Emerging technologies

Imagine a classroom where three groups of students are collaborating in small groups. 

One group is working independently using mobile tablet devices. At times, they will pause for discussions among themselves, but most of the time they work independently. 

A second group is teamed-up around an interactive tabletop to complete the lesson. And at the front of the room, a third group is completing an activity collectively using an interactive whiteboard. While these students collaborate in groups, the teacher flows through the room to guide, advise and encourage.

Although the tools each group uses are different, their finished products can be shared and reported because the software interfaces with each of these devices. Early adopters of ICT in education have figured out how to create this type of integrated learning environment and, in doing so, have embedded ICT into both the curriculum and day-to-day lessons.