The Hype Cycle tracks emerging technologies in order to stay ahead of the trends by providing a cross-industry perspective on the technologies (Gartner, 2016). When reading through Gartner’s Hype Cycle, it was very interesting to see that virtual reality was the leading technology projection for 2016. Last year I was asked to participate in a study at my place of work to engage in the world of AR/VR and see how we can implement this technology into the classroom. I was fortunate enough to see some VR companies at the beginning stages and I was blown away by the opportunities the world of VR can provide in and out of the classroom.
The research director at Gartner stated that trends represented within the Hype Cycle “will have the single greatest impact on an organization’s strategic planning” (Gartner, 2016) and I see this being being implemented not only in my organization, but through every post secondary institute I research (not to mention in personal homes for sheer entertainment). There are three key technology trends identified within the study Transparently immersive experiences, The perceptual smart machine age and The platform revolution. This ensures that organizations and developers have areas of expertise to focus and expand upon to help guide and expand the technological infrastructure and ecosystem (Gartner, 2016).
The Hype Cycle clearly identified that VR was the new and upcoming technology, so I am curious what the next study will introduce? Where can we possibly go from here? I feel that so much of science fiction is becoming science fact, so when do we stop? Who says that enough is enough? What more do we possibly need and for what? Though this study was really interesting to read, I became quite introspective: I feel we are no longer at a stage of asking can we, but should we?
References:
Gartner. (2016, August 16). Gartner’s 2016 Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies Identifies Three Key Trends that Organizations Must Track to Gain Competitive Advantage. [Press Release].
January 17, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Thanks Kerry!
You raise the always interesting issue of ethics. As I work in the area of adult education in a corporate environment, my answer is typically. Yes! Yes, we need more technology, we must keep up, we can’t afford to be behind if we want to be an employer of choice. However, it’s been enlightening to read about the different perspectives from our cohort. For example, those in K12 and continuing ed have brought to light factors I had not considered.
I’d be interested in hearing their thoughts on this, too.
Sue
January 18, 2020 at 12:41 am
Hi Sue,
Thank you for your response. I agree, I think that institutions need to keep imploring new technologies if they want to remain competitive. I never really thought of bringing up ethics, but re-reading my post, I see what you are saying… I am that person ☺. I am actually curious to see what will be in effect when I go back to work in July, I am both nervous and excited to explore all the new technologies implemented. In the 5 years I have been there, we have gone from Blackboard, to D2L, to Brightspace, to using SmartBoards and now VR. For those that love the learn, it is an awesome thing to witness and be a part of.
– Kerry