Educational Trends Archives

Posted on May 24, 2022 by Edsys

Educational technology simply means technology aided education. It can include use of computers, computer programs, or learning systems to provide education and training to students and professionals.

Free EdTech Apps List (Check it Now)

Technology was introduced to education as a part of keeping pace with the innovations in the field. So, edtech has been around for a while, from the time computers were used in education. Then with the wide use of Internet, online courses were introduced, thus making edtech part of remote learning, distance learning or online learning.

The use of edtech has only progressed with time. The pandemic and the field of education adapting to the changes, there has been a sudden boom in use of edtech. Today, there are many technologies that are sources of learning, teaching and communication between students and mentors that edtech has become more accessible and efficient.

Also Read: (12 Best Edtech Companies Around the World)

Is it Cost Effective?

Let us be honest here-Technology is expensive.

But if you compare the efficiency, you might understand that edtech has an upper hand over the traditional education systems. Most of us are used to the traditional way of learning and we ourselves have experienced how the method lacks in many ways.

Edtech is more inclusive. It accommodates all kinds of learners and helps in closing the gaps in traditional method of learning. This helps students to learn on their own accord, while making the most of all learning resources—something they might not get to do in a traditional classroom setup. In short, every penny spent on learning becomes worth it.

Edtech also helps to cut down extra expenses, in terms of infrastructure costs, labor costs, and much more. All you need is a stable internet connection and a mobile device. The best part is you do not necessarily have to go to an institution. Learning is possible even within the comforts of your home. This has contributed to a significant decrease in costs spent on hardware, which makes up to 60% of the IT budget of educational institutions.

Also Read: (Online Learning The Present and The Future)

Advantages

As mentioned above, edtech definitely has an upper hand compared to the traditional way of learning as it closes many gaps that exist in the traditional teaching and learning system.

There are many advantages of using edtech.

Edtech makes learning easier, efficient, affordable and accessible to all students, despite the learning differences. It also helps educational institutions to stay innovative, while reducing the extra expenses. For educators, edtech serves as a huge relief, taking many of the additional responsibilities off their shoulders, while helping them to carry on their tasks with efficiency and accuracy.

What more does edtech have to offer?

Let us have a closer look.

Promotes Immersive Learning

Edtech provides learning resources that are not only informative, but keeps learners engaged at a deeper level. Also, the interactive content helps students understand the concepts in a better manner.

One good example is teachers using Google Maps while teaching their students about a country and its geography. Teachers will be able to take students on a virtual tour and the visual experience will help students to understand the subject better.

There are many similar learning applications and platforms that cover almost all important topics of different subjects. Many of these applications even use virtual reality or augmented reality for students to virtually experience the concepts.

Allows Personalized Learning

Our traditional educational systems do not really acknowledge the fact that every student is different. Some are fast learners, while some need their own time to learn.

Some cannot wrap their head around the theoretical concepts taught in school and might need some extra attention. There are also students who are differently abled. But there were, many a times, the traditional way of learning could not accommodate all of them.

Edtech, on the other hand, encourages self-paced, personalized learning. Many platforms provide learning resources that the students can refer to whenever they want. Also, it helps teachers to focus on each student individually and in real time, and keep up with their progress.

Some of these applications or platforms also collect information, with regard to the performance of the students, so that teachers can evaluate each student’s performance individually and help them in areas that need improvement.

Accessible Learning Resources

Every time you have a query, the first place you go searching for answers would be the Internet. There is lot of information available online in various forms, be it eBooks, videos, online platforms or forums. Using the same resources in a learning environment makes it easy to access and use for students since they are already familiar with the different formats.

Also, educators can make use of the different online tools available for lecture. The use of advanced technology and gamification in the applications also provide efficient and engaging learning resources to students.

Better Creativity and Engagement

Edtech makes learning fun and gives room for students to be creative and visualize. Use of gamification and advanced technology, like virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence keeps students interested and adds fun to learning.

Today, we can see many educational apps that include gamification elements. The games cover important concepts in different subjects and an opportunity to learn and relearn while having fun. Apart from games, there are also other alternatives like interactive videos that manage to boost the interest of students in learning.

Improved Teamwork and Communication

Technology allows people from different parts of the world to easily connect and collaborate. Different students can work together on a school work or project at the same time and teachers can also ensure that all students equally participate in the project.

There are many online tools that allow students to work on group projects and assignments, and also encourage collaboration. When students work on a project or school work, they not only understand the concepts, but also learn to communicate and work as a team.

