You want to stay ahead of the curve in educational technology. What’s the best way to do it?

1 Follow the trends

One of the easiest ways to stay updated on the latest developments and innovations in educational technology is to follow the trends and news in the field. You can do this by subscribing to newsletters, podcasts, blogs, and magazines that cover topics such as online learning, digital tools, gamification, artificial intelligence, and more. You can also use social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to follow hashtags, groups, and influencers that are relevant to your interests and goals.

2 Try new tools

Another way to stay ahead of the curve is to try new tools and platforms that can enhance your teaching and learning experience. You can find many free or low-cost options online that offer different features and functions for various purposes and contexts. For example, you can use tools like Kahoot, Quizlet, or Nearpod to create interactive quizzes and games; tools like Flipgrid, Padlet, or Loom to record and share videos and feedback; or tools like Google Classroom, Moodle, or Canvas to manage your courses and assignments.

3 Join a community

A third way to stay ahead of the curve is to join a community of educators and learners who are interested in educational technology and willing to share their ideas, experiences, and resources. You can do this by participating in online forums, webinars, courses, or events that focus on topics that you want to learn more about or improve your skills in. You can also network with people who have similar or complementary backgrounds, goals, and challenges, and learn from their insights and perspectives.

4 Experiment and reflect

A fourth way to stay ahead of the curve is to experiment and reflect on your own practice and outcomes. You can do this by setting goals and challenges for yourself, trying new approaches and methods, and collecting feedback and data on your results. You can also use tools like journals, blogs, or portfolios to document your learning journey, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement and growth.

5 Share your work

A fifth way to stay ahead of the curve is to share your work and achievements with others who can benefit from them or give you constructive feedback. You can do this by presenting your projects, lessons, or research at conferences, workshops, or webinars; publishing your articles, books, or podcasts on platforms like Medium, Amazon, or Spotify; or creating your own website, blog, or YouTube channel to showcase your portfolio and expertise.

6 Keep learning

A sixth and final way to stay ahead of the curve is to keep learning and developing your knowledge and skills in educational technology. You can do this by enrolling in online courses, certificates, or degrees that offer relevant and updated content and instruction; attending professional development sessions, seminars, or workshops that provide practical and applicable tips and strategies; or reading books, articles, or reports that offer research-based and evidence-based insights and recommendations.