We discuss the trends and issues we observed during the weeks of February 1-15, 2016 as we flipped resources into our Flipboard magazine (http://bit.ly/trendsandissues). We have three trends that we discuss. The first is, again, continued news virtual reality. The primary focus was the push for content for virtual reality devices. There was also resources focusing on the expansion of the VR market, hardware critiques, and the increase of the consumer base for VR. The second trend was predictions for educational technology in 2016 and review of educational technology in 2015. Two major reports were made public: The Horizon Report for Higher Education and the Babson Study of distance education and online learning. The third was online learning. We observed microcredentialing, MOOCs, institutional support strategies, and the new digital divide being discussed in relationship to online learning.

We have five recommended readings for the week.

Robotics and VR Loom on the Higher-Ed Horizon By Marguerite McNeal https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-02-04-robotics-and-vr-loom-on-the-higher-ed-horizon
Babson Study: Distance Education Enrollment Growth Continues by Company News http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/edtech-news-and-trends/babson-study-distance-education-enrollment-growth-continues/
Eight Technologies that are Changing Education by Carl O'Brien http://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/eight-technologies-that-are-changing-education-1.2513752
Many Low-income Students Use Only Their Phones to Get Online. What are They Missing? by The Conversation http://theconversation.com/many-low-income-students-use-only-their-phone-to-get-online-what-are-they-missing-54213
30 Quotes on User-Centered Interaction Design by Tubik Studio https://medium.com/@tubikstudio/30-quotes-on-user-centered-interaction-design-ac01015a83bb#.lotto93dz

One final reminder: There is still time to vote in the AECT election if you are a member. Elections are open until February 27 at http://www.aect.org/election/  Abbie Brown for President Elect.

To cite the Trends & Issues podcast:

Brown, A. & Green, T. (Producers). (2016, February 16). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, and Learning Sciences [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from http://trendsandissues.com/

Our next podcast episode will be February 29, 2016