Abby Ft. Future

Technology is constantly evolving, especially within the classroom.  With the students advancing, the technology must get better as well.  A future technology that would really benefit every student is augmented reality.  Augmented reality has the ability to alter what we see, smell, feel, and hear relating to everyday things.  Items such as Google Glass, as well as many smart phone apps, already utilize this technology.  Augmented reality could be used to further presentations, lessons, and activities that promote hands-on interaction but are unable to get the real thing.  This could be especially beneficial for medical or engineering students who need to look at the interior of an organ or a mechanical part.

A future technology that was not mentioned in the book is something called biometrics.  Biometrics is defined as technologies that measure and analyze human body characteristics, such as DNA, fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, voice patterns, facial patterns and hand measurements, for authentication purposes.  This technology would be extremely helpful in adapting to students' learning styles, weaknesses, disabilities, and overall engagement.  It would change according to how the students are feeling and recognize when further explanation is required.

The digital divide is something that is unfortunate but very real.  I have access to technology in both my home and apartment so I am on the technological side of the divide, however, I am aware of those who are not.  Many students do not have access to a computer or other technology because of many reasons (financial, parental issues, personal beliefs, etc.).  In a class, not having access to internet or a computer could be a factor of someone being ostracized for his or her peers, or a lower grade on assignments.  To address this disadvantage in a classroom, I would make sure that there are resources available to students so that they can complete any work that requires a computer for an assignment or research.  I would not decrease the amount of technology based assignments, though, because learning and understanding how to use advanced technology is extremely important for the success of all students.