Three Future Technologies That Will Shape Our Classrooms

3 future technologies that will completely change the learning space and revolutionize the techniques we use within it.

• Biometrics

Biometrics is the technology used to recognize humans based on specific physical or behavioral traits. In the future, this technology will help intelligent software completely understand the physical and emotional state of children learning in the classroom. Course material presented to students can be altered on the fly and will be perfectly tailored to individual needs based on biometric signals from students. Physical traits such as facial expression, heart rate, skin moisture and even odor can be used to create detailed reports of student understanding and performance. Behavioral signs such as typing rhythm, gait and voice can let teachers know when students are in need of additional assistance as well as help them understand what teaching techniques work best for individual students.

• Augmented Reality Eye-Wear

With rumors of Google releasing Augmented Reality (AR) glasses by the end of the year, this technology may be closer than we think. AR is essentially the layering of further data on top of the reality we already see. Whether students are wearing Oakley THUMP style glasses or having data sent straight to their AR contact lenses, the educational implications for this technology are huge. We talk about rich media being available in digital textbooks, but imagine having an AR Benjamin Franklin sitting at your desk explaining the Declaration of Independence. The immersive experience that students will enjoy both in and outside the classroom will be amazing.

• Multi-Touch Surfaces

Companies such as Microsoft have been working on multi-touch surfaces for many years now. Although they have done amazing things, it has only been since the massive success of Apple's iPhone that the concept of multi-touch has been embraced by mainstream consumers. As touch surfaces become cheaper and more advanced, we are seeing early concepts of multi-touch products that will one day change the classroom.

A video of the EXOdesk below shows how the whole work surface can be manipulated with real-time data and altered for completely different purposes. Imagine a workspace where students are collaborating live with peers around the world, manipulating virtual objects right in front of them. Streamed video, virtual tools and millions of online resources available with a single swipe of the desk.