Since the beginning of formal education, people have found ways to use new technologies in classrooms. Tools such as the typewriter, the overhead projector and the audio player weren’t originally developed for educational purposes, but soon after their introduction, teachers and administrators were discovering their usefulness for learning. This same trend continues today, but at a much faster rate and with greater changes.
The new technologies of today are so innovative; they are literally changing how we get things done, as well as how we absorb information. Whereas the computer keyboard was similar to the typewriter and the SMART Board was similar to the overhead projector, today’s technologies bare hardly any resemblance to classroom tools of the past. Although this means that teachers and students have to completely relearn what it means to go to school, these changes have been, for the most part, well-received and have a lot of people in the education market excited about the future learning.
Listed below are the four technologies that are changing the learning environment the most.
1. Digital textbooks: Although the movement from traditional textbooks to digital textbooks has been slow, developers of computer tablets and textbook publishers are continuing to develop the idea. It is believed that once the price of both tablet computers and digital textbooks drops to a reasonable amount that school districts and college students can afford, the digital textbook could supplant the traditional textbook. Other factors, including software and hardware reliance, book share programs and hardware warranties, must also be addressed to satisfy the needs of cash-strapped schools and college students.
2. Online education: Online education has been around for over a decade now, but changes in tuition rates and the workforce have created a recent rise in their popularity. Whereas before online schools were viewed as a last resort for adults seeking a certificate or college degree, online education today is beginning to be viewed with a different attitude. This change is being supported by a number of factors, including an increased interest in certificates and associate degrees, an increased desire to switch careers while continuing to work full time and the increased implementation of online courses at non-profit, public schools.
3. Massive open online courses (MOOCs): This is still a relatively new internet technology that allows anyone from anywhere in the world to complete college-level courses for free. Although the courses do not afford students college credit, most of them are taught by professors from some of the best universities and colleges across the globe. Because MOOCs offer high-quality education for free and award certificates of completion, students still benefit, even though they aren’t working towards a college degree. It is believed that MOOCs can help students gain employment or advance in their current line of work, because they can add the certificate of completion on their resume under the education section.
4. Interactive apps and computer tablets: Interactive apps and computer tablets are no longer new technology, but their use in the classroom is still in the experimentation phase. Once the price of computer tablets drop to a level that school districts can afford, we should begin to see more use of them in schools across the country. This increased use will also spark a wave of creation of new educational apps that can be used to teach and reinforce concepts in all subjects.
Technology companies who are interested in breaking into the education market should take note of the public’s interest in the four technologies above. However, a boom in sales will only begin to happen once prices are aligned with school district and college student budgets, and the usefulness of the tool or software is viewed as greater than the technology it is seeking to replace.
About Author:
Karen Smith is a freelance reporter for various business and education websites and print publications. As a writer, she works to help current business students and business owners and managers learn more about what it means to market and sell products or services. She also writes about current news and trends in business finance.
