The impact of technology occurs across all sectors, including education. As researchers work to make technological advances have more practical implications, those in the education sector are finding ways to integrate technology into schools. These are four of the top trends pushing technology in the classroom.

Virtual Reality

The advent of virtual reality in the classroom aids in active learning for students. Different applications even allow students to participate in learning activities together. Students can explore other countries and times as though they were there in person. With the rise in developing tools for students with special needs, virtual reality can play a role for children with autism. Virtual reality can help these students practice situations and prepare them for classroom learning.

Social Media Use

While social media use still requires caution and supervision, especially for younger children, it can facilitate collaboration in learning. Teachers can make private groups on Facebook to let students talk to each other and share resources. Students and teachers can share relevant news articles or videos. Active social media use also allows parents to interact with teachers and get to know other students in the classroom.

Individual Devices

Instead of banning laptops and tablets in the classroom, many schools now provide individual computers and tablets for students. Rather than spend an hour in the computer lab a day, teachers get to use computers to help students explore key concepts and reinforce materials in class. Researching during class time and playing learning games now take place electronically. Even teachers in high school and college see the value in students taking notes with a laptop over pen and paper.

Machine Learning

The integration of machine learning into the classroom is on the rise. Machine learning allows computer programs to adjust to situations and simulations using data to predict outcomes. In education, machine learning can help learning programs adapt to individual needs by assessing student outcomes and developing a curriculum based on student performance. Computer software can also use data to determine the reminders that students and teachers need to be efficient.

Technology can redefine learning spaces and approaches to teaching. By including technological devices and programs in the classroom, students can submerge themselves into the material. Likewise, teachers have the advantage of integrating data to improve delivery systems. These are some of the top tech trends in education.