The last decade has seen various events, but none has affected higher education technology trends as significantly as the pandemic. The abrupt transition to remote learning compelled universities and colleges to embrace new technologies promptly. As we enter a new phase of higher education, a crucial question remains: which trends will endure and become obsolete?
It is crucial to keep up with the latest trends in education technology, also known as "ed-tech," to provide high-quality education in a fast-changing technological environment that drives industry transformation.
Educators and administrators can use their comprehensive knowledge of these trends to make data-based decisions. They can decide how to effectively incorporate suitable technology, enhance educational standards, and prepare students with the necessary skills for success in the future workforce. Being updated on the latest educational technology trends can give students, educators, and administrators an advantage in a competitive environment, leading to outstanding educational achievements.
Outdoor Wi-Fi
An advantage of online learning is the ability to participate in classes from any location as long as there is a reliable internet connection. This brings us to the first emerging pattern, the availability of outdoor Wi-Fi. Some educational institutions offer internet access within their campus grounds or parking areas, and this trend will likely continue to expand.
In the future, even after the pandemic is over, students will continue to reap the advantages of accessing the Internet wherever they are on campus or elsewhere. This convenience will enable them to reach their educational resources and online platforms easily. An example is using services like “write my essays” assistance and platforms such as Moodle, Trello, and others that rely on an Internet connection.
In addition to its practical applications, this trend provides the chance to participate in outdoor classes during spring, for example.
Learning Analytics
Data analytics has been a common practice in various industries for many years. However, in higher education, this trend is relatively recent.
However, certain institutions such as Dartmouth College, Georgia State University, and Temple University are already employing learning analytics to identify challenging areas of study.
Learning analytics allows us to understand students from different angles better. It provides valuable information about learners' demographics, course performance, areas where they face difficulties, and much more.
Considering all this information, we firmly believe that learning analytics is a permanent fixture.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in higher education. The use of AI is crucial for tasks such as grading, managing student information systems, and proctoring exams. Generation Z students have become accustomed to technology in every aspect of their lives.
Numerous establishments recognize the utmost importance of artificial intelligence and fully harness its capabilities. As an illustration, the University of British Columbia employs an AI-powered virtual character to provide prompt responses to students.
Sophisticated Video Platforms
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of video platforms in education. With the COVID-19 crisis, people have turned to Zoom for various purposes, such as studying, working, and even conducting family meetings. As a result, the company experienced a remarkable 367% increase in revenue in 2020.
However, Zoom faced security problems that made educational institutions hesitant about using it for corporate purposes. Consequently, there remains an unoccupied space for a secure and easy-to-use platform. Additionally, features can still be incorporated into such a system. The objective is to enhance the learning process by making it more collaborative and interactive.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Higher education has not yet fully utilized the potential of augmented and virtual reality. We firmly believe that these technologies have the power to revolutionize the way we learn. By harnessing AR and VR, it is possible to utilize physical resources for various learning experiences. Incorporating gamification through AR and VR aims to engage further and immerse students in their studies.
Addressing Privacy and Security Risks
Although the advantages of utilizing technology in higher education are appealing, several obstacles must be tackled. It is necessary to address potential risks to privacy and security before implementing technology on campus. It is crucial to differentiate between offering tailored responses and potentially disheartening a student by collecting excessive personal data.
Data presents opportunities, yet ensuring its secure storage is the current challenge. Nowadays, private data theft poses a significant threat, resulting in reputational damage for an institution and posing risks for students whose information has been compromised.
The issue must be dealt with at the organizational and national levels. It is necessary to establish a set of guidelines for handling personal information, in addition to implementing legislation for safeguarding data.
Digitally Personalized Learning
Personalized learning is a modern approach to teaching that customizes the learning process to cater to individual students' specific needs, abilities, interests, and preferences. Recognizing that students have different learning styles and abilities, personalized learning aims to offer an educational experience that maximizes their complete potential.
The main objective of personalized learning is to promote student participation, drive, and success by providing them with a learning experience that is more suitable, engaging, and productive, based on their requirements and goals.
Overcoming Online Learning Difficulties
The number of students studying online has dramatically increased in the past years. Yet, it is essential to note that not all learners can participate in virtual classes. Some individuals juggle their studies, jobs, and family responsibilities, making it challenging to follow a regular academic timetable. Students from low-income backgrounds may have to share one device, adding to the difficulties. There are numerous situations where online learning is not feasible.
Therefore, this issue is still unresolved. The current approach is to find ways to integrate both online and offline educational experiences to benefit every student.
Wrapping Up
The field of technology is constantly evolving and has the potential to enhance learning through adaptability and engagement. Despite this, higher education institutions still need to figure out how to effectively incorporate digital tools into studying to maximize the advantages.
However, we firmly believe that education will significantly transform in the coming years due to the advancements in outdoor Wi-Fi, learning analytics, artificial intelligence, improved video platforms, and augmented reality/virtual reality.
Published on Oct 27, 2023
