It is a well-acknowledged fact that the nature and scope of education are rapidly transforming. In addition to new ways of knowledge sharing, the content and channels are also changing. It goes without saying that the future of education will be drastically different from the conventional classroom learning. There will be a move away from traditional skills and methods of learning. Additionally, there will be a greater focus on practical skills and effective methods. While it is true that a variety of changes will come along with the changing nature of education, a few trends stand out distinctly.
Gamification and Augmented Reality
One of the most popular trends that will define the future of education is the immersive experiences for students by employing augmented reality and gamification. Simply put, augmented reality creates an alternative form of learning for students where they get a practical experience of what they learn. As they say that you retain better what you experience, augmented reality can play a great role in knowledge retention. While augmented reality will help in better learning, it will also be a key determinant in keeping the students engaged in the years to come. Owing to the immersive experience they derive, students look forward to learning through the AR medium.
An offshoot of augmented reality is gamification which is another trend driving the future of education. More and more educators are adopting it to create impactful lesson plans. Students learn lessons by incorporating VR of video games and other gaming elements that attract their attention. Increasingly gamification is playing a major role in classroom learning as well to help students learn better. Thus, gamification and augmented reality will invariably impact the future of learning, the seeds to which have already been laid.
Artificial Intelligence & Automation
If we talk about the future of education and leave out the impact of artificial intelligence, we will only present an incomplete picture. To put it in conversational terms, artificial intelligence refers to machines that operate intelligently and can replace human efforts in structured and repetitive tasks. Incorporation of AI in the education sector will undoubtedly unleash the immense potential for students to learn efficiently.
The first reason which makes AI in future of education a lucrative model is its chat first approach. Most students today are comfortable with chat first platforms whether it in terms of networking with peers or accessing on-demand services. This chat first learning model will facilitate a refined learning experience for students by leveraging a platform they identify with. The advent of AI into e-learning will create a new form of education which is far more focused on internalizing the lessons than mere grades.
As the nature of learning and scope of education don a new face, it is only fair that the channels of dissemination will take a new turn. Increasingly, both educators and students are moving to a different channel than the conventional classroom setting. More often than not, they follow the online route. This is to say that online tutoring is redefining the way students learn. Numerous online tutoring platforms, like TutorBin,com, are transforming the way knowledge sharing is taking place. These online tutoring and learning portals are not only augmenting the ease with which students can access education but also improving the whole learning lifecycle.
For instance, through live sessions, online tutoring platforms are offering individual learning opportunities for students. Additionally, they have different customizable options to suit the needs of different students. Unlike the classroom setting, online tutoring platforms offer students the flexibility to opt for just assignment/ homework help or just in subjects where they need assistance. Thus, online learning platforms are making education omnipresent, taking it to virtually all locations across the globe.
Hybrid Skilling & Innovation
It is true that the channels of education dissemination are changing. This change is being accompanied by a change in the content of learning. These days education is more focused on delivering knowledge about hybrid skills that can yield employment. As the future of work is dynamic and change, so is the future of education. Students are increasingly seeking knowledge about skills that can make them job ready and have a practical approach.
Additionally, there is a move away from mastering a single skill set to mastering a diverse set of skills. Moreover, innovation is becoming the golden rule across all skill learning. This is to say that not only is there a visible change in the way knowledge sharing will take place, but also what will constitute knowledge.
Emphasis on Soft Skills
Finally, an important trend that is increasingly defining the future of education is the growing emphasis on soft skills. Knowledge of hard and technical skills is commonplace nowadays. The only way students can earn an edge over their peers is by harbouring soft skills. These include leadership, patience, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, etc. Increasingly, educators are emphasizing on the need to imbibe such skills than just focusing on technical knowledge sharing.
Studies are showing that the education system is moving towards a more holistic approach. The focus is on developing students as confident leaders with strong interpersonal skills. The way this trend is shaping the future of education is by encouraging students and educators to invest in soft skills alongside technical training.
In a nutshell, one can agree that these 5 trends will definitely redefine the future of education. The idea is to make it more accessible, employment-driven, engaging and impactful for both educators and learners.