Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Drawing from this wisdom, innovation in education technology will focus more and more on involvement and participation, creating a better environment for learning.
In the next decade, the world will see a new approach to classroom learning that combines the best of digital innovation and in-person coaching. The change will affect young minds positively, enabling educators to equip students with skills and knowledge demanded by businesses and professional organizations.
Take a look at these technologies that will define the future of education:
Virtual Reality
Imagine learning about the world and its history by touring the Taj Mahal or exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Google has made that possible through just a smartphone and the affordable Cardboard VR and Daydream headset. In July 2017, Google announced that its Expeditions VR education app has been made available to the public. The program allows students to get “in the center of 360-degree photos and 3D scenes with historical importance.”
From Machu Picchu to the international space station, with more expedition and lessons being made available through VR, students can undertake field visits without leaving the classroom. At the same time, VR enables immersive experiences that encourage interaction and engagement.
Virtual Classrooms
With so many virtual classes available online, it’s not difficult to find training on any variety of skills and subjects, even niche classes such as Android development and affordable essay writing. These accredited courses typically combine video lectures with practical exercises, group discussions through forum or chat, online quizzes and homework assignments, as well as live Q&A sessions.
Already, schools and educational institutions all over the globe are getting on online education platforms to supplement learning. Although online courses have been criticized as lacking the critical component of in-person teaching, online education platforms are working towards having more live project work to help students build their portfolio, as well as one-on-one mentoring for those who need it.
Integrated Engagement Platform
In line with the rise of virtual learning, education technology providers are coming up with innovations to improve student engagement. The University of Edinburgh announced that it will begin using Echo360 — an academic video platform that leverages technology to drive deeper engagement with the learning content — in September 2017. Campus-wide implementation of the technology is set to be completed by September 2019.
Echo360 is said to be used by over 3 million students in 30 countries. Other than supporting the automated recording of lectures, the cloud-based program allows students to “ask questions, bookmark important content, take time-synced notes during lectures, and engage with lecturers and peers – all from a device, tablet, or computer.” It also has to ability to show student engagement and progress analytics to instructors.
Mobile & Virtual Collaboration
Cloud computing and widely available gadgets and high speed internet have not only enabled students to take virtual classes, but also to collaborate with their peers on projects and papers online and on-the-go. Students can now do that through apps such as Google Docs and Google Sheets, but soon apps with similar functionalities will be integrated into learning platforms to create a seamless user experience.
In addition, Edutech, a provider of learning solutions and services for academic institutions, companies, and governments, has enabled mobile learning. Without actually being on campus, students can engage with alumni, connect with the campus culture and resources, and receive important course information.
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