VARconnection

3D Printing in Education

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printers make objects based on a virtual design by laying down successive layers of material until the object is complete. As 3D printing continues to evolve it has the potential to transform almost every major industry, and … Continue reading →

Chromebooks Gaining on Tablets in Education

As schools continue to invest in technology, the amount of devices found in the classroom is surging. Last year, the revenue for desktops, laptops, tablets, and two-in-one computers shipped to K-12 schools and higher education institutions in the United States amounted to $7 billion, according to estimates for IDC. In total, about 13.2 million systems … Continue reading →

eLearning vs. mLearning

Although eLearning and mLearning tend to be used synonymously, the two modes of learning differ in many respects. The “e” in eLearning is “electronic.” So eLearning is any form of learning that is delivered using electronic devices like the computer via channels like the Internet. However, learning can also be delivered via the Intranet/Extranet networks. … Continue reading →

Important Developments in Education Technology

The NMC Horizon Report: 2015 K-12 Edition report, based on the opinions of 56 experts, identified six important developments in technology that will support innovation and change in education within the next five years. Near-Term – Time-to-Adoption Horizon: One Year or Less BYOD BYOD refers to the practice of students/faculty bringing their own mobile devices … Continue reading →

Key Trends Accelerating Technology Adoption in K-12

What is on the five-year horizon for K-12 schools? What trends and technologies will drive educational change? The NMC Horizon Report: 2015 K-12 Edition examines emerging technologies for their potential impact on, and use in teaching, learning, and creative inquiry in schools. The report, based on the opinions of 56 experts, identifies six key trends … Continue reading →

STEAM Education

While science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education has become a prominent part of many schools’ education plans, there is a growing movement to add art as another point of emphasis in educators’ integrated learning systems. Adding art to form the STEAM initiative (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) in education has been proven to … Continue reading →

STEM Education

STEM Education has become a major topic of discussion in recent years. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – subjects associated with growing career opportunities in the U.S. However, the U.S. lags behind internationally in STEM Education, ranking 29th in math and 22nd in science among industrialized nations. In fact, less than 50% … Continue reading →

Common Core Testing

The 2014-2015 school year has been, and will continue to be, one of the most critical school years in recent memory for the future of education. Despite facing more and more push back from states and politicians, Common Core Testing is officially taking place in 32 states this year. These tests have been designed to … Continue reading →

Help Make BYOD a Winning Strategy for Education

Charles Sweeney, CEO, Bloxx Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, is the straightforward idea that enables students and staff to bring their own Internet-enabled device to school for learning and working purposes. There are many advantages to implementing a BYOD strategy within a learning environment. For example, learning becomes culturally relevant; it is important for … Continue reading →

Flipped Learning Technology

One of the most challenging aspects for teachers switching from a traditional classroom model to a flipped learning model is creating relevant, digestible content. Luckily, there is a wide variety of software, hardware, and additional resources available to educators that help make this transition smoother. Screencasting Screencasting tools are an extremely popular software category for … Continue reading →