5 K12 Technology Learning Trends

From t|h|e JOURNAL

5 K-12 E-Learning Trends

• By Bridget McCrea
• 02/02/12

"Over the last few years technology implementations in the K-12 sector reached record levels with tablets, laptops, social networking, and other e-learning technologies making their debut in classrooms around the nation. The frenzy is expected to continue in 2012 as districts implement e-learning tools that impact all aspects of the educational and administrative experience. To find out what's on tap for the next several months THE Journal conferred with several academics and instructional technologists who revealed the following top five trends to watch in the year ahead."

Cutting the Wires: More Mobile LearningSome school districts believe that mobile phones and tablets in class are nothing more than distractions, but many others are using such tools to better engage their K-12 students. (more) 

Learning from a Distance: An Upswing in Online InstructionThe days when online classes were geared either to remedial learners or students who wanted to work ahead of their regular classes could be numbered.  (more) 

Social Awareness: More Facebooking and TwitteringLike it or not social networking looks like it's here to stay. Rather than fight the movement Stephen Canipe said the K-12 sector should embrace social networking and use it to its advantage.  (more)  

Getting a Grip: More Learning Management SystemsThe growth of online learning has resulted in more data, information, coursework, and communication. All of these elements must be effectively managed without over-taxing districts that are already testing the limits of their budgets and human resources. (more) 

Leading the Charge: Teacher-Led 1:1 ImplementationsThe growth in 1:1 implementations at the K-12 level isn't news, but when you combine affordability with a wider array of computing options such as tablets, laptops, netbooks, and other portable devices, you wind up with the right combination for schools that want to put a computer onto every student's desk. (more)

The thing that I found most interesting about this article was how the trends that were cited  diverged from those that appeared in the most recent K-12 Horizon report. Specifically, and in support of my own observations in the high school, conspicuous by its absence, is the idea of cloud computing solutions as a significant emerging trend in public schools.