Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace Page 2RSS Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • mcquaid 5:44 pm on September 15, 2011
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    This is a look at the eLearning coach (Connie Malamed)’s Learning Technology Trends To Watch In 2011. Done in December of 2010, some of it may be dated or evolving already (as the article alludes to, as an “artificial” end-of-year piece), but as a static document, I took it at its face value right now. […]

    Continue reading A Tale Of Two Stories Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • Jim 5:54 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I think we are both saying that the site doesn’t really say too much… or, at least, too more more than we already know… I suspect that it becomes more of an audience issue… Who is Connie’s audience with this blog? Probably not us… You and I are probably more the type to follow the blog’s of specific teachers using technology and hang on every word of their reflections about using it in their practice. For example, take a look at this teacher and her breathtaking post about using VoiceThread as a containers for her students’ e-portfolios:

      http://teachingsagittarian.com/2009/03/voicethread-as-a-digital-portfolio/

      That’s what I’m talking about…

    • mcquaid 4:05 pm on September 17, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I think you’re right Jim – it may be an audience issue. I think her article is fine for what it is, perhaps – just a list of things. As MET students, directed to be critical, I wonder if we just wanted and expected too much from it.
      Thanks for the blog link. I checked it out the other day… I’ll have a more thorough look later!
      Cheers,
      Steve

    • verenanz 12:09 pm on September 18, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I agree with both of you. i wonder if she is a teach teacher just trying to encourage her “troops” to look at tech alternatives in the classroom?

      THANK YOU for the great voicethread link…We are looking at e-portfolios at work at the moment…so this a great example for my “troops”.

      Verena:)

  • ashleyross 11:33 am on September 15, 2011
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    Tags: , , Technology Trends   

    Connie Malamed, writer of the eLearning Coach describes ten technology trends in her “Learning Technology Trends To Watch In 2011” report. In this report she explains how these technologies are being and can be used in professional learning environments, who is using them and hypothesizes on what to expect in the future. As someone who […]

    Continue reading Learning Technology Trends Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • mcquaid 3:44 pm on September 17, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Hi, Ashley.
      I agree that Malamed’s site is clear as well as easy to read & navigate. The article in question I thought was a little too basic (I guess that’s OK, as it’s really just a list of things to watch), leaving me wanting some more information (including sources). Other things on the site seemed more worthwhile to me personally at the moment.

  • Jay 10:51 am on September 15, 2011
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    Tags: immgrant services, international, NGO, OECD   

    The OECD report on Trends in Education 2010 focuses on a few specific areas of global change with technology included as the last chapter of five. Much of the report is written with a social lens as opposed to a business or technological lens that some of the other reports are written from. The report […]

    Continue reading OECD – filling in the gaps Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • Angela Novoa 12:43 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Jay,

      Thanks for sharing such complete critique of this report. An updated version of this report would be interesting to review, as the set of questions that it poses are relevant for knowing about the implications of new technologies to teaching and learning.

      Cheers,

      Angela.

    • Everton Walker 3:16 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Nice and thorough presentation. I also take issue currency of the information you spoke about. At the rapid rate technology is advancing, one needs to be aware of the latest trend. However, is this rapid pace doing more harm than good? Are we really maximizing the full potential of the older technologies or we are just simply treating them like sanitary napkins?

      • Jay 4:47 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        I like the sanitary napkin analogy and I don’t know if we are actually mazimizing the full potential of older technologies simply because there’s no time. There’s always something “newer” and “better” and I would argue that while the pace of technological advancement is exciting it does not allow for adaption and is far too costly to continuously stay in the loop. Newer isn’t always better and I think sometimes we should work on mazimizing what we have before moving on to something that might be more advanced or a newer version.

    • Doug Smith 9:02 pm on September 17, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Great critique Jay. Like you (I think), my instinct is to say that 2008 is outdated. However, if we’re talking about emerging markets, we still want to keep an eye towards something that has some stability. This is similar to the choosing between small cap and blue chip investing. I think that most people that are contemplating some type of venture into educational technology will find comfort and interest in reviewing reports that show stability, growth and reduction.

