Are children thinking ahead of their time? A new study from the international research firm Latitude found that kids may have the ability to predict future technology. Researchers asked kids from around the world what the future holds for technology and the children reportedly foresee a world where real and virtual converge, integrating digital experiences with physical activities.
 
The results of the study, “Children’s Future Requests for Computers and Internet,” focused on 200 children aged 12 and under and asked them, “What would you like your computer or Internet to do that it can’t do right now?” The children were asked to draw a picture of something they’d like their computer or the Internet to do differently.
 
Children in the study imagined technologies that combine real-world experiences with the virtual, such as simulated travel and devices that helped with physical activities, like cleaning their bedrooms. They also envisioned teleporting people through the screen, 3D effects in their technology world, the ability to search online with drawings and pictures rather than text (That’s actually happening! Google recently launch it’s image search application) and more human-like interaction with computers.
 
These kid’s responses make it clear that education and technology go hand-in-hand when it comes to our kids and learning. The ‘2011 It’s All About Kids Principals & Education Technology Conference’ being held in Honolulu on Tuesday, October 19th at the Hawaii Convention Center is the premiere event to catch up on new technological teaching tools, and learn new and exciting ways to use these innovative devices in the classroom. 
 
“IAAK is excited to be the leader in the only exhibit of today’s most innovative Educational Technology products and strategies that can be shared in a single location for all educators and thought leaders in Hawaii,” said Brett Seitman, Chief Executive Officer of It’s All About Kids (IAAK). “It is our belief that this venue will be a gathering of those interested in learning, sharing and collaborating on how today’s and future technologies can transform education and engage today’s learner. ”
 
It’s clear from this study that our kid’s visions match emerging innovations and we need to do whatever it takes to nurture that development.