Educational technology near and far

Do you feel like you just got caught up with the iPod Touch and the iPad? You probably have accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and can find your way around the App Store with ease. You’re good, right? Well, not so much, if you take a look at the 2013 Horizon Report K-12 Edition (opens in a new window). For the fifth year in a row, the New Media Consortium collaborated with others to identify technologies that have “potential impact on teaching, learning and creative inquiry.”

So, what educational technologies are coming? In a 1-3 year time-to-adoption phase, there’s (1) BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) where students bring their own laptops, tablets or mobile devices to class; (2) Cloud Computing — maybe your district already relies on this for backups and such; (3) mobile learning, which relies more on cellular networks and wireless power; and (4) online learning, with movement towards those huge MOOC classes you’ve heard about.

Looking into the distance (2-3 years), the Horizon Report predicts we’ll be engaged in electronic publishing, using learning analytics, relying on open content and engaging in personalized learning. And in the “that’s not how I went to school” category of 4-5 years to adoption comes technologies such as 3D printing, augmented reality, virtual labs and wearable technology.

It’s all very exciting, and well-explained in the Horizon report. For each technology, the authors identified the technology’s relevance for teaching, learning, research or creative inquiry, provide some examples in practice, and links for further reading.

Access the Full Report (opens in a new window)

Access the Shortlist Report (opens in a new window)

Access the Trends and Challenges (opens in a new window)PDF