The article for review today is called 5 K-12 Technology Trends for 2010. What strikes me most about this article is how fast trends in technology become mainstream. The first of the five trends was about the emerging proliferation of e-readers. The writer of the article claimed that "the eBook readers are mostly black-and-white right now," he added, "but when the technology advances to the point where color and animation can be integrated, it will become much more viable for the textbook market." This year the major retailers of eReaders released color versions. It was true for me that I wasn't interested in the e-reader until it was available in color. I also do think it would be handy to have my text books available on the e-reader rather than lugging around my backpack full of books.
The second trend discussed was netbooks. I am not completely aware what a netbook is. I looked it up online and it seems to be a mini laptop. Although I don't know anyone with a netbook personally, I could imagine for those who don't have a computer already this would be a handy, less expensive option. Especially if you needed to purchase a computer for a child.
The third trend, the use of interactive white boards, I have had the pleasure of witnessing first hand. My child's classroom has a SmartBoard. He loves having the opportunity to use it to enhance his learning, especially in the area of literacy. I am not sure if the novelty of the interactive white board will wear off eventually and it will gather dust as it is taken for granted, but right now it is definitely riding high as a well-loved technological trend.
The use of personal devices in the classroom was the fourth trend. This one I am unsure about with regard to equity. My 8th grade daughter has a cell phone, however, we don't allow her to use it for anything other than phoning. In fact, we have limits placed on her phone and she is only allowed to call 4 people (2 of them are her dad and myself). The benefits of this trend will clearly have to be defined for me to consider using it in the classroom or even allow my child to be apart of it in her classroom.
The final trend creates the most excitement for me. The idea of using technology to tailor curricula is compelling. Helping the kids who are on the fringe or less engaged in their learning find ways through technology to get involved in their learning is a great goal. I look forward to learning more about using technology in my classroom so I can utilize it to support kids in reaching their full potential.
McCrea Bridget, (12/10/2009). 5 K-12 Trends in Technology is 2010. The Journal.com, retrieved from: http://thejournal.com/articles/2009/12/10/5-k12-technology-trends-for-2010.aspx
