Technology has already changed the way that people learn — just look at how the Internet and computers have improved education. But have you ever wondered what futuristic schools will be like?

Everyone Will Use a Tablet PC

Tablets in classrooms

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The most probable situation is for every student in elementary school and high school to have a tablet PC of their own that facilitates reading material, tests, and everything else involved with education. Tablets are becoming more and more affordable, and some classes already have access to a few. Plus, many classrooms have computers for every student, so portable tablets aren’t too much of a stretch. Many college students already carry this type of computer and access school material on it.

Smart Boards Will Replace All Blackboards

Smart Boards

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Most classroom blackboards have already been replaced by marker-friendly whiteboards, but soon even the wipe boards will be wiped out by high-level technology. Many schools already utilize SMART Boards – an interactive whiteboard screen that synchs with a projector and computer providing onscreen access and control over a computer system. With over 2 million Smart Boards already in field, the trend is expected to spread widely until both blackboards and marker boards are an antiquated thing of the past.

Holograms of Special Guest Speakers

Holograms of Special Guest Speakers

Image via Flickr by somethingstartedcrazy

Another possibility for the future is holographic classrooms. This type of technology has been around for a while — it is just a matter of time before it is used regularly in classrooms. Holographic technology would enable a teacher to teach a class from anywhere in the world by simply being beamed into the class. Guest speakers from around the world would also be possible.

Some people may think that video conferencing is just as good as holographs, but imagine how real it would be to see your teacher walking around the class as if they were actually there, not just being displayed on a screen.

Virtual Reality Learning

Virtual Reality Learning

Image via Flickr by Technosailor

There are already tons of simulators around the world that are used for training, so why not use this type of technology for education? Many people are hands-on learners and could greatly benefit from the hands-on training experience virtual reality machines provide. Virtual reality machines don’t even have to be large head gears. What if the virtual reality machine looked like a pair of sunglasses? Someone could relax on the beach and be learning at the same type, or even connect into a live classroom with this device.

While online classes seem to be the newest way that technology has influenced education, this definitely is not the end. Which of these futuristic learning gadgets do you think is the most likely to be a reality next?

Author Bio: Natalie Bracco is a freelance writer and an amateur baker. When she’s not busy in the kitchen, you can find her writing about the benefits of how technology has influenced an online university class. You can follow her @NatalieBracco.