Technology has transformed all sectors of daily life; remote work, digital marketing, and online shopping are some prominent examples. Education too is no exception, made possible by the aggressive growth of technology and digitalization; education can now be attained remotely from the comfort of one’s home.
The most obvious change in the educational system of the 21st century is that learning is not limited to the physical boundary of a classroom or campus. Students today learn through online modules that they chose according to their levels of difficulty, relevance, and interests.
This article tells you about 5 key factors that are transforming the learning and education sector in the 21st century:
1. Introduction of Personalized Learning
Modern education believes that each individual has their own particular skillset, and therefore, it is incorrect to judge them on standardized criteria. Personalized learning is based on the premise that each individual has their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. Hence, each individual should have a curriculum that suits their capabilities and learning styles.
Personalized learning is made possible by advancements in digital technologies and their incorporation into the learning system. Today students are not just judged on the standardized monthly or yearly examinations. These examination systems ignore the individual abilities of a student.
A learner is now graded through various means which assess their capabilities in sports, creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision making, among others. Among young students, personalized learning is more about learning styles – some students learn more when taught in an interactive style, while others are more responsive to formal teaching. However, in adult education, personalized learning could mean anything from self-paced learning to selective curriculum.
Personalized learning is evolving now as educators seek new approaches to assist autistic kids who struggle to communicate with others but seem to interact with technology more easily. Early research has found that movia robots can attract the interest of autistic children. Improving their participation in treatment sessions and teaching them skills and behaviors that they may use in everyday situations—and, in some cases, with their loved ones.
2. Artificial Intelligence and a Classroom
Studies say that in 2020 and beyond, artificial intelligence and other next-generation technologies, including virtual reality, would impact the learning of students. What AI-enabled learning software does is that it synchronizes with the individual abilities of a student and makes the process of learning handier and more comprehensive. This makes students better utilize the modules that best fit their abilities.
A recent study concludes that by 2021, the incorporation of Artificial intelligence in the education system would increase by 50 percent. The benefits of AI in education cannot be overlooked right from primary schooling to higher education. Artificial Intelligence and Virtual reality not only increase the quality of education but also increase the participation rate. These technologies make the teachers and learners more connected than ever before.
3. Accessibility to Education is Expanding
The incorporation of the latest technologies, such as high-speed internet, mobile communication, IoT, and AI, has expanded the education system. It has extended learning to various geographic locations. With video conferencing and web-based apps, learners dwelling in remote areas can also get a quality education.
For instance, visually impaired students at the University of Pennsylvania are taught with screen readers and cameras. The tools like Tech-driven, tactile drawing boards, a screen-reader, and refreshable Braille displays helps a student to read on subjects that are vision-dependent.
One common example of a vision dependent subject is Math. Disabled students or who have trouble reading are also benefited from advanced technological tools. Voice-to-text, text-to-voice transcription services, or audio-visual content are a few examples.
4. Growth of Experiential and Immersive Learning
Stanford University, in May 2014, put out an experiential exhibit titled Stanford 2025. The university invited 2100 audiences to check the transformation in a pattern that would happen around 2025 at the university. This exhibition played an excellent role in forecasting the transformation towards immersive and experiential learning.
Experiential learning encourages students to acquire skills that prepare them to deal with the challenges of everyday life. With immersive learning, a student gets the opportunity to dive into a niche or discipline different from their own. These latest technological efforts prepare the students to meet the requirements of industries.
A study conducted on creativity in learning conducted in the United States of America in 2019, concludes that 87 percent of the teachers argue that bringing in creativity in classrooms plays a big role in their career development. Positive yet immense outcomes are possible with the incorporation of the latest technological tools and methods in the educational curriculum.
5. Learning Achievements for a Lifetime
Technology has made students open to learning. Dell Technologies published a report in which it says that the jobs that would exist in 2030 are not yet imagined or created because the industry is going to be drastically different from what it is today. Almost 85% of the jobs would be new to the people. It means that the education system today should be able to introduce the ability to learn those skills.
A book named Range published by David Epstein says,’ today people are inclining more towards diverse perspectives and experiences. This is also the need for time”. Market analysis exhibits that by 2022, there would be a huge demand for data engineers, software and app developers, data analysts, and e-commerce experts. Social media specialists would be on top of the list as well. In addition to these, specialist of machine learning and Artificial intelligence specialists, big data specialists, robotics and mechatronics engineers, and people with specialization in the blockchain would be in demand.
Final Thoughts
Today students are required to become lifetime learners; it is the need of the time and a driving factor for the transformation of the education sector. Now, it is the responsibility of teachers to guide and assist them in how to search for various subjects and disciplines.
Technological incorporation in the education system allowed the student to pick the right subject and builds a career that goes well with their individual abilities. Now disabled or visually impaired students are also able to study, and those who are sitting in remote areas can opt for virtual classes and get a quality education.
Al, immersive learning, personalized learning, and a focus on lifetime skill attainment will continue to dominate the education sector in the next decade.
Author Bio: Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog articles for Dynamologic Solutions.