I have recently come across “The Horizon Report 2010″, a publication by The New Media Consortium and Educause Learning. This annual report is put together every fall by an Advisory Board with the aim of identifying and describing emerging technologies that most likely will impact on teaching and learning not only in the academic world but in the world at large. A couple of things caught my attention: one is the increasing use of cloud-based technologies.
It does not matter where our work is stored anymore, what matters is that it is accessible no matter where we are or what device we decide to use, says the report.
For example, I am now using basecamp to manage projects (with compliments of my genius Gen Y daughter Relmi). If you are not, have a go, it is a great way to keep up to date with people who are working with you on the same project.
This 37Signals product is a combination of three different platforms (backpack, basecamp and campfire) and allows you to do chatting, keep files, activity logs, reminders, calendars, journals, etc. These types of technologies are making collaboration easier which is another emerging trend in terms of teaching and learning.
People expect to be able to work, learn and study whenever and wherever they want to, according to the Horizon Report. A faster approach is now perceived as a better approach.
People want easy and timely access to information on the network and also to their social networks that can help them to interpret and maximise its value.
Our brain may want to resist these emerging trends but change continues with or without us. How about tapping into a Gen Y friend and asking for help?
That is the best way I found to keep up to date with all the changes. Even though sometimes it is not easy to understand or have it embedded in what one does, it keeps me flexible….
