Running Head: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 1

Emerging Technologies

Arizbeth Zavala

CSN EDU 214

Emerging Technologies 2

Abstract

Technology has inevitably become a part of our everyday lives. As the 21st century

continues to unfold, brand new and updated versions of technology are constantly shoved at our

faces. We are integrating technology to every aspect of our lives: from personal to social, and

especially in education. As Lever-Duffy and McDonald state, “Just as technology has become a

central force in our society, so has it impacted all aspects of an educator’s professional life” (p.2)

As new generations are introduced to devices like mobile technology, wearable technology, and

3D Printing, it is undeniable that technology will become indispensable to our careers, personal

lives, and ultimately our future. As educators, it is crucial that we adapt, acknowledge, and

accept emerging technology so that our future students can fully participate in the digital world.

However, as Bill Gates proudly said, “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids

working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.”

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Emerging Technology

Emerging technology is defined as new technology that is currently being developed or

will be developed soon. However, as Dave Conway implies, “emerging technology is a relative

term, because someone may see a technology as emerging and others may not” (Conway 2013).

In the following paragraphs, three different technologies will be introduced. Although these

technologies have been present for a while, they each have evolved to serve distinctive purposes

in our modern age. This research paper will identify the three different technologies, how they

are used at different grade levels, how they impact teaching decisions, how they impact students,

how they work, and how they benefit the 21st century classrooms.

Mobile Technology

As stated by the Northern Ireland Business Info Co, mobile technology “is exactly what

the name implies-technology that is portable” (“Mobile Technology”). This type of technology is

used to perform or complete an assortment of tasks. Mobile technology can include any portable

device including: smartphones, laptops, Ipads/tablets, and even a GPS system. For this research

paper, smartphones and tablets will be used as the only examples of mobile technology.

How it’s used in different grade levels​. School districts across the nation have changed

their perspective of smartphones from negative to positive. As Raj Vali writes, “the mobile

revolution is changing education in more fundamental ways than just providing a new gadget

that delivers information” (Vali 2015). Aside from interactive games, mobile technology allows

students from Pre-K to 12th grade open up the web browser and use Google for research

purposes. Students are also able to use the calculator app for math problems and use the note

application for note taking. Another great use for smartphones at all grade levels is the camera.
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Kipp Bentley states that photo and video capabilities of smartphones should not go unnoticed

because “class assignments can be augmented in interesting ways by encouraging students to add

photo and video content to their work.” Additionally, the calendar app in both smartphones and

tablets is a good lesson for time management skills (Bentley 2017). As reported by Christopher

Ang, fifth graders from Cimarron Elementary School in Colorado have found use for

smartphones in their classrooms. They are allowed to do webquests, check vocabulary and

reading websites, and communicate with their teachers on their smartphones(Ang 2017).

Specifically regarding middle and high-school students, smartphones can be a beneficial

investment. Bentley adds that older students can take advantage of the voice memo app and

record important lectures. He also adds that accessing social media through a tablet or

smartphone is a great way to stay connected with teachers and schools. Twitter is a great app

where teachers can post assignments, due dates, and current school activities. Teachers can also

share newsfeeds and even track hashtags on particular topics (Bentley 2017).

Impact teaching.​ An influencing factor impacting teaching decisions is the ability for

teachers to grade assignments and return feedback in real time when submitting assignments

online. Vali argues that student performance significantly improves when feedback is given

immediately (Vali 2015). In addition, teachers are also able to communicate with students via

text messaging or emails. Teachers can benefit from this feature by reminding students of due

dates for homework and assignments (Bentley 2017). As written by Kathiann Kowalski, a recent

study by Cho and Joshua Littenberg-Tobias at Boston College found that “in general, teachers

felt these devices could improve learning” (Kowalski 2016).

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Impact learning.​ Vali also explains that “students of all ages generally find learning on a

tablet more personal and accessible than being chained to a desktop.” Because learning used to

be about concepts being taught from a textbook, with the introduction of tablets, learning has

become more interactive and engaging. (Vali 2015). As stated by Matthew Lynch, a research

conducted by PBS Kids found that the vocabulary of kids ages three to seven who played it's

Martha Speaks mobile app improved up to 31%. Furthermore, he added another research that

state 35% of eighth graders say they are more interested in their teachers’ lessons or activities if

they are using their tablets (Lynch 2015).

How it works. ​A well known fact about smartphones and tablets is that they connect to

the internet via wifi. As reported by Coustan, Strickland, and Perritano, smartphones work like

mini radios, sending and receiving radio signals. They also state that smartphones run on

processors and contain a computer chip that provide functionality (Coustan, Strickland, and

Perritano). Similar, yet distant, tablets are mobile computing devices with a touch screen

monitor. As written by Lever-Duffy and McDonald, this type of technology has recently made

advances for laptop and desktop computing (p. 122).

