Parents and educators sometimes have difficulty keeping up with the latest and greatest happenings in technology in education. While the kids have no problems with these changes, it seems that just when we get excited about mastering a new trick, it gets replaced with a new updated version. But the flip side is that these new trends are just a few of the trends you can expect to see with your child’s education in 2013.
1. More Social Media. You’ll see more student-created content using YouTube and other social media platforms, classroom blogs, and Facebook pages. Check out this Student Tutorial explaining the water cycle using a platform called Show Me.
2. Universities will offer more online learning. The internet is making it possible for students to expand educational boundaries and learn more from the comfort of their homes. And an added benefit for college graduates – a better job market in 2013!
3. Game-based learning will gain popularity. Educators are becoming more comfortable with combining gaming and subject matter to help students apply what they’ve learned in the real world. You’ll see gamification used as an assessment tool to eventually replace traditional tests and letter grades.
4. SMS (Short Message Service) Marketing. We’ll see better communication and interaction among students, teachers and parents through cell phone mass text messaging using the devices that students and parents already have.
5. Continued increase in homeschooling. Homeschooling is showing strong growth across the country. The old-school image of homeschooling is being replaced by that of a digitized, self-directed and independent learner.
6. 3-D Printing. 2013 will bring more accessibility to 3-D printing in the classroom. Students will be able to print a cross-section model of a heart, the model of a building they’re working on, or a detailed terrain map of something they’re studying. Possibilities will be limited only by the imagination.
7. Outdoor Education Comeback. After all this great technology, the students will need some green time to combat obesity, digital burnout, and Vitamin D deficiencies. Look for more classes in gardening, physical fitness, and nature activities.
Well, not sure if I’ll have all these new and cool things mastered immediately, but I’m ready to jump in and try. And we all know that if we get stuck and need assistance…
WE CAN ALWAYS ASK THE KIDS! Let’s make it happen.