Prepare for the Future

In the traditional way of learning, you learn all important topics, but it is nowhere near the real work environment you will have to experience in the future. Today’s jobs are based on continuous learning, which does not end with just a degree you attain. You will have to keep acquiring technical knowledge and keep up with the innovations, all which can be achieved easily with the help of technology.

Edtech includes a variety of digital tools that gives students a chance to familiarize with them. Also, there are many online courses that students or professionals can take up for training and upskilling, preparing them for the next step.

Reduce the Burden of Teachers

Edtech makes things easier for teachers as well. Teachers can depend on the infinite number of resources available online to make progressive changes in their teaching process.

They can also make use of the different online tools, virtual lesson planners, grading software, etc., for example, which are easily accessible, to work in a more efficient manner.

Teachers can also make use of the different applications to evaluate the performances of their students, focusing on each student separately. This can help teachers understand the areas each of their students need improvement in and help them.

Keep Pace With The Digital World

Today’s world is pretty much digitalized and it is important to keep up with it. From work front to daily life, everything is dependent on gadgets and technology that it is important for students to familiarize with it from an early age, and edtech helps them with that.

When children learn to use technology while learning, they also learn to be digitally responsible and also understand the dos and don’ts of tech life and online etiquettes they need to follow in a deeper manner.

Current Trends

Using edtech is not enough. It is also important to understand what is happening in the world on edtech and what new innovations are to come up in the field. That way, education providers, students, educators and parents can make the best use of it.

So, what is trending in edtech in 2022?

Let us have a look.

Gamification in the Forefront

Gamification is already a part of edtech. This year will see more investments for gamification in education. Games will be part of lectures and evaluation of the progress of students.

With the elements of gamification, educators will be able to focus on each student individually and analyze their knowledge in an interactive manner.

Extended Reality (XR) in Daily Learning

Extended Reality or XR is an umbrella term that sums up virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and everything in between. Edtech already includes the use of advanced technology in education and it has managed to keep students engaged at a deeper level. So, we might soon see extended reality become a part of daily learning.

XR can be used in lessons, assessments and also provide a virtual lab experience to students to encourage practical learning.

Focus on Learners

Since the pandemic and the necessary changes in the field of education that followed, the priority was to adapt to the new changes with the help of technology and to ensure that the needs were met. Now that educational institutions, educators and learners have adapted to the new norm of learning, this year would all be about the leaners.

Edtech will focus on ensuring personalized learning to students that provide better results.

More Homeschooling Startups

Though homeschooling has been another method of acquiring education, it had not got enough attention of learners or parents. But, ever since the pandemic happened and technology-aided education has become prominent, it had given a chance for parents to rethink their notions about homeschooling.

As a result, there has been a consistent increase in students relying on homeschooling and new edtech startups are emerging to provide technology-aided homeschooling experience to students

eLearning Will Continue to Trend

eLearning has done its magic in 2021. It has made it easy for educators to provide lectures to as many students as they wanted, and making education accessible to students from across the world in the midst of the pandemic and lockdown.

Even online tools that were not really meant to be used for education were also used to provide lectures and connect educators and students. And the best part was that it cost lower than how much it would for a traditional classroom setting. That is why many reports predict that the eLearning market worth would surpass $1 trillion by 2027.

With many universities offering 100% online courses for bachelor’s and masters degrees, and other courses for training and upskilling, eLearning will continue to stay with more innovations adding to it with passing years.

More Investments in Edtech

In 2020, the total global capital investment in edtech amounted to $10 billion. Another $87 billion is expected to be added to it by 2030.

There has also been a surge in sales of edtech-related products and services over the years, which would definitely contribute towards the increase in investment amounts in the coming years.

At present, most top edtech companies are located in Asia. With edtech trends gaining momentum, we can expect rise of more edtech startups from other parts of the world as well, especially Europe and USA.

The Future

As per reports of 2021 (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/02/01/2376551/28124/en/Global-EdTech-Market-Outlook-Forecast-Report-2022-Market-Size-was-Valued-at-254-80-Billion-in-2021-and-is-Expected-to-Reach-605-40-Billion-by-2027.html ), the edtech market size was valued at $254.80 billion. It is expected to grow in the coming years with the arrival of artificial intelligence and digitalization.