Benefits for classroom.​ In accordance with the authors, touch screens can be particularly

beneficial for special needs students. Touch screens can be used by children who are “preliterate,

cannot type, or have difficulty controlling a mouse because of a physical impairment”

(Lever-Duffy and McDonald pg. 122). Lastly, In the opinion of Kowalski, mobile devices are

cheaper, less bulky and allow internet connection. They can even replace heavy, paper textbooks

(Kowalski 2016).
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Wearable Technology

Over the past decades, technology has taken an exciting turn from its primitive stage of

being plugged into an outlet to transporting it in your pocket for communicative reasons. Today,

technology is finally wearable. Types like smartwatches and fitness trackers have changed the

way the world moves and records progress. GoPros have enhanced the way we capture action

pictures and video, making it clear for audiences to later witness the same moment of action.

Wearable technology has created countless possibilities for everyone and has especially

impacted and influenced the education system throughout the nation. As Keith Elton explains,

“the possibilities for wearable tech in classrooms have exploded in recent years. Now new

technologies aim to blast educational and learning possibilities into the 21st century” (Elton

2017).

How it’s used in different grade levels.​ At all grade levels, smartwatches and fitness

trackers can be used to record physical activity during P.E. As Jennifer Roland adds, students can

keep track of their total steps, calorie burn, and even their heart rate during any sport (Roland

2015). This can be especially useful for student athletes in middle and high-school who want to

improve their skills and endurance. In addition, Roland also states that the built in calculator in

smartwatches can also serve all grade levels, but middle and high-school students can take

advantage of this application especially during math or science classes (Roland 2015). In regards

to GoPros, a middle-school TV Productions teacher, Mr. Moseley, was able to implement this

technology in his class so his students could film different events. He attached his GoPro to a

remote controlled car and watched as his students eagerly filmed, not just presentations for

technology class, but for all of their academic classes. (Moseley 2015).
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Impact teaching.​ As explained by Roland, teachers can use smartwatches to take

attendance, track student behavior, and gather assessment on “the fly.” Additionally, the mobility

of smartwatches in the classroom can create opportunities for one-on-one instruction (Roland

2015). Smartwatches impact teaching because they can do a multitude of things by just touching

the wrist discretely. As stated by Kassondra Granata, students can ask their teachers questions or

concerns when hesitating to ask out loud. This allows for better communication between teachers

and their students. In addition, smartwatches can function as a remote for PowerPoint

presentations and other organizational tools (Granata 2014).

Impact learning. ​Wearable technology has positively impacted students. In agreement

with Elton, the ability of smartwatches and fitness trackers to record activity and share goals with

classmates can make students feel more connected and motivated (Elton 2017). Another, great

point from Roland is “getting kids interested and involved in their health can help set the stage

for a lifetime of good habits” (Roland 2015). In regards to GoPros, Moseley states “it was

extremely simple to train my students how to use the GoPro.” His students easily mastered the

photo mood and were excited to be able to start recording their own videos. Moseley also learned

that his student’s self esteem and quality of work improved as students were having their work

featured on the morning news. This was definitely a win-win situation for his classroom

(Moseley 2015).

How it works.​ A smartwatch is simply a digital watch with a built in computer. In

agreement with Chris Martin, a smartwatch must be connected to a smartphone via bluetooth

pairing for it to work. Once connected, you can choose what notifications you get on your wrist

(Martin 2014). Fitness trackers can also be paired to smartphones via bluetooth, but they don’t
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have to. In comparison to smartwatches, fitness trackers lack the internal hardware and some can

only be used for fitness purposes (Kenney 2014). On the other hand, a GoPro is a camera that

captures still photos and videos in high definition through wide lenses (“What is GoPro”).

Benefits for classroom​. An inarguably benefit of smartwatches and fitness trackers is

their mobility and accessibility. Elton further states that the wearability of a smartwatch makes it

useful because you don’t always need to get your laptop out for every class (Elton 2017).

Furthermore, Roland adds that smartwatches are cost effective, discreet and loaded with

functionality (Roland 2015). A GroPro is considered beneficial for the classroom because it

serves a variety of purposes, mounts anywhere, records thirty frames per second at 1080p HD,

and even comes with a waterproof case (“10 Flipped Classroom”).

3D Printing

3D Printing is a process of creating three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. At

its basic function, 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less materials than

traditional manufacturing methods (“What is 3D Printing?”). As 3D printing becomes popular

and mainstreamed, educators have noticed the benefits of implementing this technology in their

classrooms and have began to incorporate it into their lesson plans (“3D Printing in Education”).

