20 Education Technology Trends to Watch

The Future of Technology in Education as presented by the NSBA's "20 to Watch Emerging Technology Leaders". The top 3 predictions for what to watch are as follows:

#1 Online Learning Opportunities

The discussion moved from what really is an online learning opportunity to revealing a myriad of styles and approaches. Leaders expressed concerns about a lack of rigor and an absence of teachers in one example. Yet, others emphasized the extended one-on-one time and authenticity provided by incorporating social networking and web 2.0 tools.

#2 (tied with #3) Access to School Related Software Applications and Projects from any Computer in the School Network

#3 Unlimited Internet Access

Participants agreed upon a need for integration and enjoyed quite the discourse on a need for additional policy and practices. Some recommended involvement from ISTE. Others believed we have enough policies and insisted it is more related to culture and communication suggesting that the challenge lies with ensuring all stakeholders feel safe while moving to the "next level".

#4 Online Communication Tools: Global Social Networks

As this prediction was revealed, the following questions was posed... "It's not about the stuff. How are you [technology leaders] changing teacher behaviors?" Dr. Kari Stubbs offered this response, "Research says connecting technology to higher order thinking and the authentic learning experiences provided by Web 2.0 tools and social networking is influencing a shift in behavior of teachers. Thus, we need to move to the next level."

As I digest the discussions occurring around me, I think about one of the things we all know about good instruction.... make the content relevant and meaningful and they'll get it. Authenticity is key. All learners synthesize information more readily when it is important to them. Thus, when a need is present, it is human nature to acquire the knowledge necessary to fulfill the need.

A school board member in the audience suggests we have a responsibility to provide access to technology and students need to learn how to use it appropriately.(ie cell phones) Almost 10 years ago, at Columbine High School, the only people that could communicate were those in possession of the then banned cell
phone.

I suggest we continue to find ways to narrow the gap between what students view as life - MySpace, FaceBook, Skype - and school or the acquisition of knowledge.

And finally, I thoroughly agree with the number one recommendation for school leaders of Professional Development. Putting technology in the hands of staff simply isn't enough. We must develop models to help staff, students, and parents increase their "comfort level" and become technology leaders in their own right.