How Do You Stay Current With Emerging Technologies in Education?
EdTechBrief.com
How Do You Stay Current With Emerging Technologies in Education?
Navigating the fast-paced evolution of educational technology can be daunting, so we sought insights from top professionals in the field. From establishing a Digital Leaders Group to integrating interactive video content, here are the top four strategies provided by a Founder and a Managing Director on staying ahead with emerging technologies in education.
- Establish a Digital Leaders Group
- Incorporate Microlearning Modules
- Develop Gamified E-Learning Courses
- Integrate Interactive Video Content
Establish a Digital Leaders Group
While working in a school, we set up a digital leaders group to address the hesitancy around using new technology in the classroom. This would be led by a lead teacher. The team, including myself, was also a mix of other teaching and support staff members. In exchange for support, we gained an additional hour of non-contact time to support the project.
The goal was to trial and test a single example of emerging technology in our role every term, then report back. At the time, this ranged from devices such as Chromebooks and iPads, to AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality).
Following a report, if the technology was successful, we'd roll out training to other staff members across the school to help them get the most from that emerging technology as well.
This was a great way to mitigate any worries over lesson-ending technical faults, and it helped promote all the advantages of technology such as ChatGPT and make the teaching role more efficient.
Incorporate Microlearning Modules
Staying current with emerging technologies in education involves continuous learning and active experimentation. I regularly participate in industry webinars, read the latest research, and engage with our community of authors. One memorable instance was when I noticed the rising trend of microlearning—delivering content in small, manageable chunks.
Inspired by this, we revamped our eLearning platform to incorporate microlearning modules. This approach proved to be a game-changer. For example, we introduced a series of concise, interactive lessons on instructional design principles. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with learners appreciating the bite-sized, easily digestible content. This shift enhanced user engagement and improved knowledge retention, aligning perfectly with modern learning preferences.
Develop Gamified E-Learning Courses
I stay current with emerging technologies in education by regularly reading industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in online courses. For example, I recently learned about interactive e-learning platforms that use gamification. These platforms make learning fun by incorporating game-like elements such as points and badges. We applied this trend by developing a gamified course for our clients, which increased engagement and made learning more enjoyable. We ensure our educational content is always fresh and effective by staying up-to-date with new trends and applying them.
Integrate Interactive Video Content
Staying current with emerging technologies in education requires a commitment to continuous learning and curiosity. I frequently attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, and read the latest research and case studies. One trend I recently embraced is the use of interactive video content to enhance learner engagement. By integrating quizzes, polls, and interactive scenarios within courses, I've seen a notable increase in student participation and completion rates. My approach is to always look for problems that need solving and focus on finding the most effective solutions. This mindset has not only kept my content relevant but also provided tangible improvements in educational outcomes.
