Educational Technologies – The Future of Education

Technology is sweeping through classrooms as educators and developers create more and more products designed to enhance education. New technologies like AI, machine learning, and educational software isn’t just changing the field for students, they’re shaking up the role of educators, creating philosophical shifts in approaches to teaching, and remodeling the classroom.

Changing Landscape of Education

Technology exists throughout our lives. It influences how we connect with people, what and how we make purchases and how we learn. With this increasing presence it only makes sense that we are seeing increased use in a classroom setting.

Whether low tech, (overhead projectors, white boards etc.) or high tech (interactive team boards, virtual learning environments or virtual reality) technology has impacted education a variety of ways. Many of us have taken some sort or workshop, course or learning module through online learning. Computer advances, internet speeds and accessibility as well as improved software have made this possible.

Many physical classrooms now have interactive team boards rather than chalk boards. Teachers utilize various software and programs to develop a more interactive atmosphere. Computers can be seen on desks rather than pen and paper and learning materials can be accessed through a learning management system, such as Blackboard.

Looking at the Future

Schools across the globe are beginning to redesign learning spaces to enable a more technological model of education, foster more interaction and small group work, and use technology as an enabler. The future of technology in education is helping teachers to expand beyond linear, text-based learning and to engage students who learn best in other ways, effectively. Its role in schools has evolved from a contained computer class into a versatile learning tool that could change how we demonstrate concepts, assign projects and assess progress.

Also, the future of technology in education is to improve communication. Tutors can lecture learners over long distances and scholars can achieve their academic papers through eLearning. Also, students that feel like studying from home can now do it. Advancement of information technology in education has improved research. There are very many online libraries that assist teachers and students with comprehensive reading materials. Teachers and lecturers are also able to post their work online for their students to read.

Current Examples & Future Possibilities

Here are some current things being used and some things being considered for our future of technology in education:

Social media in education
E-books
Student database and results tracking
Interactive textbook learning (e.g. McGraw-Hill SmartLearn)
Gamification
Flexibility and online learning
Virtual reality
Online classes
Technology facilitates to extend classroom community by utilizing a web-based platform enviroment
Digitalization of everything
Enhanced simulation-based learning
Cell phones, computers, iPads, etc. in the classroom

Opinion and Analysis

As a current student, I recognize the strong and positive impacts technology has and will continue to have on education. Over the years I have seen significant technological changes in my own classes that have affected my learning in many positive ways, so I am interested in the topic and have high hopes that education technologies will just keep improving for more effective learning.

When I was in Elementary school, classroom technologies were extremely minimal. As I advanced in through grade levels, and moved into high school, Smart Boards and other interactive white boards were introduced to the classroom. Near the end of my high school career, my teachers started utilizing digital platforms such as google classroom, and now I am in college where the professors all utilize the learning management system known as BlackBoard.

Also, since I am a business student, I took a business simulation course that simulated running a virtual business online. This was an excellent learning experience which demonstrates the effectiveness of technology in education. I look forward to the future of technology in the classroom and how it will continue to make a difference on student lives and the impact on our school systems. Technology is the future.

For more information regarding the topic, check out these sources:

https://apiumhub.com/tech-blog-barcelona/future-technology-education/

https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/jun/19/technology-future-education-cloud-social-learning

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-technology-is-shaping-the-future-of-education-2017-12

Trending Technologies in 2019 to Know About

Technology is changing and impacting how we work and live our lives more and more over time as technology advances. Within the past ten years, the changes we have seen in such technology has skyrocketed, an you need to fasten up the pace to make intelligent decisions.

With the advancements in the fields like virtual and augmented realities, Internet of things, immersive experiences, etc. It’s important to be in close touch with these technologies because they influence most of our everyday lives and have high potential.

Here are some cool examples of emerging technology in 2019 that I think people should know about:

Digital Twin Technology

For those who don’t know, a digital twin is a digital representation of a real-world entity or system. While it’s one of the most important technology trends for 2019, by next year, it’s expected that about 21 billion connected sensors will result in the existence in over billions.

With this shift to an integrated digital world, it will be highly beneficial for jobs like marketers, healthcare professionals, and planners. This technology is pretty unheard and one of the top trending technologies of the year so I thought I would share it.

Cloud & Edge Computing

Edge computing is a topology in which information source is closer to information processing and content collection and delivery. While it could be apparent that Cloud and Edge computing are competing in approach, the reality is a lot different.

