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Review: Educause: Seven Things

Out of all of the components of the emerging markets projection library, I was the most impressed by the “7 things your should know about…” series on the Educause website. Not only does this site provide essential information to anyone interested in the latest trends and forms of technology, but it does so using a simple script.

The site is based around asking 7 simple questions surrounding emerging learning technologies. These questions are:

7 Things You should Know About…

  1. What is it?
  2. How does it work?
  3. Who’s doing it?
  4. Why is it significant?
  5. What are the downsides?
  6. Where is it going?
  7. What are the implications for higher education?

At first glance these questions almost feel too simplistic, but after reading a few of their reviews, it is quite evident that they touch on the most important elements of emerging trends. Of all the articles I read I quite enjoyed those that presented on Makerspaces and Infographic creation tools.

This online tool is perfect for the broader community because of the wealth of information regarding many different topics, but is also essential to specialists and venturers in educational technology as it also discusses the future (Where is it going?).

This tool is now a permanent link on my own bookmarks bar and will be a tool that I use for many years to come as it will allow me to better understand current and future bearings in the field of educational technologies.

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General

Augmented Reality

The amount, form and location of information that is accessible is quickly expanding. Going even further, the ability to overlap additional levels of information on top of what we naturally perceive is not only like science fiction brought to life, but it is readily purchasable in the form of Augmented Reality hardware and software. With apps such as Accrossair, one simply needs to lift his smart phone to see, in real time, locations and distances. If the thought of unlocking your phone and lifting it up is too much for you, then look no further as Google has you covered. With the advent of Google Glass, mapping information can be displayed at anytime in front of you.

Opportunity Statement

With the amount and speed of data recognition constantly increasing, Augmented Reality provides the possibility for learners to see the natural world around them while also experiencing many typically unseen layers. As mobile technology floods into the field of education, not to mention many other domains, the opportunity to add and then decipher tiers of data is allowing learners the choice to access it when needed.

Prediction Source

13 Trends in 2013: #8 Rise of Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality and Education: Applications and Potentials

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Greetings from Edmonton

Hello everyone! My name is Ryan and I am currently enrolled in 522 and 565m, both with David! These are courses 7 and 8 for me in my MET journey. I  have greatly enjoyed my experiences thus far in all the courses that I have completed and I have been looking forward to this course since my enrollment (more on that in a second!)

I currently live in Edmonton with my wonderful wife and 2 daughters (who just finished their second day of grades 3 and 1). Although I live in Edmonton, I am commuting to Fort Saskatchewan (NE of Edmonton) where I am fulfilling a new role as “Directeur adjoint” (assistant principal) in a newly formed French immersion school. Previous to this I have been working else where in the district as an educator.

I have been looking forward to this course as I have always felt that I have had a very entrepreneurial spirit, but have not known how to express it. My hope is that I will either have made or be on the cusp of making a true foray into a Kickstarter campain!!! (The thought gives me shivers!) Since its conception I have been drawn to see and support the creativity of those around the world, which has caused my wife to say (with much love) “No more Kickstarter!” (My bank account is not large enough for all the innovation I have seen!)

I am looking forward to learning lots this term and in getting to know all of you!

Bon courage!

One day…

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