4 EdTech Predictions for 2022
2021 (and 2020 before it) brought unique challenges to our quest to close the digital divide, forcing us to look at education technology and device access in new ways. In the last year, we saw partners implement innovative solutions to bridge tech gaps while kids were out of school, increases in computer science offerings at high schools across the country, and new technology that changed the game for those without internet access.
What does 2022 have in store? We checked in with some of our partners on the forefront of this work to see their biggest predictions for the year.
1. More high schools will make computer science a graduation requirement. At CSEdCon 2021, CEO of Code.org Hadi Partovi presented during The 2021 State of CS Education and Beyond on the importance of making computer science classes not only more accessible, but a requirement for graduation: “10 years from now, we're going to be in the mode that computer science is something that every school not only should teach, but that every student should be studying as a requirement for graduating.” We hit the halfway point (51%) in 2021 and expect the number to continue to rise this year.
2. Computational thinking will continue to be integrated into elementary school classrooms. For our partners at the Robin Hood Foundation’s Learning and Technology Fund, computational thinking is one of two big priorities for 2022 and beyond. Specifically, they are working to create a network of teachers who are equipped to teach students how to think, problem solve, and create with computers in order to learn any subject better. Why is elementary school a priority? Because starting this kind of learning at a young age helps students build strong foundations and develop higher-order thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills in ways that can advance learning across the curriculum and empower students to be creative inventors with technology. In 2022, the Fund will continue paving the way for this work by preparing elementary teachers to integrate and teach computational thinking and providing them the ongoing support to develop their practice once in a classroom.
3. New and improved tools will bring useful and highly relevant content and applications to students and families with internet connectivity challenges. While 2021 brought exciting news of a federal broadband bill, universal internet access is still a long way off. What do we do with the kids who are falling behind now? In 2022, the Endless OS Foundation will focus on two core products that seek to solve some of these challenges: the Endless Key and Endless OS. With the innovative Endless Key—a 128 gigabyte USB drive designed to provide high-quality offline learning and discovery resources in a robust, engaging, and safe digital learning environment—the Endless OS Foundation will continue to partner with organizations and content creators interested in bringing typically online content to offline users. The Linux-based Endless Operating System is also designed for those with no or unstable internet connectivity. It is simple and easy for anyone to use – especially important for new PC users – and it's free. The OS is fully equipped with essential apps to learn, play, work and connect while offline in 2022.
4. More teachers will use game design in the classroom. Over the last 15 years, countless studies have shown that games and game design are effective ways to teach and assess a variety of different subjects and skills. While many teachers have used games in their classrooms for years, the use of game design as a powerful tool to support and demonstrate learning is still only beginning to catch on. The G4C Student Challenge, a national game design program and competition, has been growing rapidly — and has reached over 35,000 students and 725 educators to date. With the rising demand for curriculum that integrates game design, in 2021 Games for Change expanded its offerings with a slew of new education programs under the G4C Learn banner. We can’t wait to see all the ways educators incorporate them into classroom learning this year.