Post one recommendation per technology on how to have your school “accept with enthusiasm” these new technologies. Envision that you are giving advice to the school administrators/school board/PTA on how to integrate emerging technologies into the school curriculum.
1. Mobile Computing - Most mobile phones come with bluetooth. With bluetooth it is possible to share files automatically, without Internet connection, to many people in a short period of time. Bluetooth can then be hooked from a mobile phone and uploaded to a computer. This is a good way for students to receive assignments. This connection would be done directly in the classroom so there is no room for email and Internet excuses.
2. Open Content - With open content it is easy to compare lesson plans and requirements between districts and also gain tips and tricks from wealthier communities that can afford to do more research on learning abilities and disabilities.
3. Electronic Books - With electronic books available, students will not have to carry around heavy books, preventing Scoliosis. E-Books are also more affordable when it comes to pricing and can be toted anywhere for homework on the go.
4. Simple Augmented Reality - Augmented reality has been made much more accessible to students and educators recently and since most people already have smart phones or laptops the shift would not require much effort.
5. Gesture-Based Computing - These devices are excellent for children who play too many video games and sit around all day. These devices provide some physical activity and exercise that children require. These can be brought into a classroom on a rainy day when children cannot go outside for recess. The games also are strong builders for hand eye coordination.
6. Visual Data Analysis - The product itself promises to make it possible for anyone to sift through, display, and understand complex concepts and relationships. These can very easily become integrated into a Mathematics classroom and help students immensely with problem solving.
What stands out most are the different ideas you got even from looking at the same material, the nature of interpretation! The open-content suggestion is something I would never have thought of, what a great idea! Regardless of economic status or demographic, this kind of sharing of material would benefit any educator. This same kind of thinking is applied in your thought on gesture-based computing. There are far too many children that sit around playing video games during all their free time and while this would create some classroom movement it more importantly connects with something the kids already enjoy –virtual interactions. If you can make learning fun it’s half the battle. Lastly I was impressed with the mobile computing implementing via blue tooth. I myself don’t know much about how that system works but the instant and what sounds like easy connections really do knock off the variables of extending material. Some of your outside-the-box ways of interacting with the innovations are proof of the extensive possibilities.
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