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Last Updated on September 8, 2022 by Editor Futurescope
Big Data, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things (IoT), were the top three trends in educational technology for 2019. Distance learning is the dominant trend. The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we learn and teach. Due to social distancing, students now need to learn how to use digital platforms to learn. This trend is likely to continue, even though some schools have reopened.
The latest EdTech trends are being revolutionized by a strong emphasis on connectivity, versatility and student-centered learning. Students may even now get their homework done with services such as IBuyEssay and have a plenty of free time to do the things they like. Let’s take an in-depth look at the top 10 trends in education technology.
What is Educational Technology? Why Does It Matter?
EdTech can be easily recognized by many people as a technology that promotes education. True, but not enough. EdTech is defined by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology ( AECT). It facilitates learning and improves performance through creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resource. However, educators who use EdTech have a simpler definition. It is the idea of changing traditional learning methods to digital. They believe the key difference is in how knowledge is delivered thanks to technology innovation to make teaching more effective.
EdTech, in its simplest form, is the integration of technology into education. This creates better learning experiences and teaches more effectively.
Why is it important?
EdTech is a popular choice for educators to replace traditional paper-and pen teaching methods. There are many reasons for this. We will highlight some of the common benefits of EdTech, which you can see right here.
Innovative Teaching Methods
Technology is an innovation by humans. Therefore, when technology is applied to teaching, it can also be innovative. EdTech allows educators to use multimedia to address a variety of learning styles such as animation and live video. EdTech also allows teachers to create online courses that students can access from their own computers and at their own pace.
Top Ten Current Educational Technology Trends
It is essential to keep up with the latest trends in education if you want to be an innovative educator. This list is not exhaustive. However, you can choose the best “trendy” tool for your teaching or training. We have compiled the top 10 educational technology trends you should be aware of when entering this field.
eLearning
Because of COVID-19’s rapid spread and the closure of schools, distance learning quickly became the most popular educational technology trend. This resulted in a growing demand for online education platforms. eLearning can be described as training or education delivered electronically. You can choose to do it online using slides, or you can use an online course that helps businesses train their employees in the necessary skills.
eLearning allows learners to access educational content via smartphones, computers, tablets, laptops, and tablets. Interactive learning is possible, not only because it saves time but also because there are many opportunities for interaction. Instead of being stuck in a static experience, learners have the ability to choose what they want to learn quickly and easily from wherever they are. Learners also have the opportunity to interact directly with the on-screen information, such as by dragging content from one location to another. eLearning’s decision-making features encourage learners to make their own decisions about what they will learn next.
Video-Assisted Learning
Video-assisted learning has been more popular than classroom displays in recent years. The “video day” no longer refers to a TV on a cart being wheeled into class. Every day can become a “videoday” thanks to the internet and digital devices.
This trend is also growing in distance learning, where students learn via computer screens. Animations, particularly animated videos, can be very beneficial in enriching lessons and making content more understandable. It enhances the learning experience for students and decreases teacher workload.
Blockchain Technology
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), a blockchain-based technology that allows for data storage, has many benefits for education. Each time data is added to the system, it adds another block. The storage capacity is technically unlimited. The data will simultaneously be encrypted and distributed to multiple computers within the system. Transacting data is made transparent and decentralized.
Big Data Will Get Bigger
Personalization is key to ensuring learners get the best learning experience. With COVID-19, online learning growing rapidly, we have more data than ever. Instructional designers have the ability to use information from learners to tailor and present courses in a way that is most appropriate. You should also look at the course’s topic, learner participation, learner performance (time per class, completion, test results), and learner feedback, rating, survey.
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI is now the “in thing” on the US EdTech Market. It is expected that AI will grow more than 45%. Why is this happening in the largest market for EdTech worldwide? AI is able to automate basic tasks in education such as grading. Teachers can now automate the grading of multiple-choice questions and fill in the blank. Automated grading of student writing could be possible in the future.
AI could also be beneficial for educators and learners. AI could be used to help students when their teachers are too busy. AI-driven programs are able to provide both educators and learners with useful feedback. AI-driven programs can also be used by schools to monitor student progress and alert teachers when students are performing poorly. It’s easy to see how AI can be used as an aid in classroom teaching. You can help your learners make the most of their education experience by using AI.
Learning Analytics
Learning analytics has seen a significant increase in popularity, particularly for higher education. Learn analytics allows educators to track and report student learning via the internet. It’s possible to improve understanding and optimize learning.
Teachers can gain valuable insights from their students’ learning experiences and help them improve their knowledge and skills. Teachers can see which type of information students like best and how they use it in the lessons that follow. Teachers can also see what bits of knowledge were not effectively communicated and improve them the next time. Learning analytics also helps educators identify students with academic or behavioral difficulties. Teachers could then develop a plan to help students achieve their full potential.
Gamification
Gamification is a great educational technology trend that can make learning more enjoyable and interactive. Students should be involved in classroom games. Students can practice and learn while participating in exciting games. Gamification elements create a fun and positive learning environment.
Gamification is most popular within the K-12 education sector. This is because children are quick to get involved in games or score higher in them. It doesn’t necessarily mean that corporate training or higher education doesn’t have fun elements to increase learners’ engagement.
Immersive Learning with VR and AR
Since Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality(AR) were introduced to education, the class learning experience has seen a significant transformation. Learning with AR and VR is on the rise due to increased demand for experiential learning.
Interactive learning has made learning much easier than with traditional methods. VR creates a virtual reality but AR shows a more realistic view of the real world. They help students understand complex concepts better than plain images and even lab experiments. When you’re enrolled in a medical training program, VR can be very helpful. VR allows students to have real-world surgery in a safe environment.
STEAM
STEAM-based programs represent the next step in EdTech over STEM programs. This new trend in EdTech combines meaningful Science, Technology Engineering, Art (the New Element), and Math content to solve real-world issues through hands-on learning and creative design.
The first benefit of STEAM is that it encourages students to be more curious about the world around their. It also provides a safe space for students to explore and express their ideas outside of the classroom. Students are more likely to collaborate with one another when they have hands-on experience.
Social Media In Learning
Did you know that social media could be an integral part of learning? Why not make social media a powerful tool for learning, given that every student, young and old, spends so much time there?
This is how social media was created for teaching. Many educational institutions have begun to use social media as a communication platform that allows students to interact with one another. Students can easily share their study materials, talk with others in a group, and comment on another’s posts. An animated learning video can go viral on social media. TedEd is a great example of this trend. This company creates lessons that are worth sharing, and then posts them to YouTube, where users can find and share the videos with their friends.
Social media is here to stay. It creates a culture that encourages collaboration and sharing which leads to a better learning experience.
Conclusion
We know there are many things to take in when it comes to educational technology trends. Keep in mind, however, that technology has permeated into education and reshaped the learning and teaching process. Especially eLearning is an educational tool that increases accessibility and ease of education and also changes learning behavior and learners’ desire to learn.
There is good news: you don’t have to be the only one on this EdTech ship. We are here to help you bring out the true value and inspire learners and make education more relevant and empower you.
