The world is always changing and before we know it there will be new gadgets at our fingertips. But for now, these are the latest tech trends your kids may be experimenting with this school year.Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer technology that mimics an environment, putting its users in an alternate universe. This new brand of technology is sweeping companies worldwide and is not just being used for gaming. It is predicted that in 2016, VR will be making an appearance in the classroom. With the ability to put students in an alternative reality together, the technology will foster teamwork and creativity. Google has already launched a campaign in the US, distributing cardboard VR devices to schools for students to get introduced to the technology.While some schools are kickin’ it old school with paper and pen, others are going the more technical, innovative route. Laptops and tablets could be the new thing in classrooms in 2016 to assist kids in taking notes and learning during lectures. Although some are apprehensive about the technology being a distraction, others think it will foster efficiency and be easier for students to learn. International schools in Shanghai are torn on the subject, but this may be a changing tide.Wearable technology is the hot new thing in both kids and adults trying to stay more active. While it can help those who want to lose weight or keep track of calories burned, educators are also taking advantage of the new trend. Some schools have created wearable-themed events and workshops to introduce students to mechanical design by analyzing the new technology. It is also helping educators track students on field trips through a GPS location system.3D printers create three-dimensional objects under a computer-controlled system. This technology has been all the rage in hospitals and engineering institutions over the past few years, but it are now becoming more accessible to schools and universities. Educators and students alike find it to be a fascinating teaching tool that makes students’ designs come to life. These new printers help students grow in their engineering skills and push the boundaries on what can be possible.
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世界千变万化，很多新鲜玩意儿在不知不觉中就已经来到了我们的生活中。目前为止，以下这些将是您的孩子在这一学年中可能接触到的最新科技。
虚拟现实是一项模拟环境的电脑技术，将它的使用者带到另一个世界中去。这个全新的技术席卷全球各大公司，其发展并不仅限于虚拟游戏环境。有人预测，VR技术在2016年会进入课堂。该技术可以将学生集体引入另一个环境中，能够培养团队意识和创造力。谷歌公司在美国学校内分发廉价的纸板材料的VR眼镜，通过这场运动来使更多学生接触到虚拟现实技术。
一些学校还保留着传统的使用纸和笔的习惯，而另一些却走上了科技化的创新道路。平板电脑和笔记本电脑在2016年将成为教室里的新伙伴，帮助孩子们在课堂中记笔记以及拓展学习。尽管一部分人认为这会使孩子分心，另一些人却认为平板电脑与笔记本电脑可以提高学习效率、帮助孩子学得更轻松。上海的国际学校在这一问题上观点不一，但这依旧是一个可能改变的趋势。
可穿戴设备在想要保持活跃的大人和孩子中都是炙手可热的存在。它不仅可以用于帮助减肥者记录卡路里的消耗，教育家们还试图将它引入教育领域。一些学校开展了以可穿戴设备为主题的活动和工作坊，向学生们分析、展示这些新设计。在学生们进行课外活动时，老师可以利用可穿戴设备的GPS系统追踪学生位置。
3D打印是在电脑系统的控制下制造三维物品的过程。这一技术在过去五年中已经在医院和工程机构中火爆起来。现在它将进入学校中。教师和学生都发现这一技术可以成为一个很好的教学工具，可以使学生的设计走向现实。3D打印可以增加学生的工学技巧，拓展了未来的可能性。
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