We’ve talked about Virtual reality, 3D printers, and chatbots. But what are the next big innovations? Some of the possibilities are virtual reality, voice platforms, and chatbots. Which one is right for you? Let’s explore a few topics together. What’s next for educational technology? Listed below are some technologies that have the potential to improve education. Insights into what’s ahead in education could be the key to the future of learning.
Table of contents
Virtual reality
The future of educational technology may well include the use of Virtual Reality, or VR, in the classroom. Several advantages of VR may make it a desirable technology for schools. VR will allow teachers to create personalized training for every student. Teachers can customize pace and style of instruction to suit the needs of individual students. VR will also support the concept of learning through practice, as it helps students engage with the subject matter. Numerous studies have shown that VR reduces cognitive load and helps students remember even complex subjects.
Research has shown that VR improves student satisfaction scores and academic performance. However, the novelty of VR may be a contributing factor. Students rated VR as more fun and easier to use than previous technologies. In addition, a 2011 study found a positive correlation between student motivation and academic performance. Some students experienced discomfort and disorientation after undergoing VR training. Furthermore, students may experience cybersickness, blurred vision, and headaches.
While many educators have embraced virtual reality as a future of educational technology, some remain wary. Their reservations stem from various reasons, from high costs to school administration. Moreover, some educators view VR as more of an entertainment device than an effective teaching tool. However, a recent EdTech report noted that educators are still weighing whether or not to use VR or AR in their classrooms. Despite these initial concerns, many educators are on board with the idea. Teachers can either fight the inevitable or embrace it and make use of it to make their classes more interesting.
VR has the potential to inspire new generations of students. A systematic review of virtual reality in education found that the technology is promising for a range of educational purposes. While VR may be most useful in the context of a training scenario, students can also take advantage of its immersive nature in education and learning. Students learning about anatomy in a classroom can use VR to explore their world. With VR, they can even interact with famous landmarks and ancient cities.
Voice platforms
While voice platforms in educational technology are still in their infancy, the idea of student creation of voice skills is already making waves. Students will have the opportunity to solve real-world problems through voice skills created with tools such as Voiceflow. A good educational voice skill creator will be able to identify real-world problems and design solutions to solve them. That is a big step forward from current classroom technology. But how do students get started?
One of the best-known educational technology applications is called Classroom 2.0. This multi-user virtual environment connects schools across geographical boundaries and facilitates collaboration between teachers and students. This platform allows learning materials to be shared with a larger audience and used for long-distance learning. In addition, the use of classroom microphones improves student interaction and collaboration. For example, students can use Classroom Microphones to communicate with teachers through video.
The use of voice technology in the classroom is a great way to free up teachers’ time. It allows them to focus on creative thinking while voice assistants take care of the mundane tasks of a classroom. This type of technology has few barriers to entry, and students can access podcasts anywhere and anytime. It is already being seen as a learning object and is becoming a valuable resource for educators. In addition to students who want to access educational podcasts on the go, teachers will be trained to create a podcast, record audio, and video, and use a recording studio. The core concepts of ‘Pedagogy’ will be discussed as well.
3D printers
Earlier, 3D printers were hardly available on college campuses. Now, these devices are a staple in many maker spaces on college campuses. Students use them in a variety of ways, from designing classroom furniture sets to creating a sanitary device for blood testing strips. While students might be wary of using such a machine in the classroom, 3D printers offer several benefits for educators.
Education: When 3D printers entered the classroom, many teachers tried to make the classes fun and interesting. However, practical experiments were limited, and math and geography were mostly taught in textbooks. Today, 3D printers are being used in STEM subjects such as engineering, physics, and computer science. These new tools help students develop skills in STEM fields and improve our world. If you want to learn more about using 3D printers in education, check out the UT Arlington’s online master’s program in educational technology.
Aside from enhancing learning experiences, 3D printers also improve students’ communication skills. For example, shy students can learn to talk better and develop stronger communication skills. A 3D printer also allows a reluctant student to develop skills such as problem-solving. For young students, this is a fantastic way to increase confidence. If your students are not quite ready for the world’s biggest leaps in education, 3D printers can be an excellent solution.
The future of educational technology will be bright as they continue to revolutionize learning. The power of 3D printers in education has unlocked a new level of creativity and engagement. Students are able to create anything they imagine with their 3D printers. Through innovative teaching and learning opportunities, students will be able to explore their potential and use their creative imaginations to solve problems. And since students are able to create anything they can imagine, the future of educational technology is bright.
Chatbots
The potential for chatbots in education is immense. The ability of these bots to give feedback and assistance to students is critical in learning new skills. They will also be able to understand and respond to various types of feedback, including the level of effort that a user puts into their lessons. As such, they are poised to revolutionize the future of educational technology. Despite the challenges and limitations associated with chatbots, these virtual assistants are poised to become a major force in the future of education.
While chatbots will not replace teachers anytime soon, they will definitely save time for institutions and teachers alike. By simplifying lecture presentations, student evaluations, and more, will enhance the quality of education. They will also aid teachers in day-to-day tasks such as collecting feedback and providing updates. Several chatbot-building platforms are available for teachers at the moment. To get a chatbot for your classroom, visit a chatbot developer site today.
When implemented correctly, chatbots will be able to provide assistance in a range of instructional settings. They can help learners with language barriers and even provide additional challenges. In addition, they will be able to measure the most commonly asked questions and assess their skill development. Chatbots will also improve the ROI of your training efforts. They can even turn hour-long presentations into a few minutes of microlearning.
The educational technology sector has been the first to embrace digital technology. Even if you’re not planning to implement chatbots for your education-related tasks, they are already being used by businesses and consumers. They will help companies understand consumer needs and help consumers with their inquiries. These chatbots will become more sophisticated and effective at streamlining internal workflows and answering basic questions through artificial intelligence. This is only one of many reasons why chatbots are the future of educational technology.
Gamification
Gaming and other forms of gamification are already common in educational technology. For example, Duolingo is a popular app that allows students to learn a language, while The World Peace Game encourages kids to learn about relationships between nations. A Minnesota 3rd grade teacher integrated a Nintendo DS into her classroom and saw an improvement in her class performance in a matter of months. Clearly, the use of gamification in educational technology can only become more popular.
Games are not the only way to learn, however. While games may be compelling and can even promote behavioral manipulation, they can also be a tool for social innovation. Software that emphasizes cooperation over competition will generate real social innovation. And if that’s not enough, games and gamification can also be a way to make traditional learning spaces more engaging. Let’s explore some of the potential uses of gamification in educational technology.
One area of education in which gamification is being explored is the use of game mechanics in non-game contexts. This attempts to capture student attention and influence classroom behavior using games. While games have been used in educational settings, they often suffer from a stigma due to the lack of expertise and access to game technology. To counter this stigma, gamification can provide educators with a way to make their content more engaging.
The emergence of gamified learning is a positive development. The technology empowers creative and driven learners by injecting gaming elements into the learning environment. Students can learn through play, and it can even help them retain information more effectively. When appropriately implemented, gamification will increase student engagement and retention. It will change how people learn. Gamification is a promising solution to many educational challenges and could be the future of educational technology.