Education Special Section
Data and Analytics
Relationships between K-12 teachers and college educators used to be solely focused on college transition programs . Now , the focus is shifting to partnerships based on formal research studies , professional development , or joint technology and curriculum initiatives , as EdTech Online states . Data-driven research is being gathered and assessed by college educators and results are being implemented in the form of metrics to keep individual students on track to graduate . If an individual student falls “ off track ,” teachers utilize that information to determine a course of academic intervention . This form of individualized learning is being employed across the country with positive results .
Adaptive Learning Technology / Resources
Addressing individual learning gaps continues to be at the top of priority lists for student achievement in the classroom . Adaptive learning technologies have already proven successful in the classroom
and are a growing piece of the education puzzle . As the infrastructure needed to support these types of initiatives is more easily accessible and widespread , teachers are finding ways to incorporate these technologies into blended learning programs , according to EdTech Update .
IoT in the Classroom
You may be unfamiliar with the term IoT ( Internet of Things ), but you likely use it every day . IoT is a network of devices connected to the internet that deliver real-time insights to connected devices , such as cell phones , laptops , or even your television . These “ smart ” devices offer a unique benefit in the classroom in the form of interactive whiteboards , e-books , 3-D printers , security cameras , and attendance tracking systems . Use of IoT can remove barriers to learning such as location , language , and economic standing .
A recent TEDx article highlighted a Fargo , North Dakota , teacher , Kayla Delzer , and her use of technology in the classroom . She believes it can revolutionize education , but only if used correctly . “ Using technology simply for the sake of using it is wasteful ,” Delzer says . “ If tech doesn ’ t transform your classroom , your teaching or your students ’ learning , skip it .” One easy rule of thumb : If a project can be done using paper or pencil but you ’ re doing it on a computer or device , it ’ s not transforming your classroom . The possibilities for technology in the K-12 classroom setting are endless and , if implemented correctly , change the course of education as we know it .
Change in Educator Practices / School Infrastructure
Although technology is getting all the hype for being a game changer in the education industry , the real success comes from teachers and their active role in ensuring the proper employment of that technology in making a difference in learning . According to Education Week , 90 percent of teachers agree that technology gives them the ability to tailor
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