Innov8: 2016 Year In Review and 2017 Predictions

It’s that time of year again–when we take a moment to reflect on the year coming to a close and apply what we’ve learned to shape a set of predictions.
Tom recently shared six trends that shaped life in 2016 and will continue to expand their influence in 2017 “for those of us that believe learning is a key lever for shaping society.”
Check out this week’s Top 8 stories in learning innovations and let us know what you’d add to our list of trends and predictions. If you’re already thinking about your the new year and want to add “stay informed” to your list of resolutions, sign up for Getting Smart’s weekly Smart Update.

2016 #YearInReview and Predictions for 2017 @tvanderark https://t.co/8miCRrPlQq via @Getting_Smart #PBL #edtech #deeperlearning #AI #innov8 pic.twitter.com/DipkLD9LcL

— Carri Schneider (@CarriSchneider) December 13, 2016

Digital Developments

1. Shaping the Future of Learning

Plan for #FutureEd in your community with Shaping the Future of Learning: A Strategy Guide https://t.co/frJ3p0WXQk @JasonSwanson @katprince

— KnowledgeWorks (@knowledgeworks) December 6, 2016

We recently shared a blog from KnowlegeWorks’ Lillian Pace around how the new Presidential Administration has a great opportunity to positively shape the future of learning as well.
2. The filmMAKER Challenge

We are excited for the launch of the filmMAKER Challenge! Learn more here: https://t.co/zloPhmdlwR #makered pic.twitter.com/cRMw0djM3M

— Digital Promise (@DigitalPromise) December 9, 2016

Dollars & Deals

3. $24 Million for Osmo

Osmo raises $24 million from Mattel and Sesame Street as it expands its AR games to the iPhone https://t.co/3AKeM72eNZ via @VentureBeat

— Dean Takahashi (@deantak) December 8, 2016

Augmented reality isn’t just for K12 students–learn more about How Augmented Reality Can Enhance Learning in Higher Ed too.

#SmartParents

4. The Common Sense Census

NEW Report: Parents Spend More Than Nine Hours a Day w/Screen Media (and mostly for personal use!) https://t.co/QRlIPNrElC #PluggedInParents pic.twitter.com/pZy98R9BBM

— Common Sense Media (@CommonSense) December 6, 2016

Check out these recommendations from our Smart Parents series around How to Turn Screen Time into Family Time.

Planting a #SEAD

5. Culture Rules Schools

Only one-third of students rate their school culture positively https://t.co/6OLe7vpeci #SEL #edadmin #schoolclimate

— SELinSchools (@SELinSchools) December 7, 2016

In our series on creating new schools we asked 20 experts, who have collectively opened more than a thousand schools, what the most important factor is for long-term school success. Their number one answer? Get the Culture Right.

Deeper, Further, Faster #HigherEd

6. Google Grads and Guardians

Google allows grads to transition email and portfoliohttps://t.co/yFOepZu2cr #GAFE #EdTech

— Tom Vander Ark (@tvanderark) December 12, 2016

Let’s Get Personalized

7. Competency-Based Grads

Six New England states improved grad rates from 80% to 88% in 7 years. Read more in new report https://t.co/To473cCFVB @NewEnglandSSC #CBE pic.twitter.com/Y9Kc4kNqXN

— Getting Smart (@Getting_Smart) December 13, 2016

We shared Two Reports That Indicate Progress on Proficiency-Based Education in New England on the blog: the report mentioned above from the Great Schools Partnership, as well as CompetencyWorks and iNACOL’s recent report Insights on Advancing Competency Education in New England.

#Teachers & #EdLeaders

8. Positive Impact Through Tech

Machines won’t replace teachers anytime soon but can expand access to gr8 teaching says @ArnettTom @ChristensenInst https://t.co/9UJnoF7C1I

— Dan LeClair (@AACSBdan) December 8, 2016

Have a news item you’d like us to consider for next Wednesday’s edition? Tweet us @Getting_Smart using #innov8 or to email [email protected] with “Innov8” in the subject line. For more ideas on what type of stories we run, check out the full Innov8 series on our blog.

Stay in-the-know with all things EdTech and innovations in learning by signing up to receive the weekly Smart Update. This post includes mentions of a Getting Smart partner. For a full list of partners, affiliate organizations and all other disclosures please see our Partner page.