The world is digitizing, and so is the education sector. Gone are the days when the pen-paper mode was the only learning mode everyone was aware of. Every industry in modern times is adapting to digital changes along with the education sector.
We have left behind the era where the spread and source of education were limited. The digital age of training and tutoring is here, from classes confined in a classroom to learning through online modes (YouTube & Zoom).
Every training and teaching institute is heavily investing in popular trends in education. Physical learning institutes or schools are also reforming their learning programs and sessions. The pandemic might have played a crucial role behind this, but the contribution of technological advancement is in no way trifling. As we are regularly introduced to many smart, fast, and revolutionary technologies, the education sector is embracing them with open arms. Substantial proof of this statement is the fast-growing Edtech industry. A recent study by GlobeNewswire estimates that the Edtech sector might become an industry worth a whopping $605.40 billion by 2027. Amazing, right?
Digital technology has made learning easier. From Zoom classes to free online courses offered by a multitude of institutions worldwide, the acceleration of technology is undeniable. The technologies we used to consider only a mode of entertainment now reshapes higher education. The future of education is incomplete without tech-powered tools. It streamlines the learning process and allows students to learn outside their syllabus. It helps them figure out their fields of interest from a very young age.
With an endless list of benefits, every educational organization or training institute must implement the below-mentioned trends or technologies in its learning process:

Immersive Learning (AR & VR)

Though gamers and game enthusiasts have popularized augmented reality, it was introduced by Louis Rosenburg to virtually train Air Force pilots. Conventional learning methods have become a thing of the past. Constant upgradation and modification of teaching modes have made possible the introduction of AR & VR to the list of trends in education. Subjects like STEM or anything related to technical education highly benefit students when tutored through AR and VR platforms. These technologies not only make learning fun but straightforward as well. The innovative learning mode even entices the most disinterested students and engages everyone in the session.

Blockchain

There might be a misconception that blockchain technology is all about cryptocurrency and only revolutionizing the Fintech industry, but it’s far from the truth. Education institutes equally benefit from this modern technology. Blockchain is transforming the way students used to share their academic papers and credentials. With the emergence of digital certificates, verifiable credentials, and learning badges, schools/colleges, universities, and students can easily share and ensure the authenticity of their accreditation. The technology allows schools to prevent students from forging their degrees under the name of the particular institution. Also, it enables students to showcase the degrees with comprehensive information on their knowledge and expertise. It also educates students on what they can do with the degree and certificate.

Gamification

Gaming is not bad anymore. Recent trends in the education sector consider it a great way to teach complex subjects fuss-free. It’s perfect for revitalizing academic elements using gaming features/themes. It transforms the classroom into a gaming room and teaches students boring topics interactively and engagingly. Sometimes, for some students, simply drawing on a blackboard or verbal narration is not enough. They learn better with the first-hand experience that gamification offers. Processing complex ideas and internalizing them becomes easier for them.

Microlearning

It’s an advancing learning technique that has gained momentum in the past few years. Teaching complex topics in a single learning session can hinder students’ learning process. Microlearning eventually annuls the end goal – learning something during a session. Microlearning categorizes a complete module in short sessions to help students learn better. It makes learning effective, faster, and enjoyable. The corporate training segment has warmly welcomed this learning & development method. It does not aim to learn only; it equally focuses on retaining knowledge. With the introduction of short instructional and educational videos, solving a series of questions after a short video or reading an executive summary has become the standard of L&D.

Cybersecurity

Sharing and accessing information has never been so easy before. Ease of data sharing also plays a role in making it a trend in the education sector. However, cloud storage always remains at risk of data theft. With data hacks come cyber threats. But compromising with students and the institute’s information is an unfortunate and unforgivable mistake. Investment in cyber security is growing in the education sector to tackle the issue of data theft. It protects users from cyber attacks. Institutions do not need to worry about data leaks.

Neuroeducation

Neuroscience has become a leading influential factor not limited to the medical sector only. Educational neuroscience is a new concept that governs the idea that the learning program has scope outside face-to-face, formal, and uniform learning sessions.
This emerging trend handles teachers’ common challenges: keeping students attentive and engaged throughout the class.
Using the neuroeducation method, teachers can divide an entire class into small subgroups to help them grasp lessons faster or implement AI to make personalized learning achievable.

Online Assessments

The education sector has moved from offline, pen-paper exams to online evaluation mode. Until now, the student assessment program largely involved only evaluating students’ theoretical knowledge.
However, recently it has been gradually shifting to practical assessments. Along with this, online exams have also become mainstream. Educational institutions are implementing various online platforms to make online assessment feel no different than the traditional examination method. Another trend is also on the rise, voice-based assessment. It helps visually impaired students to appear on tests without the assistance of an associate. Teachers simply assess the recorded answers instead of the written ones.

K-12 Digitalisation

Sticking to the traditional education system has become an outdated practice since the introduction of the K-12 education system.From only being accessible to a few to now spread all around the globe, technology has made this possible. Students and teachers are adopting the latest trend in the education sector to make learning easier. Even if offline class conduction is not possible, there is no need to pause the learning session. Any student from anywhere can participate in classes by implementing virtual media and digital learning tools.

