eSchool News counts down the 10 most significant developments in educational technology during the past year
In Washington, D.C., President Obama called for broadband internet access in every classroom within the next five years.
In Los Angeles, school district officials grappled with public criticism over an ambitious plan to give iPads to every student.
And in school systems from coast to coast, tech-savvy educators experimented with augmented reality, educational gaming, and other techniques designed to enhance teaching and learning.
These were some of the key ed-tech developments affecting K-12 schools in the past year—and we’ve got a full recap for you right here.
Here, the editors of eSchool News highlight what we think are the 10 most significant ed-tech stories of 2013.
To learn how these stories have made an impact on K-12 schools this year—and how they will continue to shape education in 2014 and beyond—read on.
(Next page: Our No. 10 top story of 2013)
10. Educators use ‘augmented reality’ to enhance their lessons.
A student holds a tablet in front of a series of famous paintings. On each painting, something comes to life–sounds, animation, or a pop-up fact linking the painting to historical events.
Access a PDF of all Top 10 stories here.
The scene is reminiscent of a Harry Potter movie, but this isn’t magic. It’s augmented reality, which uses technology to blend the real world with interactive and enhanced content.
When a student uses an augmented reality application while looking through a mobile device such as a tablet, he or she will experience an overlay of interactive elements that enhance the “normal” scene. For instance, using an augmented reality app while hovering a tablet in front of a historical landmark could call up videos of important historical reenactments, important facts, or more.
Augmented reality finally emerged as a viable instructional tool this past year, thanks largely to the development of augmented reality apps that are easily downloadable onto handheld mobile devices. And while its integration into the classroom is still new, some forward-thinking educators are using augmented reality to bring once-dull lessons to life for their students.
For instance, Theresa McGee, a K-5 art educator in the Community Consolidated School District 181 in Burr Ridge, Ill., uses the augmented reality app Aurasma to teach her students about famous works of art.
“The beauty of augmented reality is that it’s different than just linking to a website,” McGee said. “The cool factor for augmented reality is still there. The kids think it’s amazing that they can just hold something in their hand and see that something is going on in front of their screen.”
See also:
Augmented reality snags a coveted spot in classrooms
Augmented reality brings new dimensions to learning
Putting augmented reality into practice
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