By 2025, the total global expenditure on edtech is expected to be $404 billion, which is double the amount than what it was in 2020—$227 billion. (Source: https://www.holoniq.com/edtech/10-charts-that-explain-the-global-education-technology-market/ ) Another expected change is integration of artificial intelligence and extended reality as part of all major learning processes becoming main stream.

They are already part of many professional upskilling and training processes. But in the near future, we might be able to see more of advanced technology in formal educational environments.

With many reports that are predicting greater usage of edtech and its growth, in terms of innovations, revenue and investment, it is safe to say that edtech is here to stay and is definitely important.

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Edsys SEO

It is the endeavor of teachers to prepare their wards in such a way that they can face the challenges that life throws at them at all times. Given the omnipresence of technology, gadgets will come as accessible instruments to favor technology-centric teaching methods. Along with this, the time is ripe to focus on personalized learning so that every student learns at his own pace to transform into a knowledgeable and responsible citizen. All such developments are lined up for the teacher-student fraternities as part of promising educational trends in 2018.

Here is the rundown of all such educational trends that will make their strong presence felt in 2018.

Career-Centric Programs

It is now time for school leaders and teachers to make the most of opportunities that help them take on the role of trained leaders and mentors. They will now be able to impact the lives of other students in more ways than you can imagine. These groups of individuals will involve themselves in induction programs by extending support and mentoring students as part of building up their careers. Such programs will not only benefit students to develop management skills but will also lead to the retention of new teachers.

This can be seen as a promising career-support initiative that will weave magic in the lives of both students and teachers alike. Such opportunities are waiting to be unleashed by teachers who will carve a niche for themselves so as to tread the path of professional development.

The Impressive Presence of Technology

Teachers and students will be in a favorable position to leverage the benefits of technology in education. Young children are already tapping the potential of Flipgrid; a platform which promotes social learning. This is a community learning interface which allows students to share knowledge through online discussions about various topics.

It is through short videos that students share their responses by participating in various learning dialogues. Tagged as a simple yet powerful means, it is through Flipgrid that teachers can encourage student engagement. All those young learners who lack writing abilities now have a platform to express themselves through this creative learning platform.

The Prominence of Screen Capture Videos

Another impressive use of technology to learning and teaching comes in the form of screen capture videos. These are identified as the next big thing that will enable teachers to assess the assignments of students, permitting them to share personalized feedback.

Through a screen capture video, educators in 2018 can record a lecture, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of students by displaying their assignments online. Students get to learn their innate positives and areas of improvement through this form of online feedback. This trend of receiving feedback via a laptop screen is poised to continue in 2018 as a promising means to modern teaching and learning mechanisms.

Drift Away From the One-Size-Fits-All Educational Approach

The concept of personalized learning has caught up in such a way that it is spreading its wings into all the spheres of education. When you blend this concept with technology, you will begin to unleash the benefits of a novel teaching approach that argues against the prominence of one-size-fits-all. Since a class is made up of students with different IQ levels who demonstrate different means of expression, personalized learning supported by technology will be the continuing trend in 2018 as well.

Teachers will be employing the next gen online tools that deliver the benefits of personalized learning. They will encourage students to communicate, collaborate and work in tandem with each other.

Teachers Will Partake in Residency Preparation Programs

The year 2018 will see the teaching faculty enroll themselves with residency-based preparation programs. These residencies are primarily meant to lend a helping hand to areas which demand greater student-teacher participation, especially with subjects like science, math ad special education. These are the subjects which register a huge teacher turnover in prominent city school districts.

Through such residency preparation programs, teachers will be encouraged to not only benefit from graduate educational programs but will also receive stipends. Allowing teachers to transform into experienced teachers, it is through residency preparation programs that the present day teachers can secure their jobs for longer periods.

The Inclusion of Trauma-Informed Practices

Stress is a common factor that runs havoc in the lives of modern individuals. Students too are not spared from the harmful effects of unnecessary tension. Hence it is the need of the hour for teachers and educators to rely on professionals so as to counter the effects of traumatic events witnessed by students in their past.

A study suggests that 25% of students under the age of 16 have already become the victims of trauma. Kids who have experienced turbulent childhoods call for immediate action. Teachers and school administrators should pay extra attention to stressed out students. The latest trend in this regard will be the active involvement of school authorities with stressed out students. Supporting them to face life with renewed vigor and confidence will become the ultimate goal of educationalists; an attempt to nip off the after effects of stress in students in the bud itself.

