"Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational " -George Couros
A simple Google search of "Emerging Technologies" will lend you several different definitions of exactly what are emerging technologies; one author profoundly states that emerging technologies are simply "technologies that are perceived as capable of changing the status quo."
However, this idea and discussion surrounding emerging technologies is nothing new. For years, individuals have been trying to predict what sorts of technologies will come about and be used in the future. This challenge to predict technologies of the future has also transcended into pop culture.
Under the direction of Steven Spielberg, the film Minority Report was released in 2002 and is based on a short story by Phillip K. Dick, which was first published in 1956. Fifteen years ago, when the film was first released, few people realized that many of the futuristic and innovative technologies depicted would soon become a reality. For a more in depth look at some of the predicted technologies in Minority Report, take a look at the follow critical analysis.
As educators, it is critical that we are informed of the new emerging technologies and how they may affect and be implemented in our future classroom. The Horizon Reportis an annual publication which details different emerging technologies and a predicted timeline of their integration in the classroom. For more information about this year's report, view the video below.
Computers, coding, and programming -- oh my! Coding and programming are being taught to students in classrooms all across the country. Technology-driven fields are continuing to grow within the job market. By incorporating coding and programming in the classroom, we are preparing and inspiring our students to take interest in these emerging fields. However, are you unsure where to start with incorporating this in your classroom lessons? Maybe the following video can help with that.
There are a number of other emerging technologies which are having a significant impact on the 21st century classroom. It would be nearly impossible to discuss all of them. However, let's look at just a couple more examples.
Remember not too long ago when the game Pokemon Go was being played obsessively by individuals across the country? Well, that game is a type of augmented reality technology. It overlays content generated by a computer over a live image. Teachers across the country are utilizing augmented reality and gaming in the classroom to aid students in better understanding key concepts. A local reporter from WEDU Channel 16 News details more about that subject in the follow broadcast.
While it is important to be informed on the different types of emerging technologies, it is also critical that educators are informed as to how their roles in the classroom could evolve, due to these emerging technologies. It is predicted that educators may take on new roles as learning agents in the 21st century classroom. The following presentation discusses those different roles in depth, as well as some of the different trends that lend support to the value of those different roles in the learning environment.
The future of learning is coming, and it is in part brought about by these emerging technologies. Let us embrace this evolution and continue to create a learning environment in which our students thrive and are equipped with the tools needed to experience success.