Change is inevitable. It is the only thing that’s ever constant. The field of education has undergone a wide array of changes in recent years. From exploring suitable ways to teach students more effectively to tackling the pandemic induced lockdown, various reforms and novel trends arose in response to some or the other challenge in front of educational institutions and teachers. Technology has been a key driver of growth for the education system as technological teaching tools have not only helped the educators increase their productivity, but have also helped them in making learning fun and engaging for the students simultaneously. Owing to the success of online teaching, educational institutes and educators today are much more likely to consider using various technological teaching and management tools such as school learning management system, smart classes, admission management system and likewise for improving their productivity.
Some of the key trends in education are shaping the future of millions of students and educators across the globe. Here are some key emerging trends in education which we should watch out for in 2022. So, without further ado, let’s dive in…
The increase in number of hybrid classrooms-
Even though hybrid classrooms were mushrooming and gaining acceptance as the eventual evolution of the traditional offline classrooms even in the pre-pandemic era, the enthusiasm towards hybrid classrooms wasn’t quite the same as today. Since 2020, we have witnessed an explosive increase in the number of digital and hybrid learning courses. Even though schools are reverting back to traditional in-person teaching as the pandemic restrictions are eased, the ease of access and effectiveness of digital and hybrid courses will continue to make them a highly preferred medium of learning among the students for decades. Schools and colleges can benefit from hybrid courses by increasing their reach and influence without having to spend resources on enhancing their physical infrastructure. Moreover, online courses can also help in preparing the students for an on-campus course by helping them access introductory and transitional material and guidance through hybrid courses. Thus, hybrid courses are on the rise and for all the right reasons.
Increasing Use of Technology in Education-
Technology and education are a good fit. The aim of education is to provide useful information and help students develop the right skills and knowledge which will help them to survive in the contemporary world. The importance of technical skills in the modern workforce can’t be overstated. Therefore, it is helpful for the students to have some familiarity with modern technology and teaching tools which will help them in developing technical skills. Moreover, technology also makes teaching and learning simpler and more effective than ever before.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-
Artificial Intelligence is quite promising and can help in providing various ways of improving the teaching and learning experience and outcomes. It helps in making learning more fun and engaging while making sure that students’ knowledge increases. Among other applications of AI, it also helps in creating tools for personalizing education for the students. AI powered teaching tools can skim through a ton of student data to find areas with scope of improvement, come up with effective intervention strategies and provide precise feedback and action plan to the learners, all on its own. This also frees up more of the educators’ time allowing them to focus more on enhancing their course content and focusing on learner engagement instead of scanning through student data and devoting excess time towards feedback.
Focusing on Learning as opposed to Teaching-
With the increase in the number of digital classrooms, the interaction between educators and students has also taken a turn for good. Educators have for the most part, taken up the role of being facilitators for the students and not their teachers. Apart from only instructing the students about what to learn, they focus on teaching them how to learn, and encourage the students to learn on their own and come to them for guidance and support. This creates an active and student-centric learning environment which helps in empowering the students and enhancing their learning environment and outcomes.
Modern trends in education are a clear indication about where the field of education is headed for in the future. Educators should try to make the most of these modern trends in education and help their students achieve success.
