Technology Trends in ClassRooms - K12 & Higher Ed - 2019

Today kids are learning about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in classrooms and are implementing it, something that was inconceivable a few years ago. However its normal for kids today, kids can build their own machine learning based technologies on raspberry PI's, or own Google home for a few dollars using AIY which is the artificial intelligence or self version of DIY. And this change is happening globally, early this year India’s Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE decided to include artificial intelligence in their syllabus, as an optional subject, for students of class 8, 9 and 10.

Immersive learning

Another trend in STEM is availability of good quality interactive solutions and hardware available to kids, as open educational resources. Kids today can learn and experiment using good quality interactive learning material, science-based 3d objects, and use them in projects. ‘Thingiverse' incredible resource for 3d objects to print, adapt and use in educational projects. 

Video Learning

YouTube has become a go-to-choice for Kids to pick the style of teacher they like to learn from, my 10 year old daughter has a lady that she likes and follows, she likes her style and her communication methodology.  Kids are using YouTube & other available channel for learning, regardless of topic there are tons of people trying to teach them the same thing, in a different way and they can pick the style & teacher they like.

Assistive Technology

Working with kids with disabilities has always been difficult, for a lot of kids access to assistive technology during assessment is a trade-off between security and accessibility. However now assessment vendors, platform providers and  assistive technology service providers all are getting together in a three way partnership, in areas ranging from “ high-tech” technology used in power wheelchairs to "low-end" devices like simple switch, pencil grip, support seat and more. Enabling teachers to provide students with disabilities a holistic learning experience & supportive environment:

• Delivering information to students in a way that is more appropriate to their needs
• Changing the way a student can interact with the curriculum and their environment
• Providing a more appropriate and accessible way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the curriculum.

The five most popular and innovative assistive technology in the classroom are:

1. Electronic Worksheets - These worksheets help students with disabilities to complete their assignments using text to speech or speech synthesizing technology.
2. Phonetic Spelling Software - It helps kids with learning disabilities in reading, writing or reading by converting their tying into words they intended to write.
3. Talking Calculators - Kids with dyscalculia are greatly helped with this text to voice converter.

It helps them to check assignments perform calculations, read numbers, improve spelling and reading skills.

1. Variable Speed Recorders - Kids with difficulties in keeping pace with lectures can use them to record the lecture and use it at their pace to learn.
2. Videos - Kids with disabilities and special needs can achieve better social skills using taped social videos to learn and practice, before venturing into real life situation, this not

only helps them to develop self confidence and interpersonal skills but also work for self-help, linguistic, academic and emotional problems as well.

Cost Of Hardware & Software

Cost are continuing to drop, 15 years ago Nicholas Negroponte was talking about a one laptop per child initiative. He was trying to get the cost of computing down to about $100 per kid and everyone thought it was impossible. I searched Amazon today and there are laptops available for hundred dollars and they're gonna continue to drop in price and get more powerful.

Conclusion 

1. We need to prepare our kids for the connected world and digital literacy.
2. They they may not be coding in their final jobs, however they should have, some understanding of how computers operates and how code works.
3. They will be interacting with technology that relies on code and to have that basic understanding of how computing works  is going to be a real beneficial for them.
4. We understand education is up for a big disruption, however however neither the direction or the pace is constant. We can teach our kids to be open-minded and not afraid of change because change is constant be it in biology, geology or the art & science of teaching and learning.