Emerging Technologies Impact on Learning

How are emerging technologies having a significant impact on learning? 

Emerging technologies in education has been an on-going issue for years. Now that the pace of technology is increasing at an exponential rate, institutions of learning should consider a systematic and sustainable approach to dealing with this issue. Because emerging technologies impact every aspect of our lives, including the workforce, it is necessary to consider the impact of those technologies on education (Spector, 2013). Emerging technologies also have the ability to support authentic learning to mirror real-world situations so that leaners are better prepared to utilize these technologies when situations arise (Bozalek et al., 2013). Workers are asked to be more collaborative and with telecommuting becoming more popular, it is imperative that people know how to utilize various technologies for collaboration and virtual communication. I have always felt, as an educator, that it is a constant race to keep up with emerging technologies, trends, and their impact on teaching and learning. I have witnessed this problem first hand both as a classroom teacher, and technology coach. 

One of the emerging technologies most likely to impact education is learning analytics (Spector, 2013). I currently work in an industry focused on learning analytics and while I am impressed with the potential impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning, I am more concerned with the necessary change that schools will have to undergo during the successful implementation of such technologies. Not only will network infrastructures and technology resources need to be current, but schools will also need to be willing to invest the resources into on-going professional development to aid teachers in this paradigm shift. We continue to ask more and expect more of our teachers with fewer resources—namely time. While I have witnessed pockets of change and innovation across the nation, I have also seen challenges and barriers to change. 

Emerging technologies will continue to impact teaching and learning and I think the key is to have a successful plan in place that not only considers all stakeholders, but allows them input in the process. I have had the pleasure of working in some districts where there are tech committees designed to invite all stakeholders when considering a large adoption of a new technology.  I have also worked in districts where these decisions are made at the leadership level with little or no input from the end-users.  

Needless to say, district culture is key to successful implementation and adoption.  There is always resistance to change on some level in every organization, but I believe that for the most part, it's not what we do, but the way in which we do it--with careful consideration for giving people a voice in their choice.

There is a book that I read (actually, I listened to it on audible--it's what I do when I'm on the road) called "Switch:  How to change when change is hard" by Chip and Dan Heath.  It really resonated with me and I recommend it to everyone!  In fact, my 28 year old son read the book, and commented to me that his sister's elephant gets in the way of some deep conversations sometimes--classic!

Here is a YouTube clip that speaks about this book's main theme:  

References:
Spector, J. M. (2013). Emerging educational technologies and research directions. Educational Technology & Society, 16(2), 21-30. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/journal/jeductechsoci