Emerging Technologies

1:1 Devices
Technology in the classroom is becoming more and more
prominent within school districts and their classrooms. Studies have
found that a technology rich classroom is the perfect place for that
level of specialized learning. When teachers are trained to use the
technology, there are many tools to help track growth, give extra
resources, and accelerate learning based on each students unique
pace (A look at, 2013). There are many emerging trends in
technology currently. Each has its own specific purpose and benefits.
There are trends such as BYOD, flipped classrooms, game-based
learning, virtual classrooms and 1:1 device classrooms. If I had to
choose one emerging trend that will be dominant in the next few years,
I would choose 1:1 device classrooms.
BYOD or Bring Your Own Device is an emerging trend that many
schools have adopted. This trend allows students to bring their own
technological device to school such as an iPad, iPhone, iPod, as well as
any cellphone or computer. This seems appealing but not all students
can afford devices. A big downfall of BYOD is that administration and
teachers have no control of what each device is used for outside of
teaching, including cyber bullying. Effective mobile device
management must do more than enable various security levels and
ensure end-user authentication. It also needs to maintain the quality
of end-users experience by integrating work and personal digital

space on a single device and providing ease of use and convenience

(Scott, 2014).
Flipped Classrooms are yet another emerging trend. Flipped
classrooms are when teachers post lectures online and students then
watch these lectures at home. When students arrive at school, they are
then presented with their assignments. This puts a huge responsibility
on the students. They must watch these lectures as home or else they
may be lost when the homework is assigned. Along with that, some
students may not have the technology that is needed to watch these
lectures at home, making it difficult to learn.
Virtual classrooms are being used, but they do not have much to
offer. Students log into their classroom through the Internet. They then
attend school online. Negatives of virtual classrooms are that there are
no hands on activities for students to complete. I feel that this is a
great learning disadvantage from being in an actual classroom.
Another negative is that classroom collaboration is weak. Students in
the classroom may be located throughout the world, thus making it
difficult to collaborate with time differences, etc.
1:1 devices are going to be the best trend in the next five years.
School districts have the choice between tablets or laptop computers.
This is a nice option that may save money for administrators. Devices
are then distributed to each student who will sign an agreement. Most
students will have the chance to purchase their device at the end of

the borrowing period. This will then rotate new devices into the 1:1
program.
Pros to 1:1 devices are that each student will have the same
device. This will streamline curriculum and activities throughout their
years at school. It will also create a portfolio for students to use each
year. Another positive is that all devices can be loaded with the same
apps or programs for students to use and collaborate with, unlike
BYOD. According to Daccord (2012) 1:1 devices are mobile and can
create interactive learning. Having 1:1 technology creates a new role
for the teacher. The teacher is no longer the center of attention as
the dispenser of information, but rather plays the role of facilitator,
setting project goals and providing guidelines and resources, moving
from student to student or group to group, providing suggestions and
support for student activity. (Effects, n.d.)
To wrap up our discussion, it is important to think as technology
as a classroom tool. When technology is involved, students are more
likely to be engaged in learning. Students need to press buttons, think
out problems, and manipulate the tools they have to achieve a goal.
Educational technology can improve focus among students and it
caters to students who learn independently and to those who are more
collaborative (A look at, 2013). This statement supports my
argument that 1:1 technological devices will be the best emerging
trend in the coming years.

References
(N.A.) A look at recent findings on technology in the classroom. (2013,
May 5).
Retrieved from
https://drive.google.com/?tab=mo&authuser=0
#folders/0B0furo7_ulDCSXBidzJIUTBwUTA
(N.A.) Effects of technology on classrooms and students. (n.d.).
Retrieved from
https://drive.google.com/?
tab=mo&authuser=0#folders/0B0furo7_ulDCSXB
idzJIUTBwUTA
Daccord, T. (2012, September 27). 5 critical mistakes schools make
with ipads (And
how to correct them).. Retrieved from

https://drive.google.com/folderview?
id=0B0furo7_ulDCflpqT3NVMW1UW
DVzM3JiV2xLaWtob29YaXp2Z1h6czlYY2pQMEN6OWl6X00&usp=s
haring
Scott, J. (2014, June 9). Addressing the mounting challenges of byod.
Secure ID News.
Retrieved from http://www.secureidnews.com/newsitem/addressing-themounting-challenges-of-byod/