Emerging Trends & Technologies in the Virtual K-12 Classroom from Coursera

Welcome to Emerging Trends and Technologies in K-12! This course will help you evaluate and implement technology in the most useful way within your virtual classroom setting. We will discuss the possibilities and challenges of using technology in fully online environments, although many of the ideas can be applied to blended and traditional environments as well.

This course is focused on emerging trends and technologies, specifically for K-12 instructors. Most of the content will be aimed at high school-aged students in the U.S., or ages 13-18 in other countries. Due to the nature of some of the internet-based technologies, young students are required to be 13 or older to participate. That said, many of the examples we discuss can apply to younger ages.

This course is focused on virtual education. In other words, blended or fully online teaching and learning experiences. Nevertheless, you can apply the concepts to a traditional class, adult education, and higher education. Lastly, please note that many of the examples will be U.S. based.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Define educational technology's role in supporting the virtual environment.

• Identify and evaluate existing and emerging technologies for virtual course instruction or curriculum development.

• Use collaborative learning tools to design and assess learning activities.

• Use game-based strategies to deepen student engagement in virtual courses.

• Research, evaluate, and employ open content in virtual education.

• Debate the role of MOOCs in virtual K-12 education.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1

Welcome to Module 1, The Role of Educational Technology in K-12 Virtual Education. In this module, we will explore the role of technology in virtual education, evaluate technologies for use, and how to implement technology in the virtual classroom. We will also review some common questions about trends and technologies and look at privacy considerations for K-12 students.

Module 2

Welcome to Module 2, Collaborative Technologies in Virtual Education. In this module, we will explore collaborative learning technologies and evaluate learning management systems. We will also review asynchronous and synchronous technologies for application in K-12 virtual education.

Module 3

In week three, we will discuss game-based learning, badging, augmented reality, and wearable technologies. You will also have the opportunity to submit your assignment and evaluate three of your classmates' work.Welcome to Module 3, Game-based Learning & Badges in Virtual Education. In this module, we will discuss gamification, game-based learning, and badges in virtual education. We'll also look at the authoring environments Minecraft and Scratch and explore potential uses for augmented reality and wearable technologies in the classroom.

Module 4

In week four, we will explore open educational content, web resources, and MOOCs in the context of K-12 education. Welcome to Module 4, Open Content in Virtual Education. In this module, we will compare different types of open educational content and how it can be beneficial to students learning virtually. We will also debate the role of MOOCs in virtual K-12 education.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on online and remote learning, which may be advantageous for those seeking flexibility in their education

Specifically addresses the needs of K-12 instructors, making it relevant for educators working with students in this age group

Explores a wide range of emerging technologies and trends, keeping learners updated with the latest advancements in the field of education

Provides practical examples and applications of technology in virtual classrooms, allowing learners to see how these concepts can be implemented in real-world settings

Includes collaborative learning activities, fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among learners

Covers open educational content and MOOCs, offering insights into alternative and potentially cost-effective educational resources

Reviews summary

Virtual k-12 learning technologies

Learners say this largely positive course explores emerging trends in technologies for virtual K-12 learning. According to students, it covers topics such as social media, games, MOOCs, and open resources. The well-structured course features practical examples and engaging assignments that help educators understand how to use technology to support student learning and enhance instruction.

The instructor is often described as knowledgeable and engaging.

"Melissa Loble is an awesome online instructor !"

"The teacher was outstanding and knowledgeable."

Many students mentioned finding practical value in the course materials.

"This course contained very relevant information that I can use immediately in my current teaching situation."

Students praise the course for providing high-quality, up-to-date resources.

"Excellent information. Format friendly, resources provided organized and plentiful."

"Excellent information, with practical and easy to understand examples, congratulations!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Emerging Trends & Technologies in the Virtual K-12 Classroom with these activities:

Practice using a learning management system

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This activity can help you to better use a learning management system, which is an important tool in online education.

Browse courses on Learning Management Systems

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Find a tutorial on how to use a learning management system.
Follow the tutorial and complete all of the exercises.
Create a practice course in the learning management system.
Add content and activities to the practice course.

Read "Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective" by Dale H. Schunk

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Read this book to strengthen your understanding of the theories behind learning as it can help you develop more effective instructional strategies.

View Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective on Amazon

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Read the chapters of this book in order. and take notes on any concepts or ideas that you find particularly interesting or relevant to your own teaching practice.
Participate in online discussions about the book with other educators.
Write a summary of the book that includes your key takeaways and how you might apply them to your own teaching.

Create a lesson plan that incorporates emerging technologies

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Creating a lesson plan will help you think through how to use emerging technologies in a meaningful way.

Browse courses on Game-Based Learning

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Choose a specific technology that you want to incorporate into your lesson plan.
Identify the learning objectives that you want to achieve with the lesson.
Develop a plan for how you will use the technology to achieve your learning objectives.
Create a lesson plan that includes all of the necessary elements, such as materials, procedures, and assessments.