  • andrea 9:17 pm on September 14, 2011
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    I reviewed the Horizon Report created by the New Media Consortium and EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative. The Horizon report’s specified audience is “higher education” but their predictions could be applied to a range of scenarios. (For example, game-based learning is used in corporate learning, and learning analytics is used in projects like School of One for […]

    Continue reading What’s on the Horizon? Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • schiong 10:57 am on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Hi ,

      I find multimedia very useful in teaching concepts (computer, programming, math, science, etc).
      When I was in college long long time ago, I had difficult time memorizing and understanding the OSI layers. Then our instructor decided to let us watch a movie … It was a 3D animation explaining how the OSI layer works. hahaha .. Then, I was able to get it.

      • andrea 7:34 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        Hi Stephen, I definitely see the value of multimedia for teaching as well. I guess that embedding videos directly into a text not only helps illustrate new concepts but also provides for a cohesive learner experience. My thinking in this question was around whether or not that’s really a *new* thing for ed tech, or just a slightly different format of what web and lots of online courses already did. However, writing a book and including multimedia resources would be different than creating a course… so perhaps I’ve answered my own question here 🙂

    • verenanz 12:14 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Andrea…

      About e-books – They haven’t really appealed to me personally primarily because I have an Iphone and the text is so small….but also because when I tried to download the software, in order to have access to e-books through the public library…I could not distinguish between which software was needed for some, and other software for others…

      Right now…e-books are too complicated for me…

      Kids: Well my kids are in primary school.and they only like interactive, visually appealing e-books. Anything that looks like a book – is a book to them. E-book or not, they don’t distinguish.

      So…until the software becomes easier…until I have access to an Ipad and until the books are more visually interactive….I will look at alternatives.

      I agree that everything changes at such a rapid rate that I could be wrong….How exciting that would be!

      Verena:)

      • kstooshnov 10:48 am on September 16, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        Hi Verena,

        I found an interesting post on eBooks’ potential from British author Nick Hornby, written a few years ago (before iPads were on the market, hence his comment about Apple’s disinterest and why eBooks remain uncool) that are similar to your, and many other’s, concerns over this technology.

        Kyle

        • andrea 10:46 pm on September 17, 2011 | Log in to Reply

          Thanks for the link, Kyle. I found his assertion that “Book-lovers are always late adaptors, and generally suspicious of new technology” interesting.

    • Everton Walker 12:40 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Multimedia is definitely the way to go in the modern classroom at all levels. I do rate the ebook concept highly as it allows one to move around with virtual libraries and databases of information. Everything is going at a fast pace in the modern world and persons need information on the go. The patience doesn’t exist anymore to sit in a library for hours to acquire information from texts. The major drawback is that only a chosen few really have access to this technology. Developing and underdeveloped countries are always playing catch up to developed countries and may finally catch up with the ebook frenzy in the distant future.

      • andrea 7:29 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        Hi Everton, good point about being able to access virtual libraries and databases as part of the ebook experience. I can definitely see the value that provides.

    • bcourey 4:05 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I am an e-book converter..all it took was a surcharge on my luggage weight when I travelled with so many books on my vacations. All I take now is my wee little Sony ereader with my ebooks loaded and I am a happy beach-bum! I am finding our students are really taking to some of their e-text books too..one of our secondary departments is giving it a go and the students prefer their lighter book bags!

      • Doug Smith 9:13 pm on September 17, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        Your experience parallels mine very closely. My main impetus for getting an ereader was for taking on trips. There is nothing like lugging around three large and bulky books and finishing them all before you get home again. I also bought a Sony reader, the PRS-300. I love the size and that I can carry it in many (not all) of my pockets.

        I believe that eBooks are outselling regular books in the publishing business. Like it or not, the ebook is transforming education right now. Even in its most generic manifestation, such as a direct copy of a textbook, the ebook offers advantages in areas such as storage, depreciation and mobility. Access to the devices required to use ebooks will be the limiting factor in their use.

