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Future possibilities for learning and technology

The British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta)  have done some work looking at emerging technologies, and how they might impact on education in the future. Below is a brief overview of some of the areas they discuss.  The full report is available here.

M-Learning- There are emerging and current technologies that enable learning on the move.  Devices are getting smaller and more common, there is increasing wireless connectivity available, and people are using relevant devices more and more in their lives.  The report identifies several key lessons about m-learning:

• It can empower and engage learners, even those who are seen as hard to involve in learning.
• It is best used as part of a blend of different learning approaches
• It can be used not just for teaching, but to allow people to create, collaborate and communicate as part of their learning
• Involvement in m-learning can build confidence in using IT amongst those who have previously avoided it
• It is important that people have a level of ownership over the devices used for m-learning.

The Ambient Web- Emerging technology is making it easier for devices to communicate and access information seamlessly, regardless of where they are.  This offers opportunities for educators to create 'mediascapes' where students can hear, see and interact with a different landscape as they move around an area.  An example is the 'savannah' project, where school children moved around their playground acting as a pride of lions. They had handheld devices, headphones and GPS to locate themselves.  As they moved round they could 'see' and 'hear' where they were on the savannah.  They then had to complete tasks, such as hunting and looking after cubs, to help them understand about the lions.  This kind of situated physical learning can be very effective.

Human-Computer Interaction- Whilst PC's, laptops, projectors and interactive whiteboards have been seen to be beneficial in the classroom, new ways of interacting with technology will potentially lead to a richer learning experience.  Things like 3D displays, wall sized displays in classrooms, simple talk and response with a program, and the possibility of smells being released, give the chance for students to learn more interactively.  An example is learning about being a Roman soldier complete with sights, smells and interaction with the virtual soldiers displayed life-sized on a wall screen.

Social Networks- Emerging technologies are allowing people to become participants in creating the web, rather than just users or viewers.  Things such as blogs, wikis, and podcasts allow people to create content and publish it to the web.  These changes are underpinned by the increased spread of faster connectivity.  These technologies, which learners are increasingly familiar with, can be useful in education, encouraging collaboration and creativity.

The Broadband Home- As broadband speeds increase, and more devices can communicate with each other, the home is becoming a place where people can use different devices to access content throughout the home.  If learners can access educational content from their institution easily, then that can provide flexible and personalised learning at a place and time to suit the learner.  As devices and networks develop, people are likely to have a range of connected devices such as TV's and phones, on which they can carry out entertainment, communication and learning activities.