Technology firms see huge potential in the education marketplace
by Mary Scott Nabers
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
. . . continued from page one
Project Tomorrow 2010 recently conducted a study to determine how students and teachers are using technology in educational settings. Some of the findings included:
- Common technology tools being used to support classroom learning include laptop computers, netbooks, online classes, Internet access and interactive whiteboards. Communication tools such as Instant Messaging and texting are also being incorporated into teaching environments. Blogs, social networking and wikis are less common but are being used.
- Teachers say students are much more motivated to learn when technology is used. Technology is no trend…it is now a part of all educational infrastructure.
Looking into the future, students involved with the study listed communications tools as their top technology pick for the classroom, followed closely by digital media tools. They also suggested online textbooks and mobile computers at every grade level.
Principals wanted to see more interactive tools and district administrators suggested more collaboration tools. But educators at all levels agreed that mobile computers for each student will soon be a necessity.
Colleges and universities in Texas are just as involved in technology upgrades. At Del Mar College, technology resources are being moved online. The college's Writing Center offers podcasts that address grammar, essay writing and research document formatting. The college offers online workshops and free resources available to the public on the Web 24 hours a day.
The Dallas Public Library recently introduced a new Ebook, audiobook, music and video digital download service in a 74-foot-long Digital Bookmobile. All services are free to the public.
Abilene Christian University (ACU) was recently awarded $1.8 million from a large company. The funds will be partially used to study the use of hand-held digital devices in education. Later, ACU will create an institute where elementary and secondary teachers can be trained on using those devices in classroom settings.
Technology needs will continue to increase. The education marketplace will be a lucrative one for technology companies for decades to come...if not forever.
