FOUR DIGITAL LEARNING TRENDS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

by Rubi Ahsan Associate S.E.O Consultant

After more than a year of lockdowns and social distancing measures, it is clear that some of the changes introduced by the pandemic are here to stay. As we discover the new normal together, I can't help but think that not all change is bad. The change was a long time ago.

Higher education (HO) is lagging behind other sectors on the way to digitalization. Despite the growing demand for education technical and online learning, face-to-face classes and on-campus activities have remained at the heart of how students access their education.

However, the events of 2020 have accelerated the adoption of digital.

First, this academic year we have seen prestigious universities go fully online. Some have even offered tuition discounts for students who take classes online. More will inevitably follow, but perhaps not to the same extent, opting instead for hybrid learning environments as investors turn their attention to edtech and show a particular interest in the link between higher education and the workforce.

Change is inevitable. So let's look at some online learning trends that I think are currently shaping how colleges and universities are preparing students for the future.

1. Competency-based learning

One aspect of the education system that is not particularly efficient is the use of time as a measure of learning: more hours spent on a subject do not always equate to a greater chance that students will learn it. Students have unique learning needs and have different background knowledge. As a result, they may rush through some learning materials while requiring more time for others.

A competency-based learning model aims to resolve these discrepancies. Each course or lesson is linked to one or more competencies (or skills) that a student must develop. Because students progress through these skills at their own pace, they cannot progress to more advanced skills without demonstrating that they have mastered the basic skills.

Instructors can use custom learning platforms to create online courses and assign skills to each learning activity. Students then receive personalized recommendations based on their progress and can choose how to evaluate them. This will not only improve academic performance but also improve retention rates and the ability to apply what they have learned through work experience, internships, or future jobs.

2. Digital Credentials

Speaking of jobs, today's digital economy requires continuous upskilling of workers if they are to remain competitive. The pandemic has forced many industries to digitize as many operations as possible to ensure business survival, but some might argue that digital adoption was strong even earlier. Ask any digital professional if their college education has helped them find (or keep) a job, and I doubt you'll get many "Yes, quite a lot!" answers.

Employers need employees who can think quickly and adapt quickly to new processes, but higher education institutions struggle to align curriculums with the ever-changing demands of employers. That's why degrees no longer weigh like they used to.

The alternative to the four-year courses comes in the form of digital references. Students who master a skill can earn a digital badge to showcase it. Anyone who has completed a course or series of courses in an educational path will receive a digital certificate. With enough badges and certificates in their pocket, they can impress potential employers.

Digital references are a game changer, especially for people with an education but no college degree who are often overlooked for high-profile jobs despite having the skills to succeed in those roles.

3. Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) will influence HE in the future. This trend was already picking up before 2020 and will only continue from now on. Teachers absolutely cannot meet the learning needs of the growing number of students (who aren't even necessarily on campus), but with the help of AI, they could.

Integrating AI into Education Technology takes some of the workloads off teachers' shoulders while contributing to an exp

Integrating AI into Education Technology takes some of the workloads off the shoulders of educators while contributing to a more personalized learning experience for students. Boring or repetitive tasks, such as scheduling courses at the beginning of each semester or evaluating papers, can be delegated, at least in part, to AI. Additionally, an AI-powered learning management system (LMS) can enable students to receive targeted support throughout their learning journey thanks to an AI-powered recommendation engine preset by instructors.

AI can also enhance the student experience through text-based chatbots or voice-enabled smart speakers. Universities around the world have been testing these technologies with great success and I'm sure many Education Technology vendors are working to integrate them with online learning platforms. Given the increase in distance learning, I think it's safe to assume that its use will only increase.

4. Immersive technologies

Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) is not as prevalent in education due to high acquisition costs, highly specialized design, and other limitations. However, students would jump at the opportunity to use these technologies at any time as they provide truly engaging and interactive learning experiences.

AR adds a virtual overlay to the physical world, while VR creates a built reality separate from the real one. MR is a mix of both. These technologies offer enormous potential to study complex and high-risk areas, such as medicine, construction, and energy engineering. This means that students can practice their skills in a safe virtual or augmented environment without serious consequences if they make mistakes.

As these immersive technologies continue to evolve, I'm sure their adoption in higher education will increase. Perhaps the future is closer than we think. More About LMS for Education, Corporate LMS, Online Course Creation, LMS for Trainers, LMS for Partner Training, Digital Content Development