    • khenry 2:38 pm on September 18, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I am relatively new to using e-books but am already a fan like from the ease of portability as many of you already cited.
      One of my desires, like Verenanz’s children is for a more interactive experience. This is an area I would like to see developed.
      Kerry-Ann

  • Doug Smith 5:11 pm on September 14, 2011
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    Tags: , markets   

    I decided to critique the Ambient Insight Comprehensive Report, as I like seeing data which helps me understand the environment that I am looking at. Thankfully for the purposes of this critique, the Ambient Insight document was just the introduction to the full report, which is over 80 pages in its entirety. The report breaks […]

    Continue reading Ambient Insight Comprehensive Report Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • bcourey 4:13 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Perhaps this is an article we need to take a close look at when we are preparing for our assignments. You mention that the report woudl be useful for venture capitalists…an audience we need to tap into for this course!

      • Karen Jones 3:40 pm on September 16, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        After mulling over Assignment #1 and thinking of ways to approach this task, I had the exact same thought as you, Brenda. This report might be a good first look at the quantitative analysis of markets. I have to admit at this point am not really sure how to search for resources similar to this one that covers the venture I have in mind. Hopefully a closer analysis of this resource might lead to a clearer direction.

        KJ

    • wongte 4:07 am on September 16, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Doug,
      Great analysis of this article. You clearly demonstrate the pros and cons of this article. I also feel that it might be a good one to read to help us with our assignments. From what you write it seems it might give us more insight to what we have been reading on the blog this week. What do you think?

  • Alice 12:27 pm on September 14, 2011
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    Tags: , , predictions, , thin computing,   

    Christopher Dawson and Adam Garry each offer 5 predictions to make up the ZDNet Top 10 EdTech predictions for 2011. Dawson is the ZDNet education blogger and vice-president of marketing for WizIQ, an online learning platform, while Garry is manager of global professional learning for Dell. While Dawson interviewed Garry for his predictions, Dawson remains […]

    Continue reading ZDnet’s uneven 2011 predictions Posted in: Uncategorized, Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • David William Price 9:25 am on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Nice work. It seems a common problem that some people are gadget focused. I suppose in the Ed Tech realm this is similar to people who are “solution focused” meaning they don’t do a proper needs analysis to determine what the problems are and what root causes should be addressed.

      I suspect the issue that “solutions-focused” people miss is the prerequisites of the community. Until a community has the required foundations in place (comfort level, supports, awareness of the problems that can be solved, willingness to take the risks required by the solution, etc.), a technology is not going to have much effect. With the proper foundations, a very basic technology can have huge effects. Without the proper foundations, an advanced technology can be a huge waste of resources.

      The disconnect between futurists and users is the failure to develop the necessary community.

      • Everton Walker 2:44 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        You are so right about persons being gadget focused. It is just frightening sometimes at the way we focus on the end product and ignore the process. Persons of that nature ignore the natural power of the brain and think that a piece of gadget must be involved in every task. There must always be a balance in the learning situation where we go beyond the gadget and even try and get more from it than its prescribed use.

    • Jay 1:06 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Might this ‘community’ be better developed with more inclusion of learner’s in the needs assessment process? While this likely less possible in child education it is a key principle in adult education. I think in the case of some of the new technologies, the learners are left out of the needs assessment and developing process which can lead to missing root causes of the problems. As David mentions if a community of learners does not feel safe, supported or willing to take required risk, new technology is unlikely to solve the problem that stems from these deeper foundations.

    • Allie 3:23 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Hi David and Jay,

      Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments on my post! I’m in full agreement with you that the absence of a needs-assessment – or in this case the notion that needs assessment is paramount – is a real issue with the gadget or solutions-focused crowd. Thanks for hitting that one on the head :). I do find that Garry, whose predictions focus on shifts in education, is quite different from Dawson in this regard.

      I wonder if somehow doing needs assessment *for* the gadget crowd could be a venture in and of itself?

      Something that I like in both of your honing in on the idea of the community is that learning communities are diverse (amongst themselves, never mind within a given community), and no single technology will fit all. I suppose that’s why I feel a little uncomfortable with some of the overwhelming tablet enthusiasm.