If implemented together, Cloud could be used to create a service-oriented model and Edge could offer a delivery style for execution of disconnected parts of a cloud service. Overall, I’d say this is an interesting technology to be aware of as it can be utilized by anyone.

Immersive Technology

You don’t need an introduction to augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality technologies and how they are changing the way we interact with the digital world as they continue to find a prominent position in the chart of technology trends for 2019.

It is expected that in upcoming years digital media companies such as Microsoft and Apple are focussing more on mixed reality, where a user maintains a presence in the physical world and interacts with objects in digital and real-world. Any user who has tested these technologies in some way are aware of the wonderful and meaningful experience they present.

Conversational Platforms

Conversational platforms have the power to process different user queries and complicated interactions. In near future, these platforms will evolve to process more complex actions. By working out the challenges like the structured way of communication of users, it could be made even better.

I believe these are important to understand as these are beginning to replace traditional web and mobile apps to become the new medium for interactive conversations.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is a concept that describes the idea of everyday physical objects being connected to the internet and being able to identify themselves to other devices. Its significance is that it can represent itself digitally becomes something greater than the object by itself.

No longer does the object relate just to its user, but it is now connected to surrounding objects and database data. I’ve never really engaged in this technology concept before, but it sounds like it will begin to have a lot of potential going into the future.

Opinion and Analysis

There is a significant amount of top technologies right now in 2019. The five I shared are the ones I believe everyone should know about because it is always important to know about, and what I find personally interesting and look forward to seeing them involve in the future. When I first heard of IoT, I had no idea what it was, and now I think its a pretty cool technology.

Immersive technology is another big one I always like learning and talking about. It changed the landscape of so many things, especially gaming and job training. There is no end to technology, and it is advancing at an exponential pace, improving the world and our lives. One could only wonder what the future holds for a highly technological world.

I’m a high user of technology so I am personally very excited to see what the future has in store for us.

For more information regarding the topic, check out these sources:

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-trending-technologies-in-IT-Industry

https://www.edureka.co/blog/top-10-trending-technologies/

https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2018-10-15-gartner-identifies-the-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2019

A Look Into Gaming Technologies – Now & Future

Cutting edge gaming technologies allow gamers to experience games in a fully immersive way. Technologically, video games have come a long way since their beginnings. The gaming industry has grown significantly, from pixels and arcade machines to highly-photo realistic graphics and experiences including, but not limited to, online gameplay (multi-player), emotional stories within the game, competitiveness, 3D gameplay, and mobile gaming. The advancements in gaming technology over the years made all this possible.

Video games have spread to a wide range of different platforms such as computers, mobile phones, consoles, tablets, virtual realty headsets, and much more. Video game companies are finding more unique and innovative ways to enhance gaming experience with use of different technologies for gamers in many different ways on a daily basis.

Here are some amazing examples of gaming technologies currently in use:

Facial recognition: 3D scanning and facial recognition technology allows systems to actually create your likeness in the gaming world. This means creating a custom avatar that looks just like you. It also is able to transfer your own expressions into the game.

Voice recognition: Computers and other video game consoles are able to recognize voice commands from the user for gaming purposes. In addition to controlling your console with this technology, you can control gameplay, social media, search the web, and much other stuff on the system as well.

Graphics: The advancement in video game graphics has come a super long way since the 8-bit and pixel gaming era. Cutting edge advancements now allow gamers to experience games in fully rendered worlds with photo realistic textures. The ability to increase playability with higher image quality makes it seem like you’re right inside the game.

Virtual Reality: Virtual reality has not completely reached its peak yet in the gaming industry, but it is available. Virtual reality has taken on many different forms, but in gaming it is truly something of interest and enjoyful. It gives gamers a fully immersive gaming experience the likes of which nobody has seen before. Virtual reality is looking to grow immensely within the gaming industry in years to come.

The Future

Video game technologies will continue to expand in unique ways across the market. In the last 20 years, video games went from nothing to everything. The difference in 20 years from now could be the same comparison.

Some expected in changes include:

Hyper-immersive gameplay through virtual reality (VR) and photorealistic graphic improvements
Open source game development
Gaming in the cloud
Increasing use of augmented reality, or AR
The return/comeback of handheld consoles
Secondary screens and devices for gaming
Social or collaborative virtual reality (VR).

