Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas? We could see the vendors showing off new interactive watches, the latest in cell phones, driverless cars, home WiFi based appliances and new technological wonders that can be applied in schools.
Yes, it would be nice to get super-geeked and tech-overloaded, but it’s just not practical. The second half of the year has just begun and there are classes to manage, tests to grade and new projects to challenge students.
If you are an educator, there is good news; Leila Meyer, an education tech writer went to the show. Here are the 10 Products From CES that she predicts will have the most potential to make it to the classroom:
- DAQRI Smart Helmet – designed for industrial workers, the helmet brings a mixed reality interface with the latest technology for 4D virtual reality applications that can be used in the classroom
- Kodak’s Super 8 Revival camera – designed for a new generation of video and film makers that has many applications for students and lessons, using actual film to deliver texture and vivid color, but with a digital transfer once it’s processed
- Klaxoon Cross-Device Learning Platform – Klaxoon developed a collection of tools designed to support online, interactive learning activities for any mobile device using private WiFi and Cloud storage platforms
- Samsung Galaxy TabProS – a two-in-one tablet that is small, lightweight and shareable in the classroom
- Lenovo AirClass Interactive Virtual Classroom – the name says it all, a dashboard that is accessible for teachers and students that can track a student’s engagement utilizing emotion-analyzing software
- ASUS C202 Chromebook for Education – specially designed for the abuse that comes from multiple hands in the classroom, it features wraparound rubber bumpers with reinforced corners, spill-resistant keyboard, scratch-resistant finish and shockproof solid-state drive
- Panasonic Rug Speakers – a prototype unveiled that can be built into the carpet with controllers that can direct sound toward or away from specific people with potential for libraries and informal learning spaces
- Hanvon Pentech ERT Technology – a pen that works with all-in-one touchscreen TVs, the pen uses electromagnetic resonance touch (ERT) technology that gives more accuracy and control when writing or drawing on a touchscreen display
- XYZ Steam – 3D printers specifically designed for education with applications for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEM) courses
- XYZmaker – 3D modeling app designed to make 3D printing technology faster and more accessible
But having and using the latest technology for technology’s sake may not get the results many educators desire. It’s important to put it into a context of learning, as the tech-instructor at Meyer Elementary School in Lexington, Michigan found out. Jeff Dahl is teaching technology through various content areas, presenting it as something purposeful, connected to learning and relevant to real-world situations. He recommends:
- Making it applicable to other class assignments
- Don’t do it alone, collaborate with other educators
- Embrace discomfort because students adapt quickly
- Apply the SAMR Model with four levels
- Substitution – technology acts as a direct tool substitute with no functional change
- Augmentation – technology acts as a direct tool substitute with functional improvement
- Modification – technology allows for significant task redesign
- Redefinition – technology allows for the creation of new tasks previously inconceivable
- Put tech integration in action
While there are many benefits to integrating new technology into the classroom, often times, the cost is out of reach for many school districts. That’s why California Casualty created the $2,500 Academic Award, to help educators purchase the materials and gadgets they need to help their students. Give your students the advantage they deserve, apply now for the California Casualty Academic Award at www.calcasacademicaward.com.
Sources for this article:
https://www.edutopia.org/practice/tech-literacy-making-it-relevant-through-content-learning
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