Horizon Technologies
Posted by: learningconversations in Links to other bloggers, Teacher tools, e-Learning LiteratureIt’s interesting to think about potential possibilities that current and future technologies might bring to Education. For example, Annie points out exciting ‘hardware’ on the horizon while Miriam discusses a current Web2 technology. As educators, I think we have a ‘2nd sense’ for what technologies might support the active, constructive, cooperative and authentic nature of ‘meaningful learning’ (as defined by Jonassen, 2008). Web2 tools, for example, usually have an inherent collaborative nature & could easily be used to support authentic K-12 tasks (like Miriam, Voicethread also captured my attention, as did Thinkature.) Indeed, online communities soon build up to allow educators to discuss ideas and showcase examples of using these valuable tools (e.g. see here ). Educator polls can also be a useful way to stay in touch with current trends. E.g. see this top tools for learning poll.
Where might new technologies take us in the near future? Collaboration, communication and connection are usually amongst the key themes in discussions of what a ‘Web 3 world’ might look like (e.g. see Kelly’s interesting talk) and indeed, what new directions educational technologies might take (e.g. see The Horizon 2008 report ).
(Graphic by Jim Nuttle & displayed here with his approval. See full sized version)
However, as Maree concludes in her recent posting, teachers and pedagogical approaches will always be the crucial factor. Regardless of the symbol systems and capabilities of these exciting ‘horizon’ learning technologies, HOW learning technologies are used (by students & teachers), should determine their influence on learning outcomes.
Educause (2008). The 2008 Horizon report. Retrieved 3rd Nov., 2008 from
http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2008-Horizon-Report.pdf
Jonassen, D. et al (2008). What is meaningful learning? In D. Jonassen et al.(Eds).Meaningful learning with technology. 3rd Edtn. pp1-12. Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, N.J.
Entries (RSS)
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
[...] Kearney discusses it’s interesting to delve into the possibilities technology brings to education. [...]
November 9th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Kearney identifies collaboration, communication and connection are key themes in what a ‘Web 3 world’may look like. The future involves students being actively involved in working together with content and improving whole-class teaching experiences. I believe, as teachers, we must learn to adopt a new research role in using technology so we can continually building on-line communities and model for our students what they can do if they don’t know something.
November 11th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
[...] Kearney identifies collaboration, communication and connection are key themes in what a ‘Web 3 world’may look like. The future involves students being actively involved in working together with content and improving whole-class teaching experiences. I believe, as teachers, we must learn to adopt a new research role in using technology so we can continually building on-line communities and model for our students what they can do if they don’t know something. Create a free edublog to get your own comment avatar (and more!) [...]
November 13th, 2008 at 11:20 am
[...] think about the possibilities that technology, both current and future, can bring to education, as Mathew discusses. How schools and teachers can keep up with the constant change and advancement is a big [...]
November 13th, 2008 at 11:21 am
[...] Matthew’s posting he poses the question – Where might new technologies take us in the future? Maybe to answer this, [...]
November 14th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
[...] how fast the future is bearing down on us and that we need to let go of the past that we hold onto. Matthew also talks about the technologies on the [...]
November 16th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I am enjoying reading the responses to my blog from your students. Definitely pushing my readership up!
Thanks for all the new links.
Allanah