Running head: Emerging technologies in the education system1

Emerging Technologies in the Education System

Sarah E. Ashworth

College of Southern Nevada

October 18​th​ 2015

Emerging technologies in the education system2

Abstract

Technology is an ever growing tool used for many things from constructing new software that

can run machines on their own to creating the ability to communicate with others all around the

world. The education system can benefit greatly from the vast developments that are made daily.

Some of these technologies include 3D printing, game based learning, and mobile technology.

There are many new technologies on the rise. The three chosen barely scratch the surface of the

possibilities accessible to the education systems now. However, these technologies have great

benefits on their own. All of them have opened many doors in the learning and teaching process.

Not only can these technologies expand the abilities of each student individually but, they can fill

in the gaps between different learning and teaching styles. These emerging technologies already

have a lot of potential and they are only just beginning their journey into the educational world.

Keywords​: emerging technology, education system, 3D printing, game based learning,

mobile technology, learning style, teaching style

Emerging technologies in the education system3

Emerging Technologies in the Education System

Technology has allowed schools to bring a whole new level to teaching. It makes it

simple to obtain vast amounts of information from devices almost anywhere. Developments like

these have created new pathways to the way educators can obtain, construct, and implement new

approaches to teaching. New emerging technologies will pave the way for more immersive

learning.

Technology in the Classrooms

Learning styles vary from student to student and it can sometimes become a hefty task to

find new and interesting ways to teach. Learning from textbooks, in class discussions, and

lectures can be quite effective to auditory and some visual learners. However, it can be difficult

to accommodate to kinesthetic learners and ever some other visual learners with the same few

in-class tools. This is where technology shines. New machines, programs, software, and

educational games have emerged and shone a light into new excitement.

Though there are many to choose from, the focus today is set onto mobile technology, 3D

printing, and game based learning. These three emerging technologies are creating new paths

never thought possible for anyone at any age attending school. All of them can be utilized for

many subjects and grade levels.

Mobile Technology

With mobile technologies like smart phones, tablets, and lap tops becoming more

obtainable and inexpensive, children are having access to them much earlier. With these devices

at student’s fingertips so early on, the usage often rises with age.
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According to Kids Wireless Use Facts (2014) “56 percent of children, age 8 to 12, have

a cellphone.” and “91 percent of teenagers, ages 13 to 17, access the internet on cell phones,

tablets and other mobile devices at least occasionally.”

Mobile devices are common house hold objects currently. These objects use radio

signals, hot spots, and wireless connections (Wi-Fi) making accessing your files and using the

internet extremely easy anywhere. (Judy & Jean, 2011, p. 159)

Qr Codes Scanning article Utilizing Mobile Technologies for Classroom Learning (n.d) states

“learn “anywhere, anytime” because they can process information inside or outside the

classroom.”

While all these advantages are great outside of the school, they are just as useful inside.

Eliminating the need for a wired connection enables the students to gather and save information

anywhere they had a hot spot available. With the wireless capabilities recognized, school have

started adopting the use of their own Wi-Fi connections that are available to the students.

Grade Integration

In the lower grades, such as 1​st​ through 5​th​ grade, mobile technology is most beneficial on

the school campus. The mobile devices would allow the students to seek information

immediately while around the buildings or outside. As the student grows and moves to higher

grade levels, the abilities of the wireless devices become much more extensive. The student will

not only be able to obtain information but also be able to effectively use the devices to

communicate with other peers and their educators out of the classroom.

Throughout all of the grade levels, the educator can put the mobile technology to good

use at any time. A teacher can access resources for their lesson plans wherever they may need it.
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Viewing files, activities, assignments, and even student grades while they are home after the

school day.

3D Printing

3D printing is the newest of the emerging technology. It has been in development for

many years but, it is just recently becoming more obtainable to schools.

The article 10 Ways 3D Printing Can Be Used In Education (2013, February 19) explains “A 3D

printer works by “printing” objects–but instead of using ink, it uses more substantive

materials–plastics, metal, rubber, and the like. It scans an object–or takes an existing scan of an

object–and slices it into layers it can then convert into a physical object.”

Being able to print a design into a 3 dimensional physical object as opposed to diagrams

on paper can spark interest and entertainment. Seeing something that has been created by

themselves can cause a passion towards discovering and inventing new things. Having the ability

to test and visualize their creations is a valuable new tool. (Eddie 2014, December 21)

Grade Integration

In elementary education 3D printing can be used to help with kinesthetic and visual

learners. Educators and students will have the opportunity to create their own shapes,

geographical blueprints of land, and even print and handle replicas of historical objects. (10

Ways 3D Printing Can Be Used In Education, 2013) Since younger students may have an issue

with the software, it can be difficult to have the students create more complex models. Therefore,

the accurate replicas would be left to the educator to print and provide.