Subscription-Style Learning Method

Subscription services are not anymore for entertainment platforms only, and it’s also pertinent in the education sector.
Rather than paying the entire fee upfront, splitting it into monthly or three quarterly installments is the new trend. It makes the education cost manageable even for students who are financially not so well off. They can also participate in the learning program without worrying about the fees. As students are reminded of the payment every month or twice, or thrice a year, it motivates them to make the most out of the sessions. The quick accessibility and non-stop access to study materials are considerable features that also hold value.

Hybrid Learning

We all have become aware of online learning by now. But what’s exactly hybrid learning? It’s also called blended learning: basically, a model of learning that includes both offline and online learning styles. It comprises the ease and flexibility of online teaching, synchronous communication, fun, and interaction of in-person group teaching, excursion, experiments, and activities.

Holistic Learning

Since the Covid-19 outbreak and the popularity of online learning mode, the education sector is constantly witnessing the introduction of several new trends. Holistic learning is one of them. Educators are coming to terms with the fact that quality education is not only about academic excellence but also about ensuring students’ well-being. This learning mode nurtures empathy, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. This new trend in the education sector focuses on the overall growth of a child/student: physical, intellectual, social, mental, and emotional. Holistic learning can address the growing issue of student depression and social anxiety and promote their wellness.

Big Data

Big data has successfully entered the education domain to provide better insights into the education system, faculty performance, and student performance. It also offers solutions to address the gaps in the teaching & learning programs.
Big data also streamline organizational processes by monitoring potential students’ online activities. The cookies enable colleges/universities/schools to attract more students by retargeting ads. It eventually helps an educational institute grow and thrive.

Learning Analytics

The modern virtual world is all about data collection and using it to track activities or predict activities. The education sector also keeps up with the trend by incorporating learning analytics into the learning & development program.
Learning analytics studies students’ data to enhance learning outcomes. It’s the juncture of quantitative education methods and big data.Analytics play a major role in unwrapping the students’ learning method and capacity. By administering data mining and learning analytics, educators can improve the courses/education.

Social and Emotional Well-being

The modern education sector is not only about learning & development; educators equally pay attention to students’ emotional and social well-being.Education institutes work hard to make everyone feel included in their programs. To make this possible, various strength-based strategies are implemented.Teachers encourage students to master new skills and knowledge that pique their interest.Educational organizations have become sternly resistant to discrimination and bullying. A safe environment where teachers and students can bond and establish respectful and friendly relationships are the goals of schools/colleges.

Soft Skills Training

Simply acquiring academic knowledge is not an effective learning methodology anymore. The modern-day smart education system is about amalgamating literary expertise with social skills.Soft skills are as important as academic learning. Even many students prefer to hone their soft skills to join a profession where public speaking, critical thinking, customer service, and project management play crucial roles.There has been a steep rise in soft-skill trainers in the corporate sector in recent years. Polishing the base from a young age eventually pays off.

STEAM Based Learning

We all are well aware of STEM. STEAM can be considered its reformed version.STEAM is an abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.STEAM aims to make students a part of a comprehensive teaching program where pupils become creative, imaginative, collaborative, problem solvers, and job ready.The study program can include art and craft classes and coding, gaming, robotics, and computer science sessions.

AI-based Learning

Technology has always been a part of education, but it has become a focal point of attention in the last few years. Making the education system smart without AI is an unachievable goal.Artificial Intelligence simplifies the immediate feedback system. Additionally, AI helps students learn better, quicker, and more efficiently. AI has made education accessible to everyone. No impairment can come between students and knowledge.Using AI, tracking how students learn, how effective a course is, how smooth sailing administrative tasks are, the impediment, and eliminating the hindrance – everything has become straightforward.

Flexible Learning Environments (FLEs)

Classrooms are not the only effective environment where students learn better. With the emergence of personalized learning and online tutoring, Flexible Learning Environments are also rising.It focuses on the individuality of students and their learning styles. It offers the freedom of learning from anywhere, anytime. Students have complete control over their pace of learning, the environment, and the time of learning.This learning module is not only about eLearning. It’s possible in offline, face-to-face learning programs as well.For in-person learning, students can be divided into several small groups to re-learn an assessment, or students can pair up with different classmates instead of interacting with the same pupils over the year.

So what’s your take? Do all these trends make learning effective?

A recent study by Research.com shows 74% of teachers prefer gamification of teaching modules to improve the lessons. Another study by Prosperity For All reveals 42% of institutes have witnessed revenue growth since the introduction of E-learning, and 73% of students prefer to continue online classes. These only signify a simple statement – without investing in smart trends, the education sector will lag, and many educational institutes might face critical challenges. Smart technology and education trends make learning & teaching programs efficient and effective and offer schools, colleges, and universities the upper hand in the highly competitive education sector. Increasing the number of online participants and students becomes simple for educational institutions.