Classroom Technology Trends shaping the Education Industry

This article was originally published in Secure Networks 

With technology being prevalent in every aspect of our lives, keeping up with new technology trends can have a major impact on your continued ability to offer your students the education they want and need. Some schools recognize the influence of iPads and other technology devices are having on their students and are shaping new ways of teaching utilizing technology.

In order to modernize their campuses for today’s, many schools continue to increase investments in technology related to learning, But what exactly are the educational technology trends that have been incorporated across the education sector.

Here’s a list of top 5 classroom technology trends in the current education environment.

1. Flipped Learning

Flipped Learning as the name suggests is a form of blended learning wherein the students learn their lessons at home by watching video lectures and studying course content online and then doing their homework in class. Instead of learning directly from the teacher, students can learn from each other through small groups using critical problem solving.

By using Wi-Fi enabled classroom technology and various applications you will be able to create an interactive environment for students to benefit the most. The value for educator comes from generating powerful analytics to measure student responses while also having the ability to stay engaged with your students in and out of the classroom.

2. Gamification

Gamification is the concept of applying game-design thinking to different classroom tasks to make them more fun and engaging. The idea is to use the typical game system of providing challenges, rewarding winners, then providing harder challenges with equally bigger rewards.

When you win at a game, your mind releases dopamine, a chemical in the brain that triggers motivation and pleasure. This makes learning a positive experience, one that you won’t have to force students to enjoy. So the main concept is to challenge the students, let them feel good about overcoming the challenge, then challenge them more.

3. Digital Textbooks 

You might think it would cost more to provide tablets for every student in your school but think of how many textbooks you are saving every year. Textbooks are getting more expensive and they are usually used for seven years before a new edition comes out.

A digital textbook would be more cost efficient and can easily be updated to reflect the most recent information. For the one-time cost of a tablet (or better yet allow BYOD and let students use devices they already own) students are able to access every book they’ll need for the year anytime and anywhere.

4. Remote Learning 

This model allows students who can’t make it to school still attend virtually. They attend class through video and access content online. Other technologies can also be used including video conferencing, class forums, pre-recorded videos, social media, and email.

In the same way you can bring in students remotely, you can also bring in teachers or subject matter experts. This provides a higher quality of learning that would otherwise be unavailable due to distance or time. Education becomes tailored to the needs of the student, making it accessible to everyone. The challenges of time and distance become inconsequential when all you need is a reliable wifi network paired with the right mobile technologies.

5. Mind Mapping

Mind maps make learning interactive and multi-dimensional instead of unidirectional and passive. It’s graphic and visual, using circled ideas that are linked together with lines, the same way the human mind works. This makes it easier for students to understand and recall information.

By using software like Mindmeister or Brainstormer, you can engage with your students and allow them to bounce ideas off each other. The maps can also be easily shared just like an email.