From School Computing

Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 21st Century Skills 2 Issues/Barriers 3 Six Major Emerging Technologies 4 Other Emerging Technologies 5 Assessment

[edit] Introduction

Emerging technology is defined as a media that is coming into view, coming into existence, or coming to maturity. It is an innovative technology that is reshaping the nature of education. Computer and network based technologies now hold great potential for increasing the access to information as well as a means of promoting learning. Schools and classrooms never before had such universal access to information. Technologies are transforming classrooms into more engaging, collaborative and productive learning environments in which instructions can be customized to student’s specific needs, interests and learning styles. It is also redefining the way educators teach as well as the role they serve – from being the sole source of information to being a guide, facilitator and coach in the learning process.

In this chapter, six emerging technologies that are already making an impact will be explored to provide educators some insights on how powerful these tools can be when used within their schools, classrooms, and beyond. These emerging technologies are: Weblogs, RSS, Podcasts, Wikis, Handhelds and Robotics.

Free > Fee Open Access > Firewalled Easy > Intricate Fast sufficiency > Clumsy Quality. Integrated/linked > Isolated/Siloed. Findable > Precise. Recommended > Available. Updateable > Static

[edit] 21st Century Skills

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has emerged as the leading advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education. The organization brings together business community, education leaders, and policymakers to build a consensus on the definition of 21st century skills and to create practical Readiness Guides for these skills that are critical to each student's success.

The 21st century skills include the following: collaboration and teamwork; strong written and oral communication skills; creativity and critical thinking skills; mathematical problem solving; cultural/global/diversity studies; information management; learning skills; personal responsibility and management skills; and technological literacy.

What is now known about learning provides important guidelines for uses of technology that can help students and teachers develop the competencies needed for the 21st century. It is important to understand that technologies do not guarantee effective learning; in fact, inappropriate uses of technology can actually hinder learning. Educators of the twenty-first century must become better at understanding when and under what conditions, technology can best be used to leverage student learning.

[edit] Issues/Barriers

In order for technology to effectively enhance and engage learning for all students, certain elements must be in place. However, not everything works out so smoothly in the realm of education. Despite the push of educational technologies into the hands of teachers and students in the past recent years, many of the same obstacles still exist today - not only for the ‘new’ technologies, but even for the ‘old’. This is an alarming concern for the nation.

Here is a list of some common Issues and Barriers to Integrating Technology in education.

[edit] Six Major Emerging Technologies

• Blogs

• RSS

• Podcasts

• Wikis

• Handhelds

• Robotics

[edit] Other Emerging Technologies

• Digital Video
• Distance Education
• Social Bookmarking
• Internet Telephony
• One to One
• Social Networking Sites
• Tablet Computers
• Virtual Worlds
• Games in Education

[edit] Assessment

Questions

[1] What is a Weblog or “Blog”? Provide one example in how Weblogs may be used in the classroom?

[2] What is RSS? Provide one example in how RSS may be used in the classroom?

[3] What is a Podcast? Provide one example in how Podcasts may be integrated in the classroom?

[4] What is a Wiki? Aside from our class major project, provide another example in how Wikis may be used in the classroom?

[5] What is Robotics? Provide one example in how Robotics may be integrated in the classroom?

Rubric

1 – Unable to define

2 – Able to define, but unable to provide an example

3 – Able to define and provide an example

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