Gaming isn’t being left behind in the major moves being made toward amazing technology. Gaming platforms are continuously being improved and new ones are being created on the cutting-edge technology that is released every day. These technologies show massive promise in the worldwide gaming industry.

Opinion and Analysis

They say predictions about how technology will evolve in future have always been inaccurate because we can never really predict how we may deviate from the intended use of the original creation.

That said, it is still delightful to know that the gaming industry is heading towards uncharted territory, always exploring and pushing the limit. As for me, I’m one who would rather take a backseat and take pleasure in seeing how future games will unfold themselves.

I’ve been a gamer for the majority of my life and growing with the changing landscape of video game technology has been a huge joy for me. Since I play video games almost everyday, the experience is impactful and its fast advancements in technological aspects is nothing short but spectacular. All the way from the PlayStation 1 days, to the soon to be PlayStation 5. The high-def graphics are probably my favourite thing.

I have yet to try out some of the newer technologies such as games with a virtual reality experience, such as PlayStation VR. But I look forward to at some point. I am interested to see just how far the video game industry is willing to go in technology to remain highly competitive in the modern world.

For more information regarding the topic, check out these sources.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/61764/11-unbelievable-advances-gaming-technology

https://www.techfunnel.com/information-technology/future-gaming-technology-predictions-for-2020/

https://www.gamedesigning.org/gaming/advances-in-technology/

Technology’s Impact on Modern Business

When it comes to business, technology helps to meet a problem or opportunity. Businesses utilize different aspects of technology to extend their abilities and reach customers. They need technology to effectively and efficiently meet peak demand and meet their goals and objectives.

Technological infrastructure affects the culture, efficiency and relationships of a business. It also affects the security of confidential information and trade advantages. The very diverse technological business enviroment is important for managers and entrepreneurs to understand what to use, when to use, and how to use it to maximize effectiveness. For a business to get the best out of technology, they have to plan and manage this technology very well.

In modern business, if relevant technologies aren’t taken advantage of, most business fail. Technology is vital for success in modern business.

Here’s some brief examples of how technology it is used in business:

Communication with Customers

Technology affects a firm’s ability to communicate with customers. In today’s busy business environment, it is necessary for employees to interact with clients quickly and clearly. Websites allow customers to find answers to their questions after hours. When customers use technology to interact with a business, the business benefits because better communication creates a stronger public image.

Efficiency of Operations

Technology also helps a business understand its cash flow needs and preserve precious resources such as time and physical space. With proper technology in place, businesses can save time and money by holding meetings over the Internet instead of at corporate headquarters.

Business Culture

Technology creates a team dynamic within a business because employees at different locations have better interactions. Groups and social tensions can become a nightmare for a business; technology often helps workers put their different backgrounds aside.

Security

Technology can be used to protect financial data, confidential executive decisions and other proprietary information that leads to competitive advantages. Simply put, technology ensures security by helping businesses keep their ideas away from their competition, and protecting files, ideas, and records for future use.

Research Capacity

A business that has the technological capacity to research new opportunities will stay a step ahead of its competition. The Internet allows a business to virtually travel into new markets without the high marketing costs and makes it easier to acquire customer base.

The impacts technology has had, and will continue to have on modern business extend much beyond these examples as well. A successful and profitable business will be one of which with a proficient implementation of technological methods.

Opinion and Analysis

As a student studying a major in Business Administration, the stuff written throughout my blog is important for me to comprehend as I enter the field of business. It’s interesting to learn how important technology is when it comes to meeting business objectives and succeeding. Thinking back like 50 years ago when technology was barely apart of our lives, now it’s one of the primary elements of a successful business.

The technology around us changes everyday, and it’s important to note that technology itself is a business, meaning it influences our everyday lives. Such technology is doing more things for businesses and making their lives easier, which I find to be pretty cool overall. For example, some fast food businesses such as Mc. Donald’s now have machines for ordering food, making it easier as it reduces face-to-face interaction – ultimately allowing workers to be more productive in the back.

In my opinion, that’s a strong example of technology’s impact on modern business. I look forward to seeing more examples and advancements in technology relating to business as I begin to enter the business realm myself upon finishing school.

For more information regarding the topic, check out these sources:

https://www.useoftechnology.com/technology-business/

https://bizfluent.com/about-6320228-technology-important-business-.html

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/impact-technological-change-business-activity-2191.html