On the Horizon!

The beginning of a new year always sparks talk of what the future holds, and today we wanted to share some of the new technologies in higher education to look out for!

• Virtual Field Trips: Google’s Expeditions Pioneer program is one of Google’s newest and neatest technologies. Designed to give students a unique experience they could not get anywhere else, these virtual field trips take them to space, coral reefs, caves, historical locations, and tons more! Not only does this educate students on the unfamiliar but also is a great way for them to explore various careers.
• 3D Printing: We’ve blogged about 3D printing in the past, and here at UIS, we even have a 3D printer! But 3D printing is continuing to grow, and websites like Thingiverse assist in finding plans and files to print exactly what you’re looking for.
• Wearable technology: This type of technology (think the iWatch, even exercise trackers) is becoming more common in the classroom setting; from recording point-of-view lessons, tracking students on a field trip via GPS, and even being the center of contests and fundraisers, wearable technology is expected to continue to grow.
• Robots: Robots and robotic toys are being used effectively in classrooms, and particularly have a significant effect on learning in special education classrooms. Students are able to interact and engage in entirely new ways.