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Insights from experts about the latest classroom tech trends
The world’s largest technology in education event held in London on the 24 -27th January imagined learning in the year 2028. We went along to ask the experts about the latest classroom tech trends.
The world’s largest technology in education event, BETT Show 2018, held in London on the 24 -27th January imagined learning in the year 2028. We went along to ask the experts about the latest classroom tech trends.
Sam Warnes, Founder, EDLounge
Neil Watkins, Managing Director, Think IT
Andy Goff, Director, ONVU Learning
Q: What will the classroom look like in 2028?
SW: Home schooling is on the increase meaning classrooms are getting smaller already. Therefore, by 2028 I predict that all classrooms will be virtual to some extent. From the conversations we’ve had, a lot of parents are taking their children out of the classroom so online education is undoubtedly where we are heading, while still maintaining the benefits of face-to-face interaction through the screen. In 10 years’ time, we'll be able to provide proper distance learning, with bespoke lessons for individual learners.
NW: Currently, education systems are a little fragmented and unclear of what they want to actually achieve for students. The sector is very focused around coding, and we constantly hear the messaging around digital skills and yet, what are digital skills really?
Digital skills should focus on things like artificial intelligence (AI), the ability to read and interpret data and ask questions regarding where the data comes from.
I think we’ll see a shift from big companies filtering into the education system. The likes of Facebook and Amazon are following the footsteps of Microsoft in the US, so I don’t think it would be surprising to see this trend expand.
I think there will be a big shift in gamification too. If you think about it, a game such as Call of Duty actually allows children to collaborate, work in a team, think algorithmically, so they’re applying their computation thinking and problem solving skills all while having fun. This is something that will fully take off by 2028, we’re seeing slow trends happening now, so in 10 years this will likely increase also.
AG: In 2028, there will be a dynamic mix of face-to-face, online and student directed learning in the classroom. This learning will be able to evolve as the child grows, so younger children may be in the classroom more than older children who will do more distance learning. Furthermore, we'll be able to put the best teachers in front of more students by using virtual classrooms.
Q: What’s the most useful or exciting ed tech solution for the classroom right now?
AG: Solutions that bring coding to life. It’s about making coding accessible to teachers; this is by far the most useful ed tech solution. For instance, companies that allow students to learn a simple coding language in order to control a drone. Coding is the new arms race for countries. The more children today that can get a grasp on this, the more intellectual property we as a country will be able to generate.
NW: Cloud-based solutions. They allow teachers and students access anytime, anywhere, making teaching and learning a lot more efficient and effective.
It’s also key for parents. It’s well known how much of a positive impact parents’ involvement in their child’s progression can be, so having a cloud-based system allows them to continue the learning process outside of the classroom.
They’re also very cost-effective, which is extremely useful in a time of ever-tightening budgets and can easily be implemented by staff, often without a skilled technician.
SW: One of the best pieces of ed tech I’ve come across is a projector that works on any surface. It’s able to track your movement and allows you to turn walls into a touchscreen.