Five other activities

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Follow a tutorial on how to create a game-based learning activity

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This activity will help you develop the skills you need to create engaging and effective game-based learning activities.

Browse courses on Game-Based Learning

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Find a tutorial on how to create a game-based learning activity.
Follow the tutorial and complete all of the exercises.
Create a game-based learning activity of your own.

Join a peer learning group

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A peer learning group may provide an opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with colleagues who are also interested in using emerging technologies in education.

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Find a peer learning group that is relevant to your interests.
Join the group and participate in the discussions.
Share your ideas and experiences with the group.
Learn from other members of the group.

Read "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen

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The book may provide valuable insights for educators who are seeking to innovate in their own teaching practices.

View The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books) on Amazon

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Purchase the book and read it. As you are reading, take notes on any key concepts that resonate with you.
Identify three key concepts from the book and write a short summary of each concept in your own words.
Develop a plan for applying one of the key concepts to your current teaching practice.

Attend a workshop on emerging technologies in education

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This activity can provide an opportunity to learn about the latest emerging technologies and how to use them in the classroom.

Browse courses on Emerging Technologies

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Find a workshop on emerging technologies in education that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the workshop and attend all of the sessions.
Take notes during the workshop and ask questions to the presenters.
Implement at least one of the ideas that you learned at the workshop in your own teaching practice.

Volunteer at a school or organization that uses emerging technologies in education

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Volunteering can provide an opportunity to see how emerging technologies are being used in the classroom and to learn from other educators.

Browse courses on Emerging Technologies

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Find a school or organization that uses emerging technologies in education.
Contact the school or organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer your time at the school or organization.
Observe how emerging technologies are being used in the classroom.

Career center

Learners who complete Emerging Trends & Technologies in the Virtual K-12 Classroom will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

K-12 Teacher

K-12 Teachers plan, implement, and evaluate instruction for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. They work with students with diverse learning needs and backgrounds and use a variety of instructional methods and materials. This course may prove helpful to teachers who are interested in integrating technology into their teaching.

See salaries and explore the career path for K-12 Teacher

E-Learning Developer

E-Learning Developers create and develop online and blended learning experiences. They work with subject matter experts to create interactive content and assessments and they may also provide support to learners. This course may provide valuable insights into creating online learning experiences for K-12 students.

See salaries and explore the career path for E-Learning Developer

Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designers create and develop educational experiences that are engaging and effective. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, corporations, and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for developing the skills needed to design and develop online learning experiences for K-12 students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Experience Designer

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers analyze, design, and develop instructional materials and learning experiences. Developing online and blended learning experiences is a key responsibility for many instructional designers today. This course may help prepare you to evaluate and implement instructional technologies for K-12 education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers create and develop educational curriculum and materials. They work with teachers and other stakeholders to ensure that curriculum is aligned with educational standards and goals. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to create and develop curriculum for online and blended learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Education Researcher

Education Researchers conduct research on教育and learning. They publish their findings in research journals and present their work at conferences. This course may provide valuable insights into the research process and may be useful for those interested in pursuing a career in education research.

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Educational Technologist

Educational Technologists plan, implement, and evaluate educational technology programs in schools and other educational institutions. They work with educators and administrators to integrate technology into the curriculum and provide teacher training on educational technology tools. This course may be useful in providing insight into current technology trends and best practices in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Technologist

School Librarian

School Librarians provide access to information and resources to students and staff. They also teach information literacy skills and promote reading and learning. This course may be helpful for developing the skills needed to integrate technology into the school library and to provide instruction on digital literacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Librarian

Instructional Technology Specialist

Instructional Technology Specialists implement, manage, and troubleshoot technology in educational environments. They also provide training and support to educators and students in the use of technology. This course may be useful for building a foundation in integrating technology in a K-12 classroom setting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Technology Specialist

Higher Education Faculty

Higher Education Faculty teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They also advise students and develop curriculum. This course may be useful for developing the skills needed to teach online or blended courses in higher education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Faculty

Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide advice and support to schools and other educational institutions. They work with educators and administrators to improve teaching and learning. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to provide consulting services in the area of educational technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Principal

Principals provide leadership and direction for schools. They work with teachers, staff, parents, and the community to create a positive learning environment for all students. This course may be helpful for developing the skills needed to lead and manage a school in the 21st century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Principal

Corporate Trainer

Corporate Trainers develop and deliver training programs for employees in businesses and organizations. They also work with management to identify training needs and to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. This course may be useful for developing the skills needed to design and develop online or blended training programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Trainer

Non-profit Program Manager

Non-Profit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services for non-profit organizations. They also work with staff and volunteers to achieve the organization's mission. This course may be useful for developing the skills needed to manage educational programs and initiatives in a non-profit setting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Non-profit Program Manager

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They provide recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to analyze and evaluate educational policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst