Edtech, or education technology, has transformed the entire teaching and learning ecosystem beyond anticipation. It has taken the educator-learner relationship to the next level and in a new direction. The sector has redesigned our take on learning and collaboration and redefined learning experiences to cater to the unique needs of the learners. And this is not limited to school education. Edtech has resulted in the mushrooming of opportunities for all age groups.
The world is looking forward to the exciting role that edtech will play in the “unpredictable” future. It will be an agent of systemic changes in the consumption pattern of learning, teaching and assessment.
Here are 5 major trends that will shape the edtech landscape in the near future:
Adaptive learning
By now, we are relatively familiar with personalised learning. However, adaptive learning takes that a step ahead. While personalised learning means customising the learning experience as per the needs and aspirations of the learner, adaptive learning stands for real-time change and adaptation of learning content and methodologies as the curriculum progresses.
It is an agile approach to learning that uses data analytics to understand engagement and performance and to predict patterns to offer shifts in learning content. Here the learner moves to the next topic only after thoroughly understanding the previous topic. In addition, the algorithms of adaptive learning modules prevent fast learners from getting bored and slow learners from becoming frustrated with their journey.
Microlearning
Remember how as young students, we used to break a long answer into small parts and learn them individually before putting it all together? Well, that is microlearning. It has regained its importance and is extensively used for learning and training purposes.
Microlearning comprises small capsule-sized modules that are proven to engage learners effectively and boost knowledge retention. Today, microlearning lesson plans come with various supporting stimuli like audio, video and immersive learning games.
Edtech companies in the coming future will be trying to maximise this by offering interactive microlearning experiences in a coherent manner.
Peer-to-peer learning
One of the most commonly cited drawbacks of remote learning is learner isolation. However, the ed tech industry is excellently combating this by bringing in peer-to-peer learning. While we all have experienced peer learning in the classroom, education technology takes it to the next level by connecting learners with their peers worldwide.
Peer-reviewed assignments and buddy mentorships to foster holistic learning experiences will become a prerequisite for well-rounded online courses. Peer-to-peer learning will help students build a rich community that will not just aid knowledge retention but also boost the learners’ social skills in this digital age.
Blended learning
We have been hearing this term for quite some time now. However, it is also a phenomenon that is here to stay. Blended learning is an approach that combines the ease and effectiveness of online and physical classroom learning. It is highly flexible and provides a rich learning experience.
We will see more edtech platforms offering a sustainable combination of pre-recorded video classes and live instructor-led sessions. Learners will also have greater control over the number of live and pre-recorded classes they want to include in their course.
Social and emotional learning
Social and emotional learning has become one of the major areas of development for preparing the future workforce. Cultivating the right skills, attitudes and competencies is closely linked to informed and responsible decision-making and handling interpersonal affairs effectively.
In the coming future, we will see edtech platforms offering SEL modules to ensure holistic learning opportunities. Online academic learning courses will come with a supplementary SEL plan so that learners can work on their soft skills simultaneously. Formative assessments and other forms of data collection will be an important part of this to track behaviour patterns and bring in the desired changes.
Wrapping up
Advances in learning technologies have opened our eyes to the importance of contextual and personal factors in learning outcomes. This has driven us to rethink learning approaches and expand our outlook by accommodating innovative learning directions. Edtech companies will play a greater role in this and become one of the key facilitators of the change we will witness as the future market dynamics unfold.
However, the success of these platforms greatly relies on those who will ultimately connect with the learners- the teachers. Therefore, for the edtech industry to continue to play a significant role in the education ecosystem, adequate teacher upskilling that is in line with future learning trends is essential.
(The author is Mr. Rishabh Khanna, Founder & CEO of Suraasa and the views expressed in this article are his own)
