Here’s an interesting article on what tech may go away by 2019. This is from Steven Wesley, guest blogger for Ask a Tech Teacher and ESL teacher, with intimate knowledge of tech used in the classroom. I think you’ll enjoy his thoughts:
Technology has permeated every pore of our lives today, and education has been no exception. There are so many useful educational tools and apps out there which can help teachers connect with their students in a much better way. With all the techs available, there has been a debate whether schools as we know them, as well as the role of a teacher, will become obsolete. While the latter is not going to take place, some shifts in education are bound to happen with old technologies giving way to new. Let’s see which ones won’t make it in 2018.
- Desktop Computers
Today, smartphones and tablets are cheaper than ever; moreover, their prices are going to decrease which means that desktop computers, as well as computer labs, are about to become extinct in schools. As a teacher, it will save me plenty of time, because I won’t have to deal with lots of login information due to many students using the same computer. With each student having their own smartphone or tablet and Wi-Fi present in every school, they can log in and receive a more customized learning experience. The same thing will happen to laptops.
- On-Premise Software
According to James Hutton, an IT specialist for Essay On Time, on-premise software will be on its way out after 2018:
“On-premises software requires teachers to install the same software on each computer inside the computer room, which is incredibly time-consuming. Another downside of this is that students can’t use the software while they are at home in case they need more time with it. It will be replaced by software that is installed inside the cloud and all students will have to do is log in and use the application at any given moment.”
- CDs and DVDs
Any sort of physical medium is bound to disappear in the near future since CDs and DVDs are easily damaged and have a limited lifespan. More so, today’s education prioritizes mobile devices which don’t have the ability to read these mediums. Also, the high-speed internet makes streaming a reality which means video can be accessed from any location allowing students to attend classes remotely while enabling teachers to upload video lectures to complement their students’ learning experience.
- Printers
This one may be a little too far-fetched since schools still need to deal with and produce a ton of paperwork. However, as far as actual classrooms go, there won’t be many printed papers or documents going around. Thus, students will have access to all the studying materials in the shape of PDF files, presentations, apps, and streaming videos. Also, having portable devices on them at all times, students are able to access the entire library of information which fits in their pockets.
- Traditional Presentation Software
Presentation apps such as PowerPoint can be very effective at breaking down complex lessons and presenting them to students in an easily digestible way. However, that sort of effect can only be achieved when the teacher knows how to use all the features, bells and whistles. Moreover, while engaging students, presentations often render them to nothing more than passive participants. With the emergence of 3D technology, as well as augmented and virtual reality, teachers will be able to provide an interactive and proactive learning experience. For instance, seeing an interactive 3D model of an atom is a lot more valuable than simply reading about it in a textbook or slides.
Which Tech Is Set to Emerge in Education
As mentioned above, mobile devices are going to become essential inside the classrooms. Also, 3D technology, as well as augmented and virtual reality, will find its place in education soon. We’ve all witnessed last year’s Pokémon craze which just goes to show how engaging tech can be; imagine how useful it would be in education! Cloud services, apps as well as streaming video will replace old technologies such as on-premises software and optical mediums. As you can see, all these technologies will help turn learning into a more interactive and immersive process sparking the students’ curiosity inevitably.
Conclusion
While some of the techs are less likely to disappear overnight, they certainly will not be used that much in 2018. However, old techs are going to be replaced entirely in the next few years. So far, it looks like it will be a change for the better; nonetheless, we cannot be sure until we start using them on the everyday basis and to their full extent.
Short bio
Steven Wesley is an ESL teacher, ed tech enthusiast, and creative writer for Essay on Time. He is interested in educational, technological, and political issues. Steven believes in the mighty power of the pen to change the modern world. Drop him a line on Facebook!
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
