Sergio Villa The U.S. Department of Education recently released the 2018 Technology in Education Market Report. The report states that the rise in student interest in STEM will directly impact education technology spending by the end of 2018. “We expect to see strong growth in AI, data, and cloud-based solutions that use cloud-based, big-data, and machine learning as a component of their solution.”
Education will experience an emphasis on using multiple modalities—such as blended learning, augmented reality, virtual reality, and apps—and exploring how new technologies can further the students’ learning journey,” according to the Department of Education.
The report also states that 36% of K-12 education technology buyers plan to increase their technology budget in 2018. However, more than 60% of K-12 education tech buyers expect a decrease in technology spending in 2019.
Microsoft’s new research shows that a large number of education tech buyers and developers are moving away from basic educational needs toward more developer focused technologies. The study showed that 57% of software developers and programmers are building tools that would help learners learn, 83% of education tech buyers expect more training with IT staff to keep up with growing technology use, and 89% of educators are planning to invest in tools for more significant learning, collaboration, and communication with students.
The Microsoft State of Education Research surveyed 2,145 people, including students, teachers, parents, administrators, and others, in early 2018. Of the people surveyed, 76% were either K-12 students or teachers, 19% were school district executives or superintendents, 8% were early career professionals, and 6% were education technology executives.
1- AI and Machine Learning As a result of its conversations with education customers, Microsoft also found that most expect to see strong adoption of AI, analytics, and machine learning in their organizations by 2018. And, adoption of these technologies by the educational sector is poised to grow rapidly in the coming years.
2- Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Microsoft’s new research shows that 71% of K-12 education buyers said they expect to see blockchain in their classrooms by 2018. Additionally, 90% of K-12 education buyers said they want more information about what blockchain and DLT tools can offer in their school districts. Additionally, 63% of K-12 education buyers said they expect to see blockchains used to track student behavior by the end of 2018.
3- Virtual Reality As a result of customer research, Microsoft also found that most K-12 education buyers use virtual reality to enhance learning and create new opportunities for collaboration. The research shows that 95% of K-12 education buyers want to develop and study VR experiences that connect students to the real world.
4- Mobile Learning According to the research, 46% of K-12 education buyers expect to see mobile learning available to their students by 2018. And for many educators, mobile learning will transform how they prepare their students for success in the 21st century.
5- Augmented Reality Also, nearly 50% of K-12 education buyers said they expect to see more AR/VR devices and solutions in their classrooms by 2018. Moreover, 44% of K-12 education buyers said they plan to invest in AR/VR technology by the end of 2018.
6- Open Educational Resources (OER) As a result of research, Microsoft found that 74% of K-12 education buyers expect to see more free, open educational resources for students by the end of 2018. Additionally, 69% of K-12 education buyers said they wish to use OER to enhance the learning experience.
7- Game Technologies In addition to its conversations with education customers, Microsoft found that 76% of K12 education buyers expect to see game technologies integrated into classrooms by 2018. And, 75% of K-12 education buyers hope to see game technologies used by students to collaborate and build friendships.
8- Social Media As a result of research, Microsoft found that 85% of K-12 education buyers said they expect to see more social media in their classrooms by the end of 2018. And 84% said they hope to see social media used to help connect teachers to students and families.
9- Big Data In addition to its conversations with education customers, Microsoft also found that 85% of K-12 education buyers expect to see big data used in classrooms by the end of 2018. And 79% of K-12 education buyers said they hope to see big data used by schools to personalize the learning experience for their students.
10- More Students Will Train in High-Demand Careers As a result of Microsoft’s research, the company found that 51% of K-12 education buyers said they expect to see more students trained in more high-demand careers in their classrooms by the end of 2018. The most popular areas of education with the most students trained include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), cybersecurity, and the arts.
For more information, please get in touch with our team.
[…] of the key advantages of using virtual reality in the classroom is its ability to provide a more immersive learning environment. By immersing students in a virtual […]