Predictions for Learning Technology

The concluding section of this paper will put some stakes in the ground for what mainstream developments we will see in the next seven to eight years with respect to learning technology. The approach is to apply the prediction screen covered above along with what has been argued as the most compelling need of student achievement.

Expect to see more of the three now accepted innovations outlined above, CMSs, distance learning platforms, and more Internet technology on campus and in classrooms. This is because these innovations are in relatively early phases of their adoption and there is plenty of room for additional sustainable innovations in these product categories.

The question is what are some other product categories that would seem to fit the model discussed above? Since there are infinite ideas, presented here are only a few that seem to have the most merit.

First, there appears to be a compelling need for tools that help students do more productively what they already do so they can learn more efficiently and effectively. What are examples of this?

• Systems that help students take notes and study from notes more effectively.
• Systems that help students organize their course materials and improve the efficiency and effectiveness for review in preparation for tests.
• Tools that help students interact with faculty more effectively, especially with regards to helping faculty understand the degree of student learning.
• ePortfolio tools to do a better job at capturing student accomplishments – if they can improve productivity – providing a platform for students to interact better with faculty and improve the learning experience.
• Online search engines for academic content – as a more productive way of finding the right materials as opposed to being a substitute for the materials.