5 ways to have a digital classroom in 2012

Robert works for Pearson Fronter, part of Pearson, the world’s leading learning company. Pearson Fronter offer much more than just systems, we provide solutions that work together to deliver improved performance and better results.

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We are continually seeing new trends in education technology. In 2011, we saw the prominence of social media, QR codes, and the use of iPads™ in the classroom. So when twelve months roll around and a fresh year begins, we can’t help but wonder what developments will arise in the near future. This is an important thing to ponder considering our desire to keep our classrooms competitive! With this said, we would like to reference five ways to have a digital classroom in 2012.

Bring your own device (BYOD): While this trend has been around for a short while, it will continue to gain popularity in 2012. Allowing students to bring their own device to school for learning opportunities is an effective and inexpensive way to incorporate digital elements into lesson plans. In particular, mobile learning will become increasingly abundant as more and more students will become connected through mobile phone usage. Some other BYOD include tablets, e-readers, laptops, and iPod touches™.

Privacy and security: With the ever-present use of social media in education these last couple years, much attention has been turned towards the issue of student privacy and security. Expect to see more awareness and ways to keep student secure online. In fact, use 2012 as another opportunity to teach about digital citizenship and cyber-bullying in the classroom!

Collaboration through cloud computing: Collaboration has been noted as one of the important 21st century skills that students must acquire. So, take advantage of cloud computing as a means for students to share and collaborate online! This is another trend that has been around, but we will continue to see grow throughout 2012.

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Gaming: Gaming has been mentioned quite a bit this last year, but is considered to flourish within 2012. Keep your eyes peeled for new methods and gaming applications that will enhance lesson plans. Many wonder if gaming has a place in education, or if it actually improves learning. We feel as though this is another technology that cannot teach students for us, but rather with us. We must use it to enhance what we are already set out to teach!

Remain connected: It is difficult to sit here and voice what will create a high-tech classroom in 2012, seeing that the digital world is constantly changing. So, the most effective way to staying current with trends and technologies is to remain connected. Stay up to date with Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, and any other means of communication in the online community.

We look forward to 2012 and what it has in store. How will you remain digital in your classroom, and what trends do you expect to see develop in 2012?