The future of edtech – Promethean Report 2016

“21st Century Education won’t be defined by any new technology. It won’t be just defined by 1:1 technology programs or tech-intensive projects. 21st Century Education will, however, be defined by a fundamental shift in what we are teaching – a shift towards learner-centered education and creating creative thinkers.” Karl Fisch

What does the future of edtech look like?

When it comes to the future of educational technology, less than 6% of educators believe that growth will slow, and the use of technology in education will start to decline.

67% believe that technology use will plateau at a level where it is shared with other resources and teaching methods, with only 27% thinking that technology-aided teaching will become the only way in which lessons are taught.

It is also worth considering whether teachers will become (if they have not already) passive adopters of edtech. With technology set to be increasingly prevalent, both in and out of the classroom, most educators are likely to use edtech in some shape or form, on a day-to-day basis, even if they don’t consider themselves to be a technology user.

While edtech presents teachers with new and exciting ways to implement modern teaching methods, the majority of teachers believe that educational technology will become one of many interrelated resources and teaching methods.

“Technology will continue to develop and sit alongside other teaching methodologies. I believe that human contact is always going to be important.” Teacher, Rickmansworth

“I think technology is a very useful tool, but not the only useful tool. It should be embedded into pedagogical practice but should not become the only way in which teaching occurs: different teaching methods bring different benefits and challenges.” Teacher, Kettering

Ultimately the majority of teachers see edtech as an enablement tool – one that will continue to develop and complement direct classroom teaching as it always has done – not a substitute for teachers and other teaching methods. Enhancing what teachers are already doing on a day-to-day basis – technology can help to support teachers – solving their problems in new and innovative ways.

Which technologies will make the biggest growth over the next few years?

When it comes to the future of technology in education, it’s not about one particular device. This generation of pupils respond best to variety; they get their knowledge and experiences from a range of sources and so edtech must reflect this. Likewise, high-speed internet access is set to play a crucial role in the development and uptake of educational technologies.

Technology will continue to be used where it supports learning. As new technology is developed, teachers will have to adapt and develop their ICT skills.

While none of us can predict which technology we will be using in the future – both in schools and in the wider world – there are some key areas to keep an eye on.

Spotlight on Apps in the classroom

Allowing teachers to provide instant online feedback on a child’s conduct for everyone, including parents, to see, apps are helping to decrease the time spent on behaviour management, creating a more positive learning environment. Other apps let teachers send SMS messages to individuals or groups, reminding them of upcoming dates, while others use a smartphone to scan and score tests.

Spotlight on coding and robotics

Educational robotics such as Sphero and Bee- Bots help to make learning fun. Coding is no longer something done by a solitary individual on a computer screen. Instead, it’s a multi- sensory activity, which requires hands-on innovation, communication, and collaboration.

Spotlight on 3D Printers

Safe enough for even young children to use, 3D printing brings designs to life, offering a level of engagement that’s almost impossible to recreate from a textbook. Combining problem-solving skills with creativity and innovation, 3D printing is helping to inspire a new generation of engineers, architects, and designers. Integrating a 3D printer into the classroom is also affordable, despite increasingly squeezed academic budgets, often coming in cheaper than laptops and computers.

How do you see the state of technology changing over the next 10 years?

Table showing how UK educators see the state of education technology changing over the next 10 years

Continue reading… The Promethean State of Technology in Education Report conclusion or return to contents page.