The coronavirus pandemic has put an end to the traditional classroom setting, crippling the education sector for months. Academicians and education leaders had to look for efficient alternatives to revive the classroom and continue dispensing knowledge. Luckily, the tech sector stepped in with many innovative solutions, giving rise to the eLearning model.
In 2021, the education sector is abuzz with innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning. These innovations have allowed distance learning to emerge as a mainstream learning solution. However, it’s interesting to note that remote learning existed long before the pandemic. Although, the pandemic did speed up the transition from traditional to the digital classroom.
Let’s dive in and look at the technological transformations in education and how they shape new teaching methodologies.
Distance Learning
eLearning is at the forefront of educational trends, and it has transformed everything from student engagement to teaching techniques. In the wake of worldwide school closures, the demand for eLearning platforms rose dramatically. Teachers administer knowledge through digital devices, such as laptops, tablets, and even smartphones.
Distance learning has opened lucrative opportunities to improve learning experiences by allowing interactive and collaborative experiences. Students interact with knowledge and on-screen information, thereby boosting their engagement and understanding of complex concepts. Indeed, digital learning increases student accountability, allowing them to take control of their learning experiences.
Social Justice & Inclusivity
Aside from the coronavirus pandemic, the last year has witnessed the rise of multiple social justice movements. Thought-provoking movements, such as Black Lives Matter, have a profound impact on students and educators. In 2021, educators increasingly focus on incorporating social justice in curriculums, bringing about massive changes in teaching methodologies.
Students and young professionals often wonder, what can you do with a masters in social work? The increasing focus on social justice education will facilitate millennials and Gen Z aspirants to pursue community-focused and selfless careers. Students will learn about cultural and ethnic inclusivity, making future generations more tolerant, politically correct, and compassionate.
Multimodal Learning Experiences
With the rise of eLearning platforms, learning experiences are becoming more interactive, animated, and engaging. Students no longer have to try overwhelmingly hard to focus on mundane and tedious concepts. Teachers can now dispense knowledge and teach complex concepts with animations, videos, and interactive podcasts.
Learning experiences are amazingly multimodal, with a strong emphasis on delivering practical learning experiences. Online courses are brimming with interactive media that facilitate students of all aptitudes. Students have access to digital libraries carrying a wealth of information to satisfy their thirst for knowledge.
The variety of media and digital tools is another striking aspect of eLearning platforms. Students can engage with their teachers and peers in real-time using live streaming platforms, such as Zoom. These platforms provide a wide array of features to enrich lessons with interactive media and videos. More importantly, they provide metrics to evaluate student engagement and activity.
Video-Based Lessons
Video-assisted learning is swiftly on the rise, but come to think of it, the trend goes back to several decades. Gen Z students cannot comprehend the joy of seeing television in the classroom, indicating everyone’s favorite video day. For modern-day students, every single day is a video day.
Educational institutes are increasingly reliant on interactive videos and animated footage to make lessons interactive and engaging. In distance learning, videos hold enormous significance as they allow students to connect with their professors. Millions of students worldwide sign up for remote courses and watch videos of professors explaining intriguing concepts.
Videos enrich lessons and learning experiences with a wealth of interactive knowledge. Ultimately, they reduce the burdens of teachers and improve learning outcomes for learners.
Big Data Applicants in Learning
Big data is undoubtedly a revolutionary technology of our age, and its applications in education are strikingly groundbreaking. What purpose does big data serve in education? It allows schools and institutions to deliver highly personalized learning experiences based on their needs and preferences.
However, eLearning is likely to grow bigger and bolder, even after the pandemic blows over. Industry observers argue that big data applications will only get bigger and better with time. We will see big data making a robust presence in designing courses, lesson plans, and learning experiences. Big data tools help instructors gain insight into learning experiences to customize classes to improve learning outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Today, artificial intelligence is achieving remarkable feats – achievements once regarded as impossible and unrealistically futuristic. In 2021, AI is twisting the impossible into a real-time reality, and its applications in education are highly impactful.
The education tech market is abuzz with AI-based tools to automate classroom activities, such as lesson planning and grading. Teachers can rely on AI tools to grade exams and tests featuring multiple choice and objective answers. Likely, future applications will also extend to research papers, analysis, and writing abilities.
The educational benefits of artificial intelligence extend to both teachers and students. Students can rely on AI-based programs to learn complex concepts and perform better on their tests and assignments.
Conclusion
The rise of education technologies and distance learning has created a facilitative and inclusive environment. Students worldwide can sign up for courses at prestigious universities. The costs and burdens of education are fewer with a wealth of tools available to facilitate students and teachers. Distance learning has reduced barriers to promote accessibility and equality.
