3 Exciting Trends
in Educational Technology
#1: Augmented Reality: zSpace
zSpace uses a virtual reality screen, special goggles, and
software to create an 3D, interactive environment to enhance learning. A single
“Instructor” can be purchased for $6,100. A “STEM Lab” can also be purchased for
$62K that includes 12 workstations
zSpace makes learning more exciting and interactive through
the use of virtual 3D activities. Students can use this technology to explore
objects that they normally would not be able to see outside of pictures and
diagrams. For example, students can select internal organs from the human body and
manipulate them through a 3D display. The same can also be done with insects,
animals, and more. For more examples of lessons, click here. Lessons were created
to align with national standards, so finding uses for their resources is quite
easy.
#2: Adaptive Learning Software
Adaptive learning software creates an individualized
learning path based on information the software gathers from the student. The
software analyzes what the student already knows, does not know, and how
quickly they learn the content. Moby
Max is an example of adaptive learning software that is becoming popular in
K-8 education.
Click here to
view an interview of how this adaptive learning software is making its way into
higher education. Its use is reducing time to complete degrees and more accurately
assessing students.
#3: 3D Printing
3D printing is becoming a popular tool in the professional
world. Thus, it is making its way into classrooms. To create 3d objects, a
digital version must first be constructed using a computer. A machine then lays
down man very thin layers of material to create the object. So, not only are
students learning computer skills to create objects, they are then getting to
see and interact with the objects they create. For example, students might
design a guitar like the one above. With this technology, students can learn
how an instruments size or resonance chambers can change the sound of the
instrument
