The Biggest Tech Trends to Shape Education in 2020
In today’s fast-paced world, education is becoming increasingly high tech. Digital-native students have become more independent in the classroom with technology as their primary learning tool. As such, schools and educators alike are challenged to create a learning environment that is more dynamic, relevant, and technologically advanced.
Thankfully, new digital tools are constantly developed to address our evolving learning needs. Below, we list down some of the latest tech trends predicted to impact the educational sector this year.
Augmented reality (AR) training
Also known as spatial computing, AR is a fusion of digital and physical spaces. It has the ability to render abstract concepts from a flat diagram, making them more interactive and easier to grasp. By using AR, teachers can come up with 3D models of planets, human anatomy, and even life-sized dinosaurs.
Because AR projections are tied to solid objects, students can create sharper and more memorable observations. This is good news not just for visual learners but for anyone who wishes to convert theoretical ideas into more practical concepts.
Thanks to AI, technical fields like medicine and engineering can easily carry out simulations of high-risk lab experiments or demonstrations. In fact, many surgeons have started using AR glasses to visualize essential data from scans superimposed on the operation area.
Artificial intelligence
AI is widely used in the development of advanced testing and security systems. Through facial recognition, schools can track student attendance and monitor campus security. AI-powered auto proctoring is also introduced to enhance exam security and detect cheating and plagiarism.
AI is also implemented to streamline tedious administrative tasks, allowing teachers to focus on more important duties. AI bots can produce objective-based assessments and auto-generated reports by focusing solely on data analytics and insights. They can also break down grading systems into more specific components, reducing human teacher bias.
AI is also enhancing teaching methods by producing digital teachers available 24/7. One good example is Duolingo, a popular language-learning platform and the most downloaded education app in the world, with more than 300 million users. Apart from making education accessible and free, the app is also designed to function like an interactive game which attracts users even more.
Blockchains
Initially used for bitcoin, blockchain technology is a comprehensive record of data managed by a cluster of computers. It basically allows information to be stored and accessed globally. This system also allows easier and more secure data exchange opportunities for both organizations and individuals. Since security protocols are unique and complex, you don’t have to worry about information getting hacked or stolen.
In the educational sector, blockchains can simplify administrative procedures since all relevant data is already linked and recorded together. Blockchains can track student data sharing between multiple universities, monitor student transfers, and course exchanges, and even simplify data sharing with companies for recruitment.
They can also serve as a massive library for different resource materials which can only be accessed by authenticated users. E-books, research papers, and dissertations on a specific subject matter can be stored in one place.
Self-paced e-learning
As the name suggests, self-paced learning encourages students to learn a specific course material in their own time. They can choose what and when they want to learn instead of following a strict curriculum and schedule provided by an instructor.
Many universities have started offering self-paced learning from certification courses to full-fledged online master degree programs. In this setup, students are provided personalized learning tools including e-books, podcasts, and recorded lectures. Since the whole learning process is done digitally, they can also join live chats and discussions with instructors anywhere they are in the world. Similarly, performance is measured solely through online assessments.
More schools will likely invest in online learning this year since it is more cost-efficient and sustainable than building entire classroom-based facilities.
Chatbots
Major institutions like schools get thousands of queries on a daily basis and responding to each one takes time and resources. Chatbots or virtual assistants have optimized customer support by providing automatic responses to queries at any time of the day.
A chatbot can be programmed to respond to frequently asked questions related to tuition fees, degree offerings, admission process, scholarships, and education loans. With the help of chatbots, schools can save on administrative costs while providing each customer with quick and reliable service.
It goes without saying that the presence of new technologies in schools has changed both teaching and learning. Students can now be completely involved in the learning process while teachers can engage with students better through multimedia-rich lessons. Technology can also provide schools with flexible assessment criteria that take into account student’s skills and capabilities that go beyond theoretical learning.
As we move towards a more digital world, technology continues to empower students and educators, boosting their confidence in their abilities and enabling them to live up to their potential.