WHAT'S TRENDING?!?

Up and Coming Technologies for Innovative Learning

Introduction

Much like in the corporate world and on social media, education is shaped and enhanced by growth in tools and systems. Education has evolved since the Covid-19 pandemic, starting with distance learning and the use of digital platforms caused by social distancing. Technology integration has become a major focus in order for education to evolve with the facilitation of information. Integrating educational technology promotes educator and learner experiences through the use of tools and systems. “EdTech is simply a process of integrating technology into education to build better teaching/learning experiences that result in higher learning outcomes”, (Bui, 2021).

For a future ready educational institution, one must focus on developments in learning technologies through the exploration of trending tech and what higher education is being influenced by. Below are some of the technologies within education I believe are trending at the moment.

eLearning

Overnight, distance learning took center stage due to Covid-19 and the closures of schools, creating a demand for online education and changing the way information is delivered. Learners now have the opportunity to access information through a variety of ways, as well as through devices. “Rather than being in a passive experience, learners can choose what they need to learn quickly and easily, wherever they are”, (Bui, 2021).

Artificial Intelligence

Whether it is a corporation or in education, Artificial Intelligence is trending and being used for increased productivity and analytics. “AI can automate basic activities in education, like grading. It’s now possible for teachers to automate grading of the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. Thus, automated grading of students’ writing may not be far behind”, (Bui, 2021).

Gamification

Actively involving students in their own learning isn’t something new for educators, but the delivery system through gamification is something becoming more and more popularized. Gamification allows students to learn and practice through elements of gaming that help improve levels of learning.

AR/VR

Augmented and Virtual reality are connected aspects of the traditional classroom with the digital world, allowing for generated simulations for realistic experiences. Learners can now gain training through simulations, plus interact through the use of avatars and chatbots. Students can use these digital realities to go places otherwise inaccessible for learning opportunities.

Social Media Learning

The use of social media as a tool for communication and interaction with students is another trending topic. Using social media platforms as tools to create positive and responsible digital citizens has become crucial in developing digital literacy in order to allow students to properly use media for sharing responsible and reliable information.

Media Based Learning

With access to mobile devices, computers, and other tech, classrooms are integrating more media into their learning. Within the classroom and in distance learning, media has become beneficial in improving student engagement, retention, and making material comprehensible.

The Future is Bright

In the future I plan to use 360 cameras to create a virtual production studio for training simulations before allowing students in the

studio. Having the ability to digitally create an augmented studio will allow for visual training before students access the studio. Being able to create a 3-D mockup of our equipment with interactive capabilities could provide students with a better understanding of our operating equipment before hands-on learning to reinforce their knowledge and experience. My graphic design and production courses could create virtual and augmented realities that can be used in the filming process through green screen capabilities, enhancing their productions.

Whether we like it or not, technology is here and will continue being integrated in the corporate, education, and military fields for higher learning and for better productivity. I have used some of this trending tech in my classroom and look forward to integrating tech such as augmented reality once I have the necessary equipment.

Works Cited

Bui, S. T. (2021, May 12). Top Educational Technology Trends In 2020-2021. eLearning Industry. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://elearningindustry.com/top-educational- technology-trends-2020-2021