy these resources and find them useful for learning more about educational technologies and their potential.