The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Morphology Training Vs. Phonics Instruction: Everything You Need to Know

  • Developing Creative Young Children Who Can Communicate, Collaborate, and Problem-Solve

  • Home Literacy: Everything You Need to Know

  • How Machine Learning Will Transform the Classroom

  • Milestones of Development: Everything You Need to Know

  • Partnerships Between IT and Physical Security Improves Campus Security

  • Tips for Using Twitter in the Classroom

  • Writing and Reading Goals For the First Grade: Everything You Need to Know

  • Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

  • Why Cultural Appropriation is Wrong

Ask An ExpertBest of the Best ListsEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech FuturesHigher Education EdTech
Home›Ask An Expert›EdTech Trends on the Horizon in 2018

EdTech Trends on the Horizon in 2018

By Matthew Lynch
November 30, 2016
1
Spread the love

EdTech, or educational technology, is the practice of improving the quality of learning through the application of technology. Technology is applied to the curriculum through a variety of tools. Tech resources may be integrated in the form of applications, products, and tools used to enhance learning. As technology continues to evolve, so will the trends in edtech. Many of the anticipated up-and-coming trends in the year 2018 will build upon what worked well in the prior year.

Some of the top edtech trends of 2018 included virtual reality, makerspaces, competency-based education, mobile devices, machine learning and data analytics, accessibility, wearables, and video tools. All of these methods have come together to form a body of technological resources. These resources are applied in many classroom settings, including the K-12 and college/university level.

Ed-Tech Tools in Curriculum

Makerspaces, also known as hackerspaces or fablabs, refers to “do it yourself” virtual learning environments. Often applied at libraries and on school computers, it is a place where students and instructors can create, learn from and invent academic material. The creative use of software, 3D printers, computer hardware, supplies and craft tools allows the curriculum to be redesigned. The active use of technology to turn regular lessons into a more real, tangible activity is considered highly useful.

Makerspaces are often used to engage students on their level. The interface allows students to review the curriculum while restructuring it around a creative, computerized task. The model is considered a peer-based pedagogy. Students will have the opportunity to apply innovative tech principles to existing curriculum. In 2017, more students will become the guinea pigs for such styles of edtech learning.

Competency-based education refers to a different approach to learning concrete skills. Learning styles in CBE are considered more abstract. The approach is based on different metrics for competency. Competency-based learning often requires students to directly apply the principles they have been studying to prove their understanding. Through the use of technology, many students are asked to design projects that demonstrate their knowledge.

Virtual reality is increasingly becoming a staple of edtech. Many software programs are designed to administer the same curriculum as a textbook or lecture. However, in a virtual reality environment, students stand to experience a higher level of engagement. Because most educational virtual reality platforms are highly interactive, they are increasingly considered the wave of the future. Academic virtual reality applications allow students to practice their skills virtually. This edtech approach is increasingly used as part of an online extension to classroom curriculum.

Ed Tech Trends in Research Tools

The move to increase accessibility of technology will undoubtedly gain momentum in the year 2017. One of the biggest challenges edtech faces is the availability of tech resources. Increasingly, it is becoming near to impossible for the average student to learn without access to electronics. Increasingly, students must have access to a personal computer, a mobile phone, tablet and more. Tool-based learning is not possible without accessible technology. Therefore, more schools must make a move towards edtech investments for their students.

Ed Tech Trends in Physical Tools

Mobile devices make a variety of edtech approaches possible. Mobile devices are increasingly considered a viable resource for use in the classroom. Devices can be used for research, study, references, library tools and more. Allowing phones in the classroom can be a slippery slope. However, in 2017 and onward, many educators will be bridging the gap between curriculum and use of mobile phones in school settings.

Wearables are considered a highly useful edtech tools. These devices can range from watches, tablets, portable computers, headsets, phones, head mounted devices, electronic jewelry, glasses, controllers, fitness trackers and more. Any technological device that can be worn on the body of a student is considered a potential edtech advantage. Their application inside the classroom has limitless possibilities.

Video learning refers to the application of educational audiovisual aids as part of a greater curriculum. Many students remember the classic showing of a video or educational film during class. However, the curriculum is increasingly tech-based; relying solely on video learning modules. For example, many online university extensions apply edtech principles to devise instructor lecture videos. Administering video lectures and educational resources on a regular basis is increasingly proving to be the wave of the future.

What to Expect from EdTech in 2018

It is an undeniable fact that students of all ages must be tech-literate no matter what career paths they choose. Therefore, applications of technology in education will continue to gain momentum. The exact methods used to deliver academic resources will change in the year 2018. Educators and software developers will build off of current trends. At the same time, new platforms will be developed to address the needs of students in new and innovative ways.

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
Previous Article

How will the presidential election results influence ...

Next Article

How text messages help mentors connect with ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Higher Education

    10 Ways Edtech is Reinventing the Higher Education

    January 24, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Futures

    How Technology Can Benefit Physical Education Classes

    March 19, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Higher Education EdTech

    How is Technology Revolutionizing Campus Libraries?

    August 28, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    How Can Technology Be Used to Decrease the Dropout Rate?

    June 22, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Uncategorized

    Connecting career paths through technology with Nepris

    June 13, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Is EdTech the Future of Parental Engagement?

    August 19, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch

1 comment

  1. Maria Han 13 December, 2016 at 23:05 Reply

    Mobile devices allow for educational mobility as students and their tutors can be able to access educational content and interact through the internet. Availability of ed Tech and research tools is paramount to the success of our children.
    I like what I am reading, technology truly can transform lives and keeps evolving as years pass by. Come 2017 another change in ed Tech is expected.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Morphology Training Vs. Phonics Instruction: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 1, 2023
  • Developing Creative Young Children Who Can Communicate, Collaborate, and Problem-Solve

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 1, 2023
  • Home Literacy: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 1, 2023
  • How Machine Learning Will Transform the Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 27, 2023
  • Milestones of Development: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 27, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.