Over the last two years, digital change in the education sector has increased dramatically. From primary through higher education and professional and workplace training, every step of education has shifted to online and cloud-based delivery systems. Furthermore, the changing demands of business and workforces have resulted in a significant shift in the connection between adult learners and postsecondary institutions such as colleges and universities.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many institutions and universities were obliged to move to a remote learning paradigm. However, like with so many other developments, this was only a continuation of a trend that had been developing for some time. E-learning allows school-aged children to study subjects and skills not offered in their local area. At the same time, higher education students can more easily fit learning around other commitments such as employment or family obligations.
Many people see EdTech as the use of technology to promote education. True, but not sufficient. The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) defines EdTech as “developing, employing, and managing suitable technology procedures and resources to facilitate learning and improve performance.” Educators who utilize EdTech, on the other hand, have a much more superficial meaning of the word. It is, according to them, a notion for converting traditional book teaching and learning to a digital format. According to them, the critical difference is in the manner information is conveyed (due to technological advancements) to improve teaching effectiveness.
The beneficial technical trends in education are as follows:
- E-learning
Distance learning became the top educational technology trend in 2020 almost immediately, thanks to the quick rise of COVID-19 and school closures. As a result, there’s a bigger need for online educational platforms. The electronic transmission of education or training is known as e-learning. For example, it might be slide-based online activities or an online course that assists a company in training staff in required abilities.
- Steam
STEAM-based programs are the latest EdTech advancement from STEM-based programs. This new EdTech trend uses hands-on learning activities and creative design to tackle real-world issues using significant Science, Technology, Engineering, Art (the new element), and Math material.
- Learning Analytics
Learning analytics has grown considerably in recent years, particularly in higher education. Learning analytics enables educators to assess and report students’ progress using just the internet. They will be able to better comprehend and maximize learning due to this.
- Big data will grow even more prominent.
The learning experience must be customized to meet the needs of the students. We now have more data than ever before because of COVID-19 and the growth of online learning. To personalize and deliver the course adequately, instructional designers have relevant information about learners’ experiences.
- Social media learning
Many educational institutions are now utilizing social media to communicate with students and readily engage with one another. Students may exchange study resources, have group discussions, and quickly remark on others’ posts. Even an instructional animated picture has the capacity to teach and become viral on social media.
Therefore, we recognize that there is a lot to take in when discussing educational technology developments. However, remember that technology has infiltrated education and wholly transformed the teaching and learning process. Especially e-learning is an educational instrument that improves education’s accessibility and convenience and alters learners’ learning patterns and preferences.
