EDID 6506/89858360

Assignment 4 Futurist Report on Instructional Technology

By

Christian Prentice

A Paper Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements of EDID 6506 Issues, Trends, Innovations and Research in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology and Distance Education Trimester III, 2012-2013

Email: University: eTutor: Course Coordinator

christian.prentice@my.open.uwi.edu University of the West Indies Open Campus Camille Dickson-Deane Camille Dickson-Deane

EDID 6506/89858360

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

Graduate Coursework Accountability Statement (To be completed by student) ACADEMIC YEAR: 2013-2014 COURSE CODE: EDID 6506 SEMESTER: Trimester III TITLE: Issues, Trends, Innovations and Research in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology and Distance Education ID: 89858360

NAME: Christian Prentice

1. I hereby certify that I am the author of the attached item of coursework and that all materials from reference sources have been properly acknowledged. 2. I understand what plagiarism is and what penalties may be imposed on students found guilty of plagiarism. 3. I certify that this paper contains no plagiarised material. 4. I certify that this is my own work and that I did not receive any unfair assistance from others (including unauthorized collaboration) in its preparation. 5. I certify that this paper has not previously been submitted either in its entirety or in part within the UWI system or to any other educational institution. 6. In the case of group work: a. I certify that the individual work of each member of the group has been clearly indicated; b. that where no such indication has been given, I take the responsibility for the work as if it were the section of the paper for which I am solely responsible; and c. that I have not collaborated with any members of the group to breach the Universitys regulations.

Signature: Christian Prentice

Date: 2013-12-04

EDID 6506/89858360 Futurist Report: Ten Futuristic Trends in Instructional Technology can be retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ-JL3RJL2g&feature=youtu.be

Reflection: This experience can be summed up in one word - rewarding. Though it sounds clich, it is the only word that describes the benefits I have gained from this assignment. Obviously I gained knowledge on the existing technologies and the ones to come. I was quite fascinated with the items, tools e.g. flexible technology, that are in existence or in its planning stages. Reading the many blogs and newspaper articles I wondered where technology can go next I found the answer to this question in several articles which had predictions for 2020 and even I had visions, ideas for the next innovative tool.

As an educator, my focus in this research was on the benefits futuristic trends held for education and the school environment. My interest grew when I explored the Software Defined Networks. Considering the limitations with our physical school structure, I was impressed at the fact that these offer virtualized networks without physical changes to the environment. Another tool that will do well in our environment is the 3D printer. Students love to create things and one can only imagine what they would deliver with a 3D printer. For me, it would eliminate some Geometry Problems, Solids and their nets, as students would appreciate this interactive tool more that pulling apart a matchbox.

My most memorable experience with this process was the interaction with my students. These children today are really techno savvy. As this is the end of term, activities at school are quite hectic, endless end of term reports; therefore, I took the opportunity to start my research during my luncheon periods. During that time, I usually spend time chatting with my students, so since I took away their chat time, I asked them to help me with the process. I 3

EDID 6506/89858360 cant forget the responses i.e. the different colours they wish to order in the google glass, their thoughts on what seemed realistic or not and the debates among themselves on how they can use the tool. This was indeed fun.

Of course no task is without challenges. The research was a bit tedious. Many articles/writers focused on technological changes for societies in years to come e.g. flying cars. However my focus as aforementioned was the educational benefits, so I had to read a considerable number of articles to find these futuristic trends. The research time was also lengthened as I was trying to be original with my choices.

When I saw the assignments for this term, I thought that Assignment Four would be the assignment that I would have omitted. I was unsure of the research matter that was required and the concept, futuristic. As faith would have it, I was unable to secure an interview for my first assignment, so I had no choice but to face this seemingly arduous task. This process developed my research skills, made me more competent to use or to explain the variety of technologies and aroused deeper interest in the field of Instructional Technology. Simply rewarding!

EDID 6506/89858360 References: 3D Printing, retrieved from, http://www.theguardian.com/technology/3d-printing

10 Tech Trends Through 2015, retrieved from, http://www.informationmanagement.com/gallery/gartner-cloud-storage-big-data-network-inn-tech-trends-100228871.html

Augmented Reality, retrieved from, http://mashable.com/category/augmented-reality/

Bonsor K, How Augmented Reality Works, retrieved from, http://www.howstuffworks.com/augmented-reality.htm

Dart D, 3D Printing in Education, retrieved from, http://www.stratasys.com/industries/education

Dix J, The Promise of Software Defined Networking, retrieved from http://www.networkworld.com/news/2013/070113-sdn-271298.html Gartners Top 10 Tech Trends, retrieved from, http://www.slideshare.net/success_ehs/gartners-top-10-tech-trends-through-2015

IBM SDN for Virtual Environments http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/networking/software/sdnve/ Leong K, A Surgeons Review of Google Glass in the Operating Room, http://www.fastcompany.com/3022534/internet-of-things/a-surgeons-review-of-google-glassin-the-operating-room Mone G, The Future is Flexible Display, retrieved from, http://cacm.acm.org/magazines/2013/6/164606-the-future-is-flexible-displays/fulltext

Van Eck. R, Digital Game-Based Learning: It's Not Just the Digital Natives. Who Are Restless, retrieved from, http://edergbl.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/47991237/digital%20game%20based%20learning%2 02006.pdf

Wearable Tech, retrieved from, http://mashable.com/category/wearable-tech/

EDID 6506/89858360 Yam San C, Game Based Learning: Opportunities and Challenges for 21st Century Education, retrieved from, http://www.ssagsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ISAGA2009_Keynote_CheeYamSan.pdf