In 2019, the Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning and Big Data were the most significant educational technology trends. However, one now dominates all others: distance learning.

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically altered our teaching and learning. Because of social distancing, students must now adapt to distance learning through digital platforms that have led to the emergence of trends in education and technology. 

There is a possibility that this trend may continue even though some schools are reopening. Throughout 2021 and into 2022, EdTech is revolutionizing learning with an emphasis on connectivity, versatility and student-centeredness. This article will look at the latest educational technology trends to keep up with these developments and maximize their usage.

Learning on the go

Developing hardware and software advances has made mobile smartphones indispensable tools. In the classroom, mobile learning (m-learning) will soon overtake computers as the information appliance of choice as they have leapfrogged fixed-line technologies in the telecommunications industry. The term m-learning refers to a system of education that uses mobile devices. 

Wireless networks have enabled mobility and mobile training through portable computing devices like iPads, tablets, laptops and smartphones, facilitating teaching and learning to reach a broader audience. It allows instructors and students to interact more freely within the classroom through mobile training.

Furthermore, students can access online study materials on their smartphones. Such devices allow them to download books, summaries, quizzes and other study materials like this Nanda nursing diagnosis list to help enhance their knowledge and skills. Besides, you can download many helpful materials to help you learn at your convenience from the university of your choice.

Social media in learning

Could you ever have imagined social media becoming part of the learning process? Each day, technology is changing the way we teach and learn. As young as 11, kids have social media profiles on various platforms so you can’t expect to hold them back. Teachers took advantage of this trend and turned it into a powerful learning tool.

Students interact with peers and faculty members through social media in educational institutes. It is common for students to share videos and images with their friends and followers on social media. However, eBooks with social features allow students to share study materials, opinions and projects.

While building peer networks and enhancing the online learning experience, students can comment on other students’ posts or share links to other websites. By incorporating social media into the learning model, teachers help students remain engaged in the course. As social media continues to grow, including it in learning modules will foster collaboration and sharing, resulting in an improved learning environment.

Adaptive learning

Adaptive learning involves using a computer or technology-based learning technologies to change learning materials to meet individual needs, often by analyzing the data gathered from learning analytics. You can think of it as an artificially intelligent tutor. 

Today’s teaching tools can teach how people learn and adapt their material to their learning style. You can adjust the course path and materials as you progress through a course based on how you respond to the course elements. When you perform well on a learning video, the system will integrate more videos into your specific learning path to improve your performance.

As higher education institutes ramp up their efforts to improve graduation rates, adaptive learning will assist them in identifying students who may drop out. An increasing number of thought leaders and influencers are joining forces to create initiatives that bring together private companies, education institutions, and providers to promote adaptive learning in higher education in the future. One of the most notable examples is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Declining attention spans 

Technology has led to a change in students’ attention spans as well. Microsoft conducted a study to examine attention spans between 2000, the dawn of the smartphone revolution, and 2015. The researchers found that the attention span decreased by an astonishing 4 seconds from 12 to 8. They blame streaming technology and its constant stimulation for this decline.

Millennials can only engage in content with excellent visuals, dialogue and an engaging storyline. Younger groups care more about narratives and visuals than older groups do. Instructors adjust their classes to fit these changing attention trends and keep students engaged. Teachers should design courses that catch their attention and change the delivery method and pace to engage this Millennial generation of students. A strong narrative and visuals will be essential components of their course design.

Conclusion

We are just at the beginning of the technological revolution so incorporating it into your current training program might be challenging. With educational technology developments, there is a lot to consider. Embracing innovative technology trends may be hindered by human resources and budget concerns. 

The good news is that learning and development leaders still adopt cost-effective training equipment, such as the technologies mentioned above. Investing well and using these global trends in education and technology will open up possibilities for these techs in the training arena.