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A New Era in Educational Technology: Tech Leaders’ Predictions

1/27/2021

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     Increased focus on k-12 learning outcomes and the recent surge in the use of educational technology could potentially merge, prompting a new era in teaching and learning. For a recent article in the online journal Transforming Education Through Technology, staff writer Dian Schaffhauser interviewed several of the nation’s technology leaders to get their insights into the future of educational technology. ​
     Jim Szafranski, CEO of  Prezi suggests that teachers will begin to shift their instructional practices from live presentations to pre-recorded segments that can be shared with other educators. He believes that this will allow educators more freedom to address individual needs during classroom time. Erik Heinrich, Education IT leader of the telecommunications company CommScope, asserts that it is time for the nation to “finally realize that connectivity is becoming as important to students' education as their textbooks.” ​
     Megan O'Reilly Palevich, Head Laurel Springs School suggests that now is the time to begin replacing scheduled classroom meeting times with flexible learning schedules. Such a change, she suggests, could help to improve student independence, confidence, and engagement with the subject matter. Rich Henderson, Director of Global Education Solutions for Lenovo points out that esports, such as the popular “Fortnite” and “Call of Duty,” will find their ways into the STEM curriculum. He believes that this could contribute to student development of collaboration, problem solving, social inclusion, and a range of other interpersonal skills. ​
“Fortnite” and “Call of Duty,” will find their ways into the STEM curriculum.
     Finally, Jenn Mitchell, Director, K-12 Product Marketing for Instructure promotes greater school system investment into assessment management systems (AMS) that are designed to provide real-time data concerning student achievement and academic challenges. Schaffhauser's article includes many more insights from today’s technology technology leaders, including the use of robotics to assist with early childhood education. To read the full article, click here. ​
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Enhancing Your Online Teaching Space

1/19/2021

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Hybrid and online instruction presents challenges. Enhancing your workspace can help you to be more comfortable and efficient, while facilitating a more effective educational experience for your students. Here is a list of 4 accommodations for you to consider. 
An Extra Device or Monitor - Having additional screens allows you to manage a variety of activities on different screens. You might display your online lesson on a laptop, monitor live chat on a separate monitor, and manage Google Classroom on your tablet device. A Paper Notebook - With multiple tabs open and several programs running, it can be difficult having to switch back and forth in order to find information. Having a paper notebook on your desk can help you to have important information available at a glance. It can also be helpful for taking notes to add to your digital files after your online session. A Natural Light Source - You not only stare at electronic screens during your live instruction; you also spend substantial screen time planning lessons and gathering resources. This can lead to eye strain and headaches. A study conducted by Cornell University found 
optimal daylight reduces headaches and eyestrain of office workers by 84%. You can achieve this by either setting up your workspace near a window, or using daylight-colored bulbs in your area. A Yoga Mat - The online work environment requires us to remain in stationary positions for extended periods of time. This can lead to a host of health-related problems. According to https://www.mayoclinic.org/, such problems may include obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Online and hybrid teaching unlocks instructional possibilities and offers a variety of conveniences for both educators and learners. It is important, however, to approach this new phenomenon with attention to your well being. 

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    Marcil Seals, PhD.

    Member of the EBR Educational Technology Team.

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  • Home
  • EdTech Spotlight
  • About
    • Instructional Technology >
      • Meet the Team
      • Core Beliefs
      • Tour the PDC
    • Guiding Documents
  • Helpful Resources
    • On-Demand PD >
      • Teachers
      • Students
      • Families
    • Tech Bytes Newsletter
  • Request Support
  • District Calendar
  • Contact Us