The year is well under way and we have been anxiously watching the Internet to see the latest edtech predictions for 2016. Based on the numerous articles we’ve read, we’ve compiled our top 3 list edtech predictions for 2016.
Coding
In the past, coding and computer science were weak points for students in the United States. However, over the last couple years, there has been a big push for computer sciences in schools. In 2016, we predict coding will continue to become more engrained with curriculum.
Last December, schools across the globe united to promote the importance of coding through the Hour of Code movement. This is a worldwide event where tens of millions of students participate in a one-hour coding session.
Mobile Learning
Mobile Learning has been a big edtech topic for years and it’s not going away anytime soon. At the end of 2014, mobilefutre.org reported:
- Forty-three percent of all Pre-K through 12th grade students used a smartphone.
- Six out of 10 teachers said mobile devices allowed them to provide more personalized help to students.
- Eighty-one percent of educators believed mobile devices enrich classroom education.
“Wireless technologies are offering students, along with their parents, caregivers and the teachers who instruct them, fresh, engaging and constantly evolving ways of learning about, and examining, the world around them,” said Mobile Future Chair Jonathan Spalter. “With continued investment and innovation in wireless, mobile will continue to transform American education and help ensure all of our young people have the tools they need to succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s wireless world.”
View mobilefuture.org’s full report and infographic here.
Virtual Reality
There are a lot of influential educators online discussing virtual reality and its place in the classroom. Why is virtual reality so great? Because it’s an easy way to simulate experiences. The virtual reality applications are numerous; virtual field trips, engaging with other classrooms around the world, interacting with science, professional development, and more.
We recommend the techcrunch.com “When Virtual Reality Meets Education” article from last month.
