Reflections on Chapter 4 : Week 5

Name some emerging technologies. How might they affect learning and teaching?


Technology is constantly advancing and today's classrooms are keeping up with the progress. There are many emerging technologies that are sure to enhance learning and teaching. As teachers and students become more comfortable with new software and hardware, technology will become even more integrated into teaching and learning.
Wireless technologies are gaining more popularity with every school year. Operating on radio frequencies (RF) or wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless devices take up less space than their more traditional counterparts. Whether tethered to a localized workstation or roaming around campus, wireless devices have a place in the future of education. GPS and portable computers now allow students to work and conduct further research from the field. As these products become smaller and more powerful, there use will become more widespread, allowing students to become more connected than ever before.
Handheld computers will champion this cause even further. These devices offer a personal information management system and can be designed to meet an individual's personal needs, much like a desktop computer can. Note taking, internet capability, and educational software can now be accessed easily in the palm of a students hand.
Wireless response systems are gaining in popularity too. Often called "clickers", these devices allow all students to answer the same question at the same time. Teachers can see how many students got the answer right or wrong, and see which students answered correctly. These clickers allow the teacher the option of setting up lessons designed around a quiz show format. It is these devices that may not seem like much to an outsider, but might make a huge difference in reaching those students that do not regularly participate in classroom activities.
Ebooks offer another alternative to traditional method of teaching and learning. These electronic versions of books allow students to carry virtual libraries in their pockets. The USB drive is another form of storage that allows the user to carry multiple documents and presentations in a package smaller than a pen. The convenience of carrying a presentation on a key chain is too good for the American consumer to pass up.
Perhaps one of the most exciting emerging technologies is virtual reality or VR. VR is a combination of hardware and software that allows it user to work in a three-dimensional space. This technology is still being researched and holds great promise for application in the classroom. By allowing a student to "live" through a VR program, teachers can reach students in ways that are still unrealized.
Regardless of the means, tomorrow's classroom will be filled with technology. These devices will shape the way future students learn and interact with the world around them. The future lies with technology, and so does the classroom environment.