Learning Technology Trends to Watch in 2012
I chose “Learning Technology Trends to Watch in 2012” because I felt that this article had a lot of information in it that was applicable to the time and place I am teaching and learning in. I think the content in this article was delivered in a clear and concise manner. Emerging technologies and their uses which have become a big part of learning were introduced and explained well. I could easily draw links between what was being depicted in the article, learning opportunities and accommodations in our society. The technologies introduced are definitely tools that can assist in ‘designing learning experiences’ for students. They are changing the way learning occurs and in turn the way educators think about approaching teaching and learning. Each example made me think about how leaning becomes more open ended and accommodating. For example, Backchannel allows for learning to be extended beyond a time and place. The digital world we live in is loaded with information at students’ finger tips. However, not all of this information is legit. Content curation insures that information being used for learning is authenticated. The concept of web-based cloud storage of information removes time and place barriers which makes content more accessible and flexible. In my opinion, all of these learning tools would be well suited as additions to well-developed learning systems or can be used as substitution for others forms of learning.
While reading about these different technologies, I kept thinking about how each technology was great for learning in wired Anglophone countries, European countries with language skills and Asian countries with wired internet. However, I think these forms of technology are not suited for regions with restrictions or poor quality service and special situations. It is important to understand that these types of technologies may not be supported in some markets due to their cost, lack of access to technology, and the fact that some regions have more restrictions and censorship.
I really like the concept of instructional designers and educators as ‘learning architects.’ This is especially applicable in k – 12 leaning settings because educators and designers have an important role in these types of learning environments which entail being creative and innovative.
I think this article was very valuable for any educator or for that matter parent. I believe I would look for future editions because these types of resources will help keep me up to date on the evolution of technology and the direction it is heading.
Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
kstackhouse 1:08 pm on September 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I noticed that you connected their report to the areas identified in the readings. It is important to recognize which areas are going to be more successful with certain technologies. What about regions that are wired in but slow to adopt technology? I think reports like this (and the others listed in the 2A: Opportunity Horizon library) will help those that are asking for support from decision makers.
I have never used Backchannel, it sounds like a great way to extend the learning that takes place in the classroom. This also helps with the idea of a learner becoming a life-long learner. Learning doesn’t stop at 3:30 when the bell rings. For students to participate in these types of learning is a very exiting movement in education.
Kent Jamieson 4:23 pm on September 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
It’s funny you mention backchannel, as my Grade 4 team just set one up for our faculty meeting this afternoon. We were discussing the potential for this type of tool to be used in the classroom, and at what age the kids should be to start using it. We found ‘TodaysMeet’ to be a clean, easy to use resource for creating a backchannel. I would imagine that a lot of the learning in a class would take place there, as students would a) need to be accountable for their comments, and b) feel they were ‘in it together’ and their own seperate knowledge community. A great tool nonetheless
visramn 9:36 pm on September 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
That is great that you have actually seen one of these emerging technologies in use. Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree there is a lot of potential for learning to take place but with any new learning environment or venue comes underlying factors that need to be taken into consideration. There is always some bad with some good.
Nureen
jameschen 2:54 pm on September 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I thought this report was well written from an educator/instructional designer’s perspective. When I read through it, I enjoyed how it summarized the main points and provided links to resources specific to the select learning technologies. It is a useful report to get a quick overview of what the trend is in the application of learning technologies, and I would use it in conjunction with other reports such as those by Educause or Ambient Insight to get a fuller picture of a particular learning technology of interest.
James
visramn 9:38 pm on September 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree. The article is written in a manner that provides good content despite it being short. It is definitely a good way to begin to educate oneself on this issue.
Nureen
rebecca42 12:40 am on September 15, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
That is an interesting point about requiring good connectivity to make certain technologies work. If your storage/sharing system is online and requires being connected the majority of the time to allow sharing or access, it certainly would be limited in its value.
supatel 12:38 pm on September 15, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I also read the same article and what stood out for me is the gamification of learning. This approach has unbelievable potential and can foster enormous engagement and deepen learning for an individual. I was recently visited by an individual from Australia who teaches in a Catholic school. Their entire school thrives on that principal. They way they facilitate learning is unlike anything i’ve ever had the opportunity to wittness. But the single biggest piece of advice that he gave my team was they idea of the EPIC WIN. It has to happen in order to get someone to move on. If that’s not there, most learners will give up.
visramn 5:07 pm on September 16, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I actually did an assignment about gaming in a previous course and I was blown away by all the educational games that are available. I have personally seen how much more engaged my students are when the content that they are expose to is more interactive. The incentive associated with this type of learning is a motivational factor. The concept of losing can actually be beneficial as well because then the child is more driven to try again and to win.
Ranvir 5:50 pm on September 15, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
A good summary of educational technologies to keep an eye on. I especially like the Twitter Back channel as it allows me to not only attend a conference ‘virtually’ and also participate in important topics, discussions. Most of the learning these days is happening outside the classroom in an informal way and following twitter feeds from like minded individuals is a great way to keep informed on the latest happenings.
visramn 5:10 pm on September 16, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
It is so important to stay connected these days. I find that when I am not keeping up with Social media, I fall behind in what is occurring around me. In this fast paced society, things are chaining at such a rapid pace that being connected is crucial. I agree with you in your opinion that leaning is no longer contained to a classroom and it is very important to stay connected digitally because this is a means of learning.