    • Jay 4:50 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Good observation. The diversity of learners in a given learning community presents a problem with the one-size fits all approach and requires educators to consider multi-faceted technologies that attempt to encompass different styles of learning…and teaching!

    • Jim 6:06 pm on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Wow! You said it all when you wrote “I’ll have to do a lot of legwork to see their applicability to educational practice.” Exactly and well put. I think this is the challenge for all teachers who wish to effectively use the avalanche of technology currently being purchased for schools. I wish a larger portion of the budgets would go towards paying for ongoing, long term support and professional development so teachers can wield these tools in precise and purposeful ways in their classrooms.

    • Can a "gadget guy" also be an "education guy"? | ZDNet 8:03 pm on September 18, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      […] read a very interesting critique of one of my articles the other day. A student at the University of British Columbia reviewed my “Top 10 Ed Tech predictions for 2011″ and concluded that the piece, a […]

    • Christopher Dawson 8:09 pm on September 18, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Just wanted to share my roundabout response to your post:
      http://www.zdnet.com/blog/education/can-a-gadget-guy-also-be-an-education-guy/4692

      Your points are well-taken and I especially like the idea you noted in the comments above about a business model around educational technology needs assessments. I often go back to the good old SDLC (and mention it in the presentation I embedded in my response) – but how many technical project managers make it into education? Not many, meaning there is a large, unmet need for people to handle at least the early parts of the lifecycle around defining problems and requirements.

      Thanks again for your great post. While the blog format (and time constraints) don’t often allow for as much background or on-the-ground perspectives as I’d like, I’ll try to keep your critique in mind and include more “how does this impact student achievement and educational practice?” sorts of information in my posts.

      Best,
      Chris

    • Can a "gadget guy" also be an "education guy"? 8:49 pm on September 18, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      […] read a very interesting critique of one of my articles the other day. A student at the University of British Columbia reviewed my “Top 10 Ed Tech predictions for 2011″ and concluded that the piece, a combination […]

    • Can a “gadget guy” also be an “education guy”? – ZDNet (blog) | News In world 5:55 am on September 19, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      […] read a very interesting critique of one of my articles the other day. A student at the University of British Columbia reviewed my “Top 10 Ed Tech predictions for 2011″ and concluded that the piece, a combination […]

    • Adam Garry 4:08 am on September 20, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I agree with Chris about the blog format because we talked for a while about my predictions and he showed a deep understanding for how the learning conversation must come first. In regards to a needs assessment, I believe it is critical in the process of determining what problem the technologies can help to solve. We actually engage in visioning days with school districts to help them determine what they want learning to look like and then begin to figure out if technology is a good fit to help them achieve their vision. The best part about this process is that we involve students in the conversation and their voice is very powerful. Thanks for keeping the conversation alive.

      AG

  • David Berljawsky 7:01 am on September 14, 2011
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    Gartner’s article about the top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2011 has some very intriguing points. The article states “Gartner defines a strategic technology as one with the potential for significant impact on the enterprise in the next three years.” This is important to keep in mind because even though some of the strategic technologies that […]

    Continue reading David’s Critique on Gartner’s Article Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • verenanz 12:26 pm on September 14, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      David…

      I totally agree with the “mobile” mania phenomena…..As a teacher I am so excited that
      1) students already have the hardware and we don’t have to pay for it…..and Apps are beginning to be accessible on all phones
      2) The “unlimited” Apps offer teachers an amazing source of new ideas/content
      3) The comfort level of learning at your own time, in your own space, in your own way is something face to face classrooms cannot offer

      However…mobile options are at risk when so many schools ban cel phones.

      Using Gartner’s ” 3 year” cycle theory….what will the “cel phone” rules be in 3 years?

      Comparing the mobile phenomena to the SMARTboard phenomena – what intrigues me most is the fact that mobiles are “owned and operated” by the students. SMARTboards are “owned by the school and most often operated” by teachers. How will the “change in power and control” over tech tools influence student learning? How will teachers react to the aspect of “losing control?”

      I think the “power and influence” in learning is shifting…and that’s where we will see the biggest “issues” with mobile use in the years to come….

      That’s why if I had money….I would invest in software with mobile options….

