Technologies

New computing devices, faster networks, and enhanced digital imaging techniques are expected to drive your future. Many of these new technologies are closer than you might realize. New technologies are expected to revolutionize the way people learn. Listed below are some new technologies in the
field of education.

Portable Computing Devices
Handheld devices and laptops are likely to be the mainstay of computer use in education. According to a latest report from market research company IDC, public school districts in the United States are expected to spend $9.5 billion on information technology by the 2005–2006 academic year.

It seems certain that ultimately all students will have some type of personal computing device. Institutions in all probability will accelerate this revolution by providing electronic versions of textbooks on their Web sites. With a couple of taps on their screens, students will use fast wireless networks to download content to their portable computing devices.

Wireless Technology
At the regional and local levels, the use of wireless technology is exploding. A recent wireless technology development is the emergence of equipment for the 802.11a wireless standard. This new standard for data transmission allows wireless networks to perform better, stronger, and faster and up to five times as fast as 802.11b-based systems. With the help of this increase in throughput, wireless LANs will become an acceptable conduit for applications such as video and streaming media. For heavy data transportation, high-performance computer networks will continue to expand. These networks are expected to be the future of educational networking and will bring fast connections to regional hubs and nodes.

Tele-Immersion and Three-Dimensional Imaging
While most users watch jerky video and listen to stuttering audio, Internet2 users have the benefit of true tele-immersion: the ability to be immersed in a realistic environment with crystal-clear video and digital stereo sound. Tele-immersion allows users at diverse geographical locations to collaborate in real time in a shared, simulated, hybrid environment as if they were in the same physical space. These new tele-immersion atmospheres are created with display types, which are like entire rooms that immerse the viewer in three-dimensional virtual environments.

Multimedia Projectors
Multimedia projectors are getting smaller, lighter, and much brighter. Most manufacturers have launched new projectors into the categories of “ultraportable” (units between 6 and 12 pounds), “microportable” (units that are under 6 pounds), and “mini-projectors” (units that weigh less than 4 pounds). The future will certainly offer units that are brighter and lighter. By the beginning of 2004, we might see units breaking the 2-pound barrier, and average lumen ratings will be around 2000.

Flatter Display
Most of the new computers being purchased for learning are generally equipped with LCD displays. Of late, LCD displays have finally cracked the 30-inch barrier and are moving toward 40 inches and above. Most of the Japanese and Korean manufacturers are ramping up production of flat-screen plasma displays in sizes ranging from 32 to 61 inches.

By the end of the year 2010, it’s quite likely that learners will carry around a very thin computing device that can access data quickly and efficiently from multiple sources. Just try to imagine the possibilities: video, voice, and data on demand; interactive communication with peers and teachers; and no more heavy books to carry around.

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