Smartphones, social media, game-based learning, and open textbooks
will all be part of the education technology landscape for 2013, according to a
survey conducted by the ed-tech web site Edudemic.
The Edudemic survey results are presented in a graphic that
predicts more focus on text messaging as a way to connect with students on
everything from class assignment deadlines to upcoming campus events. Already, 93%
of responding students say they send text messages and 89% of the institutions
use text messaging for emergency communications.
While it may not be surprising that the use of social media on
campus will continue to grow, it is eye-opening that every responding school
reported having a Facebook page and 80% have a Twitter account. Eighty-three
percent of the schools report using social media to connect with alumni and 38%
use it to reach the local community.
The survey forecasts more institutions will make use of online
educational resources, such as massive open online courses and open digital course
materials. Affordable 3-D printers will become more accessible and may someday
be a fixture in every classroom, while the use of game-based learning and
e-books will become more accepted.
