Current trends that are new and upcoming in the classroom.

1. 21ST CENTURY
CLASSROOM TRENDS
By: Kathleen Spencer

2. Drones
◦ Description
◦ Drones are a creative tool for learning that adds relevant and engaging opportunities with technology. Ways
drones are being used in the classroom:
◦ Programming and engineering
◦ Photography from above
◦ Film making
◦ Core subjects (ELA, math, science, social studies)
◦ Are Students Engaged?
◦ Students are extremely engaged by using drones in the classroom because it allows hands-on learning projects.
Drones can show students what surrounds them and can add relevance to core education lessons.
◦ Impact
◦ Drones are another opportunity to integrate technology into lessons. Students and educators are able to see
how the world works around us inside the classroom. The drone has potential to get students involved in the
learning process.

3. Flipped Classroom
◦ Description
◦ Flipped classrooms are a mixture of direct and video instruction. Students typically review short lectures
at home and class time is devoted to projects, discussions, and small group learning.
◦ Are Students Engaged?
◦ As long as students are completing the required assignment before class, they can be completely
engaged. Students can move at their own pace which keeps them connected to the lesson and interested
in the content.
◦ Impact
◦ Flipped classrooms allow educators to create more of an individualized curriculum. They can focus on the
learning at school and work through any gaps or misunderstandings. Flipped classrooms also provide a
motivation to bring technology into the lessons.

4. Virtual reality
◦ Description
◦ Virtual reality is an upcoming trend in the education world. It is a computer generated simulation that
allows students to put themselves in a 3D world.
◦ Are Students Engaged?
◦ Students are engaged and it allows them to create a mental image of what they are learning. Virtual
reality tools provide relevance, curiosity, and excitement.
◦ Impact
◦ Educators can have opportunities inside the classroom that would have never been an option for their
students. Ideas to use virtual reality in the classroom:
◦ Virtual fieldtrips
◦ Dissection and human anatomy
◦ 3D design
◦ Travel to a new country or place around the world
◦ Builds empathy by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes

5. My learning
◦ After spending time researching new trends in the 21st century classroom, I have found that I
needed to take the time to reflect on how I currently integrate technology in my classroom.
Since my students each have an iPad, I find myself getting stuck with using apps that I am
comfortable with; however, there are many new opportunities that I would like to add this year.
◦ The cost of some of the newer technology trends are not something my school can afford at this
time but, I would like to incorporate more of a flipped classroom aspect. My goal is to try
several math lessons this year and see how my students respond. I think this could have a huge
impact on my ability to focus on differentiated learning.
◦ I would also like to stay up-to-date with new apps and social media trends for my students to
try this year.