      Verena:)

      • David William Price 9:30 am on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        That’s a great point about the ownership, control and ubiquity of a technology. I have never seen anyone use a SMARTboard in my classes in the faculty of education. THey seem to hang on the walls like some kind of expensive decoration with notes posted on the wall saying “Don’t use dry erase markers on the SMARTboards”.

        On the other hand, many of us (including the profs) are using laptops and iPads in classes and checking things the prof says and sharing in real-time. We’re able to add to the class with our tech (vs. expecting the prof to entertain us with the SMARTboard tech with whatever limited access, time, experience etc. he/she may have)

      • David Berljawsky 1:24 pm on September 17, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        The cell phone rules in schools need to be enforced. Students with video cameras on them is not a great ides personally. Perhaps the future is supplying cell phones to students (or tablets) with certain features turned off? Maybe a dummied down iPhone without features that are not relevent (or useful) for education? Of course, we would all have to switch over to Linux for that, somehow I doubt that Apple would let schools boards modify their product.

        Sorry about the rant…:)

        Thanks for the comments.

        Dave

    • schiong 8:37 pm on September 14, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I believe that there’s a market for Cloud Computing. But, I also have some concerns …
      a) security
      b) backup
      c) reliability

      • David Berljawsky 1:20 pm on September 17, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        I couldn’t agree more, the privacy issues are scary with cloud computing, which is the main reason that I personally do not use the technology. Although I can certainly see the upside.

  • jenaca 3:45 am on September 14, 2011
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    As stated in several posts, 7 Things you should know about is a report published that provides information on new and emerging learning technologies. I personal enjoyed searching this site and learning more specifically about each technology listed. This site is a wonderful tool for those looking for new forms of technology and who are […]

    Continue reading My Take on ELI’S Emerging Learning Technologies Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • Keisha Edwards-Hamilton 6:53 pm on September 14, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Jenaca,

      I also love this site too. I believe it provides information on technological resources that are necessary to cater to the needs of todays’ digital age learners who demand rich, inspired, engaging and interactive teaching and learning.

      Keisha

  • Julie S 8:59 pm on September 13, 2011
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    I chose, “Gartner Identifies the Top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2011”, to critique for its relevance to educators, technologists, and venturers involved with workplace e-learning programs for mid to large sized corporations. In the corporations that I have worked with over the past fifteen years the Gartner reports have always been well respected and referenced, […]

    Continue reading Gartner Critique Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
    • Everton Walker 10:11 pm on September 13, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Julie,

      I support your recommendations to the designers as these serve as a springboard to plan for the new net-gen. As it relates to security, how would you rate cloud technology? Is this the future or it is just merely a present day experiment that will be dropped shortly?

      Everton

    • Julie S 1:32 pm on September 14, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      I’m not an expert but personally I think it’s the future. I have a friend that works as a platform specialist for Microsoft and her feedback to me is that they are avidly working with companies promoting this platform. Apparently Microsoft is following suit of IBM who recently established a cloud service in Canada for some Government agencies. I think security of the cloud service of choice is key but it’s no different than an outsourced data service that’s been around for a while now. Another thought is that your cloud service company of choice may be better prepared than your own company or institution to provide data security.

      • kstooshnov 11:35 am on September 18, 2011 | Log in to Reply

        Cloud computing also had a “test-run” with James Cameron while he was working on the blockbuster film Avatar. Mircosoft developed a Digital Asset Management system, called Gaia to help the international post production crew to render all the numerous special effects. Not many educators are a fan of this film, but even they have to admit that the technological achievements that went into the creation of this film, as well as cloud computing, are revolutionary.

    • Keisha Edwards-Hamilton 6:58 pm on September 14, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      Julie,

      I perused this article and I really liked it. It is clear and coherent and ideal for educator who really want to learn about new learniing technologies.

    • David William Price 10:04 am on September 15, 2011 | Log in to Reply

      “it helps you to prepare for questions that a decision committee may ask.” What questions do they ask?

  • Everton Walker 8:14 pm on September 13, 2011
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    Posted in: Uncategorized, Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
     
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