8 Education Technology Trends for 2018
Innovation in education technology is stronger than ever, especially due to virtual reality, mobile devices, cloud technologies and the internet of things. Great opportunities are coming, never forgetting that creativity and personal engagement are the key to truly enhance the learning experience.
Here are the trends in Education Technology to look out in 2018 that will more and more benefit the everyday school life of teachers and students.
#1. Virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality
Virtual and augmented reality, and Mixed Reality too, will definitely be confirmed as the most important trends in education technology for 2018. Thanks to the release of affordable accessories, MR will move from experimental technology to a new way of teaching and learning, that will allow schools to experience lessons in a completely new way, for example by virtual travelling in past ages or to inaccessible places, by simply wearing a MR headset or looking up at a smartphone.
For example, Acer solution of Mixed Reality allows students to interact with physical elements and learn in a more engaging and fun way.
#2. Technology against bullies
The battle against bullying is one of the most discussed topics in recent years. New technologies can help fight this phenomenon that afflicts many young people all over the world. Although social networks have often contributed negatively, worsening the problem in many situations, it is possible to prevent this issue by surveying if there are abuse and violence cases within school environments and using monitoring tools for students’ mood. There are many ways to stamp out bullying from schools, thanks to technology in education, such as online safety software.
#3. Cloud Technology
With the cloud technologies, students will no longer have to worry about losing important documents, transposing heavy books or exchanging educational materials with USB sticks. All the documents necessary for teaching will be shared in the joint network, to facilitate the teachers’ tasks and the pupils learning. The trend is strongest than ever in 2018, and there are many solutions for cloud-based technologies.
#4. Mobile Education
Each of today’s students owns a mobile device, even at a K-12 age, and educational technology can open wider horizons by exploiting the applications and the tasks that can be implemented remotely. With the high costs of interactive whiteboards and a greater connection between students and teachers, the mobile learning approach seems to be one of the most promising trends in this 2018. Here you can learn more about the ways mobile learning enhance the educational experience.
#5. Coding and IoT
In K-12 schools, the attention dedicated to code learning and the association with the “Makers” movement will increase in 2018. For example, the U.S. Department of Education will allot $2 million per year to focus more at coding in schools. Furthermore, schools are starting to build maker spaces in their districts, stimulating students to have a hands-on experience with the Internet of Things.
And, after all, kids experiencing Acer CloudProfessor gave us great feedback by showing interest and curiosity towards this new technology.
#6. Technology and art
While the STEM subjects are covered and easily integrated with the new technologies, 2018 will lead teachers in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math + Art) programs to develop the artistic inclinations of the students – and not only the scientific ones – through technology. Adding art to the mix, in fact, can help students to develop critical thinking and to have a more creative approach to problem solving.
#7. Enhancing Creativity
Thanks to tools like Mixed Reality and other ways through which students can experience fun while learning, in 2018 there will be the rise of creativity as a driver for educational processes and new learning technologies. 2018 will see more and more attention in helping the students to give space to their creativity through gamification activities and interactive groups. Technology, in fact, is a great medium for children to experiment, discover and express themselves.
#8. Education for everyone
The main goal of education technology is to make education accessible to everybody, beyond the country of origin or the wealth level. The aim of the new technologies is to guarantee the same opportunities for learning and professional growth for everyone, with hardware and platforms that cover all territories and all social needs.
The new learning generation is here, and Acer believes in education technology as a leverage to spread knowledge, with the responsibility to help students succeed in tomorrow’s world and supporting teachers to foster them.