This document discusses emerging educational technologies. It describes 5 trends for 2010 including eBooks, netbooks, interactive whiteboards, personal devices in classrooms, and tailored curricula. It also summarizes articles about a new middle school geography program called myWorld that uses virtual reality, and a software called LEE for high school engineering classes that uses the same tools as professionals. The document reflects on how these technologies can make learning more engaging for students.

1. Spicing up the classroom Kindergarten-12 Elise Guerrettaz 14 December 2009 Education W200 Module 6

2. Menu 5 K-12 Technology Trends for 2010: A Look at the Top Technology Tools and Trends to keep an eye on in the Coming Year http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/12/10/5-K12-Technology-Trends-for-2010.aspx?Page=1 Middle School Geography Curriculum Adds Reality, Virtuality to Mix http://thejournal.com/articles/2009/12/01/middle-school-geography-curriculum-adds-reality-virtuality-to-mix.aspx Engineering Graphics Programming Goes to High School http://thejournal.com/articles/2009/11/20/engineering-graphics-programming-goes-to-high-school.aspx

3. 5 K-12 Technology Trends for 2010 Posted Reviews of Article: Daren Indiana: I will be going to grad school next fall for Education Technology and Curriculum, all five of your predictions are beliefs that I share. Students need technology to help add relevance to their education, and teachers need technology to steamline their ever increasing responsibilities; using tech to enhance already proven teaching strategies while making assessment more meaningful and efficient. Denis Florida: Excellent article. My biggest hope is a tailored curriculum. I am kipping my fingers crossed. Brief Description: This article focuses on 5 key points dealing with the recent emerging technology. The five different technologies this article touches upon are; eBooks, netbooks, interactive whiteboards, personal devices in the classroom, and tailored curricula.

4. 5 K-12 Technology Trends for 2010(cont) In-depth descriptions: eBooks So many people use eBooks now to read fiction and non-fiction books it is only a matter of time before textbooks in the classroom will become obsolete. This fad will become the new way to read and study for class. Netbooks We see this new technology trend everywhere we go, these affordable computers will help students have easier access to the internet for a low cost. Interactive Blackboards High-tech blackboards are making a fast appearance in schools around the national and they are a necessity for an interactive classroom. Personal Devices In the past cell phones & iPods have been a bother for teachers although soon we maybe seeing them as a benefit in the classroom. Students are attaining them at such a young age nowadays and make it very simple to access the internet. Tailored Curricula Teachers are asking for a technology-based way to record and access students grades in K-12, which in return will make it easier for teachers and students to track their grades.

6. I was shocked when reading that eBooks were going to make their way into K-12 classrooms. Some of my friends own eBooks and they absolutely love them. I personally think this technology is very interesting and useful, and now even more so considering students won’t have to be carrying around heavy old textbooks.

7. Interactive blackboards

8. The High School I went to had interactive blackboards in all the classrooms, which from my personal experience was a great learning benefit.

9. Netbooks

11. Geography Curriculm (cont) This is an excellent new program for Middle School classroom. They get to virtually experience the life a teenager living on the opposite side of the earth. Many different skills are also gained by using this program such as; students’ social studies skills, information gathering and analysis, and media and technology skills. One section in particular is called “myStory ambassadors” which offers illustrated stories and videos which make the subject much more engaging. “The goal of these features, said a spokesperson for Pearson, is to expand students’ social studies skills beyond mapping and graphing by integrating 21st century skills such as innovation, collaboration, information gathering and analysis, and media and technology skills, into the print and digital components.” (Scott Aronowitz, 2009)

13. Makes geography class more exciting and interactive for students.

14. Looking back on my personal experience in my middle school geography class, this would have been a useful program for me at the time.

15. This new program is also a great way to help students become more comfortable with technology and using it in the classroom.

16. Another benefit of this program would be how it introduces students to international life at an early age.If you would like to access and learn more about this new program that will be available in January 2010 click in the following link to access the website: myWorld Geography

17. Engineering programming advancing in High Schools National Instruments has introduced a new LabVIEW software designed for High School students. This software in called LabVIEW Education Edition, a.k.a. LEE. LEE is designed for high schoolers to get a “hands-on experience” with engineering classes using the same technology professionals use in their everyday work.

18. LEE program (Cont) The CEO and director of the Tufts University Center for Engineering Education and Outreach Chris Rogers thinks great things will happen with LEE. “Engineering is a powerful motivator for learning math and science as it makes it possible for students to be innovative and creative while learning.” This program was developed in collaboration with National Instruments and Tufts University Center for Engineering Education and Outreach.

20. This also offers an easy program for students to be able to work on class projects in a professional matter.

21. This program can also help in better preparing students for college level classes.