Many classrooms have not yet had the opportunity to experiment with 3D printers, but the ones

that have, share influencing stories of student success.

How it’s used in different grade levels​. 3D printing can be used to teach and enhance

the learning of all subjects, especially math, technology, and science. As Karen Kane writes in

her article, a teacher from Prembroke Meadows Elementary helped her students use the 3D

printer to create a physical map of Virginia to show the five regions of the state. Clark Barnett,
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another teacher from the Conejo Valley Unified School District found that “inviting students to

design and print their own bugs was a terrific way to engage them in ecosystems, entomology

and engineering all at the same time.” In addition to science projects, both Jason Padilla from

The Francis J. Murphy Jr. School and Marcos Navas from the Union City, New Jersey Board of

Education, used 3D printing for math lessons. Padilla’s students created math manipulatives and

downloaded fraction pies. Navas helped his algebra high-school students print 3D

representations of equations so they can “visualize and conceptualize math problems with

3-dimensional objects” (Kane 2017). Other examples come from the Lawrence University of

Interdisciplinary Makerspace. Their webpage shares stories of successful 3D printing, like that

of J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina. Students there used 3D printing

technology to produce ipod speakers, toy drag racers, and robot parts. In recent times, even

pre-kindergarten has used 3D printing. Students at William Penn Carter school in Philadelphia

printed their own designs of birds nests for a lesson on birds​ ​(“3D Printing in K-12”).

Impact teaching.​ As further explained by the Lawrence University of Interdisciplinary

Makerspace, 3D printing increased its popularity because of the number of online sources

designed to help teachers apply 3D printing tools. Another contributing factor influencing

teaching, is that 3D Printers are now more affordable to purchase (“3D Printing in K-12”). As

mentioned by Kristel, students like to be in charge of their own learning and teachers can allow

students to make suggestions for what they want to build (Kristel 2014).

Impact learning. ​In addition to its impact on teaching, “bringing ideas and designs to

life can be a key motivator for children in school. For that reason, 3D printers are becoming a

valued tool in education even before students enter college” (“3D Printing in K-12”). 3D Printing
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also promotes problem-solving skills and acts as a motivator for students to see their creations

come to life (“3D Printing in Education”). In accordance with Kristel, 3D printers open up

students to a variety of learning experience because the machine itself creates the need to learn

how different 3D printers work. This impacts student learning because it encourages students to

be creative and proactive through engagement (Kristel 2014).

How it works. ​3D printing is achieved through an additive process. This means that an

object is created by layering material until it is done. Each layer can be seen as a thinly sliced

horizontal cross-section of the eventual object. To begin 3D printing, you must start with a 3D

model in your computer (“What is 3D Printing?”).

Benefits for classroom.​ Benefits for 3D printing in the classroom are substantial. As

McConnell expresses, “3D printing technology positions students as creators” (McConnell). This

means that students are able to use their creativity instead of using the inventions or ideas of

someone else. Hands-on learning and interactivity is another great benefit of 3D printing

(McConnell). This is especially constructive for those students who learn by using their hands.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have learned about three different emerging technologies that are being

implemented into our education system. Mobile technology, wearable technology, and 3D

printing have become assistive in lesson planning and are allowing students to express

themselves beyond pen and paper. Mobile technology like smartphones and tablets have become

a new means of research. Their embedded applications: camera, calendar, voice memo, and notes

act as resources and benefit students in their academic careers. Furthermore, with a touch to the

screen, mobile technology can be utilized by all students, including those with special needs.
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Secondly, we have discovered that smartwatches and fitness trackers have become more than just

fashion and are now finding their way into the classrooms. Both are welcomed by P.E. teachers

who aspire to see their students care about their physical activity and caloric intake. In addition,

the calculator app in a smartwatch is able to assist students with math and science equations

when their smartphone is not accessible. As experienced by a middle-school teacher, using a

GoPro has benefited his classroom by making his students more engaged and excited, while

giving them a self-esteem boost. GoPros are also a superb addition to any classroom because

they serve a variety of purposes, mount easily on the wall, and record thirty frames per second in

high definition. Last but not least, 3D printing has become a hot topic in education. It is allowing

innovative students the possibility to become inventors by enhancing the way students learn

math, technology, and science.3D printers are not yet available to all schools, but with prices

dropping and many teachers finding lessons online, it has become a possibility in the near future.

Although designed and built for different purposes, these emerging technologies are bringing

educators together in the search for new ways to make their classrooms proactive.
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