Insights Into Today’s Technology Trends in Education

by Kerri Gois, Guest Contributor
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Today students of almost all ages seem to have access to an Internet-enabled device. That statement is more than just perception. Technology is now commonplace in education, and it’s not a bad thing. Speak Up is an ongoing survey that was started in 2003. It studies the responses of teachers, students, parents, school administrators and community members in order to provide valuable data on the adoption of technology in education. Here are some recent stats:

The Reality of Students and TechnologyThe reality of technology use amongst students is that it is now the norm, as is their access to personal mobile devices. The Speak Up Survey from 2013 showed that almost 90% of high schoolers and 50% of upper elementary students (grades 3-5) have smartphones. Personal access to laptops and tablets is also over 50%. And these numbers are certainly higher today than they were 3 years ago.

The good news is that this generation that has grown up with technology surrounding them have a sophisticated attitude when it comes to its use.

• One-third of students use video content that they seek out themselves as a resource to help with homework. This is deemed the “Khan Academy effect.”
• Students are using their mobile devices to help increase their efficiency. They use them for alerts and reminders, taking pictures of assignments, and even texting questions to instructors.
• Students are enriching their learning by accessing anytime research, playing educational games, and collaborating with peers.
• Today’s students are savvy enough to opt for the best-fit technology choice for different needs. They use e-readers for reading online content. They communicate via social media, video, and cell phones. For writing papers, doing research, and taking notes, they opt for laptops.
• Students care about and are aware of their digital footprint. The 2013 survey showed that almost two-thirds of students were careful about posting online. Many of them will also advise friends about inappropriate content and even stop associating with those who post such things. 44% of high schoolers are cognizant of the importance of a positive digital profile to their future.
• Students who have never taken online courses are very interested in doing so, and have the expectation of a higher level of support from online teachers.
• Gaming is being used to help grasp challenging concepts, and to delve into career opportunities.

The Reality of Teachers and TechnologyWhile teachers are also big users of technology, the rate of adoption is not as high as that of students. Only a little more than 45% of teachers use video in class as part of instruction. Teachers also have not kept up with students in terms of the importance of social media. Students view social media as an intricate part of daily life and would like it to be a part of the classroom. Teachers, and other adults surveyed are not there yet.

The SurprisesWhile many of the findings of this study were as you would expect, there were still some surprising findings.

• Most students – 64% - are settling for 3G/4G enabled devices as their most-used Internet connection at home, because the household demand for traditional broadband connected devices was too high.
• Tablets don’t top the list of devices to use for research, reading or communications.
• Students choose laptops as a gaming device over cell phones, game consoles, and tablets.
• Gaming is still growing in popularity, with gender differences disappearing and younger girls participating more than boys their age.

As increasing numbers of schools adopt bring your own device policies, these numbers will only increase. Technology and education are interconnected from this point forward. The more teachers, parents, and administrators understand about students and technology, the smoother the inevitable transition will be.
 
Kerri Gois is a freelance writer and marketing coordinator for BroadbandSearch.net. She is an avid reader and social media addict who also enjoys learning how to code, but is a novice at best. She's extremely passionate about the Internet and Technology and lives in sunny San Diego with her puggle, Bernard. Follow her on Twitter @kerrigois.

IMAGE CREDIT: NORTON GUSKY