Over the last two-decades, technology innovations have proliferated at an exponential rate. From tablets to affordable virtual reality options, companies have created a fantasy list of technology devices that can be used in education. I am grateful for these advancements, but I am anxious to see what we create next. While pondering this, I decided to come up with a wish list of technologies that education needs, but have not been created.

1. Products that track every student’s move

Student tracking is already a reality in some schools. It’s entirely plausible that edtech companies can develop a device that tracks students and teachers using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). There is currently one obstacle: costs. Once there is a cheaper way to replace lost or stolen RFIDs, it will become more common to track when students attend school and their trips around the open classroom. This way, by knowing where and when students are, more time can be spent giving instructions and explanations. Many parents would argue that it is not fair to track their child’s every move all the time. On the other hand, this can greatly improve safety in schools. In modern schools with more than 1,000 students in a classroom, it could be very hard to locate missing child without tracking.

2. Interactive surfaces that students can use while working in groups

The trend in education is to have collaborative group learning. We are currently at the point where every child has his or her own electronic device. As the group learning model improves, it will be harder for children to follow courses separately on their personal devices.  What would happen if the desk they sat at was itself a computer? That way, the group can use a multi-touch interface and collaborate better, with less time comparing what is on each device. Interactive surfaces are already a reality, but the costs are still big. Just a few decades ago, computers were expensive and considered a luxury item, so it’s safe to predict that these interactive surfaces will become more affordable as time passes and will be used in schools for everyday basics. It would be nice is an edtech company came up with a low-cost option soon.

3. Other cool new tools

Instead of using pens and pencils to write on paper or keyboards to write on computers and tablets, edtech companies should develop a pair of glasses that allow students to transfer their thoughts and notes on a computer. Other futuristic thoughts include new tools to protect devices from viruses, Cloud Learning (which would eliminate paper), increased use of e-communities, hologram lessons, and international collaboration. I know there must be a company out there that is working on technologies like these.

What technologies do you think edtech companies need to create?