As a new decade begins, the education landscape is changing before our very eyes, with learning becoming more student-centered and classes becoming more and more flexible both in schools and colleges, and online. Technology is improving and developing at the fastest pace ever, transforming teaching methods everywhere. New technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics-based coding are reshaping the education scene.
Considering the fact that the digital age is all about rapid change and evolution, what’s in store for schools and universities in 2020? A few novelties in education, higher education, and education technology might develop into trends for this year and beyond. Here’s a look at some essential trends that might reshape education in 2020.
AI Is Setting the Scene for Innovation
As new technology is taking over the world, teachers everywhere are also changing and adapting their classroom techniques. Until recently, teachers were accustomed to delivering lectures and providing raw information to their students from the front of the classroom. Today’s teachers use new methods and gadgets. Teaching students to think for themselves is one of them, but so is working in study groups. However, it is AI that has completely upped the game in education.
AI is now used by some teachers to complete time-consuming and repetitive tasks, such as checking whether students submit original work. The use of this new technology in US classrooms is expected to grow by 47.5 percent in the coming years.
Human-Specific Teaching Skills
With AI taking over monotonous tasks, teachers are being free to focus on what matters when it comes to preparing children for the real world. Dealing with feelings, self-control, flexibility, and determination are just some of the aspects of emotional intelligence that education now favors. Even more important seem to be empathy and kindness towards others.
Empathy and kindness are essential among students, as these will lay the foundation for solid relationships in the future.
The Bottom Line for Online Education
Online education has already proved to be a good bet for colleges in the US. Some of these institutions rely on profit margins from online classes to pay their bills. But students now seem to be less enthusiastic when it comes to taking online classes, and more and more students now choose online programs provided by schools closer to home.
This doesn’t mean that online learning will abruptly come to an end, but the boost is slowing down steadily. Online enrollment growth is now lower than 2% annually.
Personalized and Hybrid Learning
While traditional education follows a clear pattern of one-information-fits-all, personalized and hybrid learning adjusts the old educational techniques to fit the younger generations. While personalized learning strives to provide students with personalized content, self-paced learning, and technology to suit each student’s needs, hybrid learning focuses on flexibility. It is specifically designed for parents who want to homeschool their children, while still providing them with some of the traditional schooling experiences.
Hybrid learning may help children and students split their time between learning at home and a traditional schooling environment and provide them with a good way to make the most out of both worlds. One important benefit to hybrid learning is the fact that children will be able to regularly socialize with their peers.
AR and VR Transform Learning Experiences into Reality
AI is not the only technological breakthrough that transformed education as we know it. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have proved to be extremely useful in explaining abstract concepts to children by making these concepts come to life before their eyes. Digital experiences such as live view via gadgets or Snapchat and Instagram filters may also provide children with a new and entertaining ways of learning.
AR and VR can help children develop their imagination and learning skills, while keeping them determined to learn more. They are also important for students who, aside from the fun factor, may also benefit from an interactive learning experience without the use of textbooks.
One of the issues that have continuously plagued education is the fact that the traditional system has not always been good at embracing new technologies. However, in the digital age, change may very well be the new buzzword. It becomes imperative for the industry to put to good use new technologies, such as AI, AR, and VR.