As students grow with technology their understanding and ability to use it will too. For

secondary education it may prove to be easier to allow the students to create most of their own
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objects. They would have options to print models for further research or as presentation visuals.

All the subjects taught in school can put 3D printers to use.

Teach Thought’s article on 10 Ways 3D Printing Can Be Used In Education (2013) lists a few of

these uses “Graphic Design students can print out 3D versions of their artwork. Cooking students

can create molds for food products. Chemistry students can print out 3D models of molecules.”

There are new curriculums being created specifically for 3 dimensional printing.

Educators may choose to utilize these new implementations or use it for certain lessons. Since

printing the objects can often be a time consuming matter, teachers will also have to factor in the

quantity and proportions of the objects being printed. It is best to have knowledge on the 3D

printing device for successful printing. They will have to decide to integrate the printing into

lesson plans they believe will have the most impact.

Game Based Learning

Gaming has become a massive hobby for children while at home. The widespread love

can easily be identified because of the joy that the children feel when playing games. It is no

wonder why game based learning can be an effective and enjoyable way to learn. Educational

games are often welcomed by students and most are eagerly willing to play. Games can be a

positive experience towards learning. (Rosalie n.d)

Jean & Judy explain “Students enjoy the stimulating visuals and sound, practice eye-hand

coordination, and review content simultaneously.” (p. 216)

Game based learning (GBL) works by using fun, self-paced, and individually challenging

games. There countless games that have been created for many subjects and age groups. GBL

can be more effective than discussions and lectures since the gaming is much more immersive.
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Since games can be as fictional and non-fictional as the creator would want it to be, students can

experience simulations that one would not normally be able to. Students will also have the choice

to replay the game if they had gotten anything incorrect or did not fully understand the subject.

Learning trial and error is one of the additional lessons all while learning the subject at hand.

(Jessica, 2014) Students will be able to see where they went wrong and where they can improve.

Grade Integration

Game complexity rises with the more in depth lessons about a subject and the age of the

participant. Programs geared toward secondary education are often more detailed and less guided

by the game to get the answers. Both secondary and elementary students can play games that are

set up like trivia among the class room. Younger students will have games that are slower paced

and heavily guided.

Educators are able to use the information collected from each student’s games to assess

student statistics. They will be able to see where one student’s weaknesses and strengths are

based off the information collected by the program. Using this tool can make it easier to discover

what area to focus on to get each student on the same page before moving on.

Growing Needs

These technologies impact the learning and teaching process heavily. They create new

informational highways. Students, teachers, administrators, and parents all have access to

communicate and share material. Most students have the ability to approach any games and

curriculum from their devices thus extending the learning capabilities. 3D printing, mobile

devices, and game based learning are tools becoming increasingly useful when students have

access to them.
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The population grows along with the necessity to teach and prepare each and every

student for their lives outside of school. These new emerging technologies, along with the ones

already actively used inside the classrooms, are sure to help skyrocket the participation,

excitement, and positive learning outcomes. Not only can they help on the school campus, but a

few of them can be used while at the student’s home. Being able to access similar or the same

software offered in class at home creates a pathway that allows the student to research, retain,

and experiment with that information anywhere they may be. Learning can then be expanded in

the classroom and far beyond.

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References

10 Ways 3D Printing Can Be Used In Education [Infographic]. (2013, February 19). Retrieved
October 15, 2015, from
http://www.teachthought.com/technology/10-ways-3d-printing-can-be-used-in-education/

Kids Wireless Use Facts. (2014). Retrieved October 15, 2014, from
http://www.growingwireless.com/get-the-facts/quick-facts

Krassenstein, E. (2014, December 21). Why 3D Printing Needs to Take Off in Schools Around
the World. Retrieved October 13, 2015, from
http://3dprint.com/27743/3d-printing-benefits-schools/

Ledda, R. (n.d.). Benefits of using Game-Based Learning in Education. Retrieved October 11,
2015, from ​https://www.educatornetwork.com/HotTopics/gamesbasedlearning/benefits

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. B. (2011). ​Teaching & Learning with Technology​ (4th ed., p.
159-160, & 215-216). Pearson Education.

Trybus, J. (2014). Game-Based Learning: What it is, Why it Works, and Where it's Going.
Retrieved October 18, 2015, from
http://www.newmedia.org/game-based-learning--what-it-is-why-it-works-and-where-its-going.ht
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Utilizing Mobile Technologies for Classroom Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015, from
http://www.qrcodescanning.com/mobile-technology-classroom-learning.html