Shortage of Teachers

The previous trend with regard to teacher shortage is predicted to continue in 2018 as well. There will be a dip in the number of teachers who specialize in science, math and special education. With such a situation, schools which are meant to educate low-income students, color students and those who are eager to learn the English language would need a stronger force of trained teachers.

When the society begins to register a growing number of school-going kids without the assistance of educated staff, underdevelopment is all that you can expect. This is a trend that should be addressed on a war footing for a holistic change to manifest.

SEL Efforts Will Attract The Limelight

Another educational trend that you can expect in 2018 concerns the efforts towards Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in assessing the progress of a school. With a determination to build the self-esteem of students, schools will start encouraging kids to face the life ahead by introducing them to modeling teamwork. Equipping students with the social and emotional strength to resolve conflicts with peers, schools will work hard in demonstrating empathy.

It is through such well-informed moves that schools will turn into stress busters for students so that they can effectively beat the reasons causing anxiety and stress in them. Teamed as a generation which promotes a positive school culture, it is the right time for schools to offer a safe, healthy and understanding environment for students.

The Promise Behind A Healthy School Culture

You can expect a number of advancements with regard to the culture of schools throughout 2018. Now is the time when a lot of attention will be given to a positive school culture which promises a healthy, scholastic well-being. Healthy school philosophies are a function of expectations, beliefs and attitudes which will be periodically expressed by the internal and external participants.

To promote a healthy school culture, it is very important to inculcate strong leadership traits amongst both teachers and students. Bringing in the importance of a group effort, it is through constructive feedback that you can take the first step towards building a strong internal and external school environment. This positive trend is expected to continue into the next year as well.

School PR Strategies To Get A Fillip

Given the fact that schools are the strong pillars of every community, the year 2018 is expected to offer a host of opportunities for leaders to accept complete responsibility. When leaders start extending efforts in the direction of building a strong school brand in every community, you will be attracting the attention of stakeholders including parents, teachers and students. It is here that a strong public relations (PR) strategy should be built, giving utmost importance to transparency and study material.

Addressing the needs of these stakeholders is to reach out to them in the best possible manner. Along with smart devices, a host of PR tips like the use of conventional and social media will take on center stage. There is every chance for you to witness public schools operating via a PR and Communication professional; a liaison between the school and the stakeholders. All in an attempt to offer the best means of open communication between the various parties, it is through such tips that the right message about a school reaches the ears of active listeners.

Closing Thoughts

All set to drive a lasting and positive change in the various spheres of education, the above discussed trends will make their strong presence felt in 2018. It is hence recommended that you stay tuned to all these occasions that will slowly yet steadily unveil themselves by the end of 2018.

Posted on December 29, 2017 by Edsys

Moving away from the conventional pattern of teaching and learning, the present age is witnessing a paradigm shift in the way teachers are teaching and students are assimilating information. This change in educational patterns is all set to open up newer avenues for the teaching and learning groups, paving way for a modern school of thought. If you are curious to know about the futuristic trends in education that will shape the lives of the global student fraternity, here are the driving forces that you should watch out for.

Practical Learning Strategies

Learning by rote is a thing of the past. Now is the age when students are prompted to demonstrate their learnings by following a practical approach. Laying the foundation for personalized learning strategies, the future presents umpteen opportunities to unleash the creative skills of students. It is only when students show what they learnt that they will better understand the concepts of the topic, before they step into learning the next topic as an extension to the earlier one. This strategy of practically demonstrating their knowledge can help students master their subjects.

Focus on Students’ Choice and Preferences

The future of education is all about strengthening and incorporating student-centric learning. In this endeavor, the onus is on teachers to adopt personalized learning and teaching patterns. Flexibility in learning is the keyword that governs the forthcoming tendency of imparting quality education to students. Given the fact that every student is unique with a different set of choices and strengths, it is through flexible learning patterns that students will benefit a great deal in future.

Collaboration – The Powerful Tool of Sharing and Connecting With Others

All thanks to umpteen technological innovations, education is witnessing a sea change. Learning and teaching are no longer restricted to the use of textbooks and blackboards. Education has surpassed the geographical boundaries coming in the form of online training courses that can help students to enroll and complete them from any part of the globe. A host of open-source educative sites are now available to students to educate them about any topic under the sun. They can simply browse the topic that interests them the most and exchange information through social media circles.

Active participation in the online social world will set the stage for a collaborative form of learning when students of one school or country can effortlessly reach out to their peers located in other regions; whenever they want. Hence, working together paves way for better communication between students alongside improving their competencies and skills for the world to acknowledge and appreciate.

