Top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2012: A Review of Gartner, Inc.’s List
I chose to review Gartner, Inc.’s list of the 10 most strategic technologies for 2012. The article itself was straightforward, and although it did not specifically target the field of education, it does provide insight into some established and emerging technologies that educators should consider integrating into their classrooms.
The technologies and devices listed in this report as “strategic” generally have a few pertinent details in common: increasing connectivity (to the Internet, to social networks, to the workplace, to consumers, etc.) and decrease complexity for users and the environment (greener products, greater compatibility, more automated customization). As someone who relies on certain technologies rather heavily but is not by any means on the ‘cutting edge’ of it, I appreciated the accessibility of the article and could envision how each technology could have increasing impact on businesses/education/consumers. The article also made me realize how old school my use of technology is in many ways, as I have yet to graduate to a mobile-centric attitude and fall in love with tablets, which are not yet a suitable alternative to a computer for me – probably because I work (and play) extensively with Photoshop and none of the tablets I have used met that ‘need’.
A concern I had reading about these technologies was that they appear to encroach on privacy more than ever before, especially in terms of user-aware technologies. While there are benefits to this, it’s a bit disconcerting to think of the information we willingly and unwillingly share with ‘the world’.
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Bridget 4:08 pm on May 17, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi May,
I know what you mean about the tablets and mobile technology. I am just about in the same place and also have yet to find a great use for the tablets that is not easily done with the computer. I am working at it but it seems like there are so many apps out there and many which are recommended fall short.
Thanks for the review.
Bridget
janetb 4:46 pm on May 17, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi May,
I share your reliance on certain technologies without being on the “cutting edge”. I know I would enjoy a tablet (iPad, etc.) but find typing easier on a keyboard and don’t travel enough or have a long commute when a lighter, smaller device would be useful. However, I also realize as I read through these articles/sites that I need to start updating my use of technology and that I need to think more about how I can incorporate what is out there into my classroom – safely.
The article I read also commented on security issues. Convenience seems to be trumping privacy. The current generation of teenagers and young adults sometimes have different views of privacy and what is ok to share or protect online. They are so comfortable with sharing information online, I don’t know if they will share some of the privacy issues that previous generations have had. I don’t have data to support that, just a subjective observation of the teenagers I work with.
Janet
maybacon 7:39 am on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Janet,
I think you’re right about a generational difference with privacy issues, though I haven’t read any reports on the matter either – it’s just a perception of teens vs. myself vs. my parents that seems to show a gradual increase in openness on the Internet. In many ways, I don’t personally have a problem with this, but I’m concerned that kids with little understanding of the consequences are already using the technology to their detriment, personally and later professionally.
May
dubiend 5:03 pm on May 18, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi May,
Maybe the great availability of programs that disregard privacy will be placed in check by a trend towards more private technologies.
As for being lost in a sea of technologies, maybe there’s a need for consultants in each school board to act as advisors in tech use and the selection of programs and training in how to mix them in with your lessons. I know that most school have a tech person, put at my ex-school board there doesn’t appear to be a designated tech pedagogical advisor.