Horizon Report

One thing that encouraged me out of reading the Horizon report was that, as a result of my curriculum, it appears I'm already starting to implement some of these new-to-market technologies in my class. Cloud-based applications, where students can access information and discussions from points beyond the classroom, have already been tested and used occasionally for distributing content and grades to my classes. Teachers throughout the School District of Philadelphia use at least some rudimentary learning analytics in the form of predictive data, seeing how performance on standard assessments can help guide teachers' future lessons and concentrate on content where students may be weaker. Students in my computer lab use different methods of customization and content organization to create a form of personal learning environment (PLE) conducive to more comfortable performance in class. Thanks to interaction with teachers teaching similar curricula throughout the district as well as industry experts, we are making attempts to share lessons, develop like-minded rubrics, and otherwise create more open content throughout the district.

Looking ahead, I'm also starting to think about how to incorporate the remaining concepts touted by the report. Game-based learning will hopefully be formalized in my classroom soon, pointing students to activities for math and English skills as an alternative to just messing around on computers in between proper lessons in design and technology. I've also done research on how to incorporate mobiles into students' research and class participation; school and district policies, however, prevent any significant implementation at this time.