Edutainment – The Novel Concept of Blending Entertainment With Learning

An amalgamation of education and entertainment is opening the doors to think ahead. It can mean the use of technology to concentrate on online videos or slide shows. Grabbing the attention of students, the latest technological innovations in the sphere of Augmented Reality (AR) have already replaced the pens and chalk pieces needed to learn and teach.

Relying on media as an instrument to impart education has its own benefits, brightening the future of students by honing their creative skills. While providing them with a platform to express themselves better, media learning helps students to stay in constant touch with global educative events that are happening at different venues across the globe. Educative podcasts, videos and recorded audio-video lessons are the latest educational trends that will promise a beautiful makeover to the traditional classroom-type of teaching and learning.

The Emergence of A Holistic Change

It should be kept in mind that the relationship between students and teachers is constantly changing and evolving with the passage of every single day. Gone are the days when teachers were tagged as the only source of learning. Now is the age when students are able to educate teachers through classroom discussions and presentations. While teachers are looking for other means to educate students, online learning comes as a handy tool to excite the participation of introvert students.

As a class enjoys the luxury of learning from different approaches, knowledge-seekers can make the most of such teaching methods. Permitting students to get introduced to global educative patterns, exchange of facts becomes a breeze when teachers assign interactive quizzes as class and home assignments along with the novel flipped classroom sessions.

Skill-Based Education Paves Way for Trained Professionals

Education is all about preparing students towards employment. While bookish knowledge helps them understand the topic, it is only when they apply that knowledge to a specific trade that they will shine in their jobs. Skill-based training, also called as vocational training not only enhances employability but also drives the competencies in students to try their hand in various disciplines.

Skill-based training through its modular pattern can be introduced at the secondary and higher secondary stages. Once this is done, our economy will witness a boost coming in the form of competitive professionals who are equipped with on-the-job-training. This skill-centric education allows students to stay in good stead with the advancements in their chosen field of work. Tagged as an essential pillar of education, skill-based training is one of the ways to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of trained professionals; a scenario that is rampant in many countries.

Learning On the Go is Fun

This is the generation of smartphones which are not only omnipresent but also omnipotent. Capable of simplifying our lives in a number of ways, students will be empowered to learn anywhere and anytime that is convenient to them through their internet-connected smartphones. Offering them the best learning experiences, mobile learning can further narrow the boundaries of learning.

Appreciating The Competencies of Students

Feedback is another tool that will see the light of the day in imparting holistic education. Positive feedback coming in the form of awards and credits will encourage students to perform better and develop a keen sense of healthy competition amongst peer groups. Departing from the traditional A to F grading of students, it is through academic credits that teachers and schools can handhold students of varying IQ levels to demonstrate their innate strengths. This mind shift of compartmentalizing students to grades will develop the positive mindset that will work in favor of the learning communities.

Internships – Another Promising Tool For Career Readiness

Students will be better prepared to identify and grab job opportunities provided they are exposed to real world experiences. Since the underlying purpose of education is to make a mark for yourself in your chosen field of work, internships offer a close-up to the corporate environment or job culture.

Internships are promising since they extend their classroom learnings to familiarize themselves with the workplace environment. While helping students gain technical knowledge about the working of organizations, in-house training workshops can hone their social skills. It is when students begin to actively participate in campus organizations that they will land up in better organizations which ultimately result in satisfying and lucrative careers. Thus, internships are important to provide the much-needed “hire experience” that translates into a permanent job with a handsome salary.

Adaptive Learning Platforms Will Gain Prominence

Teachers are now being trained to bring in an adaptive learning curriculum which is in the best interest of the learning fraternity. It is through such innovative platforms that teachers can improve student engagement when they begin to impart education using adaptive courseware. It is a personalized learning which helps students work on instant feedback given out by their faculty.

Coming in the form of formative assessments, students will be differentiated based on their innate strengths and capabilities. Creating enough room for improvement, appropriate learning tools can be recommended so that the nascent talents of students are unveiled and brought to the fore. This competency-based educational pattern will thus lay the foundation of a curriculum that will keep in mind the fundamental interests and individual needs of students.

Closing Notes

Transitioning from the traditional to the modern style of imparting education did take a long time. And now that this change is wide-spread, students across the globe will be at the receiving end of multiple benefits that will not only strengthen their knowledge-base but will also pave way for lucrative and high-paying careers they are dreaming of.