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The Evolution of Educational Technology
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First iPad Introduced
Apple launched the the first ever iPad in 2010. This revolutionized tablets and the capabilities of mobile learning. Its portability and easy to use interface made it the perfect tools for classrooms, making learning more interactive and more digital. Source: https://agirepair.com/evolution-of-technology-in-the-classroom/
Image Source: https://screenrant.com/first-apple-ipad-release-date-price-cost-compared/ -
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Bring Your Own Device policies were being implemented more and more in schools, encouraging students to bring their own laptops and tablets. This also made using technology in classrooms a bit more accessible for underfunded schools, because all of the devices did not have to be paid for by the school. Source: https://www.appsanywhere.com/resource-centre/byod-trends-of-the-past-and-future
Image Source: https://www.acronis.com/en-us/blog/posts/what-is-byod/ -
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs like Coursera and edX launched in 2012, known as the year of the MOOCs. These courses offered free courses from top universities to anyone with internet access, making high-quality education more accessible. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/education/edlife/massive-open-online-courses-are-multiplying-at-a-rapid-pace.html
Image Source: https://medium.com/@MyLeanMBA/breaking-down-the-top-3-mooc-platforms-coursera-udacity-edx-13e5ed481337 -
Khan Academy Explodes
Although Khan Academy originally launched in 2008, the introduction of the iOS app significantly increased usage. The platform promoted the flipped classroom model, allowing students to learn at their own pace and choose what to focus on. Source: https://www.pacificresearch.org/educational-impact-of-the-khan-academy-and-provides-recommendations-for-greater-adoption-in-california/
Image Source: https://www.khanacademy.org/about -
Google Classroom Introduced
Google Classroom released as part of Google Apps for Education. This app provided a free, web-based platform for teachers to distribute, grade, and collect assignments. It also allows them to customize their Google Classroom, creating a virtual space for the teacher and students to interact. Source: https://edtechbooks.org/onlinetools/google-classroom#:~:text=It%20was%20introduced%20as%20a,release%20on%20August%2012%2C%202014.
Image Source: https://sites.google.com/view/classroom-workspace/ -
Google Expeditions
Google Expeditions introduced Virtual Reality (VR), into classrooms. VR allowed students to take virtual field trips, explore historical events, and more, all while enhancing engagement and understanding through experiential learning. Source: https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/pioneer-new-lessons-your-classroom-google-expeditions/
Image Source: https://cmle.org/2017/12/21/aasl-recommended-apps-google-expeditions/ -
Rise of Coding
Websites like Code.org and challenges like Hour of Code gained popularity, promoting computer science courses in K-12 schools. Coding began to be recognized as a fundamental skill and was therefore integrated into curriculum.
Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2016/01/02/coding-education-rare-in-k-12-schools-but-starting-to-catch-on/
Image Source: https://hourofcode.com/us/how-to -
Kahoot! and other games
Although Kahoot! previously existed, improvements including reporting and analytics as well as more customization for quizzes and games made it much more popular. Other apps like Duolingo also popularized gameification in learning.
Source: https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-kahoot-and-how-does-it-work-for-teachers
Image Source: https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-kahoot-and-how-does-it-work-for-teachers -
Microsoft Education Updates
Microsoft introduced new Microsoft Education tools and devices to help streamline the use of its applications in the classroom. Microsoft worked with schools to provide access to more affordable devices and programs. Source: https://news.microsoft.com/en-xm/2018/01/26/microsoft-education-unveils-new-devices-tools-curricula-encourage-personalized-learning-passion-stem/
Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Microsoft_logo.svg -
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI tools like Gradescope, which uses machine learning, began to be used by teachers to streamline grading and assessments. They automated the grading of assignments and exams, making it easier for teachers and quicker for students to get their results.
Source: https://www.lpt.it.miami.edu/resources/faculty-and-staff/leverage-ai-tools/ai-assisted-grading/index.html
Image Source: https://atg.fas.harvard.edu/gradescope -
Hybrid and Asynchronous Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to online learning, both synchronous and asynchronous. The necessity of remote education fast tracked the adoption video conferencing tools like Zoom and the reshaping of traditional learning environments.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10183331/
Image Source: https://www.stratospherenetworks.com/blog/back-to-school-2020-key-it-considerations-for-virtual-learning/