Distance learning has been around for quite some time now but it is only with the coronavirus outbreak that the entire world has finally embraced it. Now that eLearning is fast becoming the norm, what other changes does the future have in store for education?
10 Things that Will Affect the Future of Education
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Diversity in place and time of learning
eLearning tools allow students to take classes in different places at different times. Geography is no longer an issue with the availability of distance learning courses. People from different time zones and different parts of the world can now attend the same classes.
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Adaptive learning
Adaptive learning is an educational method that makes use of computer algorithms to deliver customized learning materials and resources to a learner. The computer comes up with custom learning experiences that are addressed to meet the student’s unique individual needs instead of a one-size-fits-all teaching approach.
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Personalized learning and free choice
The educational system will no longer employ a teaching style that treats everyone on the same level of learning. A more personalized curriculum will be developed where students can perform optimally at their own pace. This means that those who are academically advanced can take on harder tasks and not be held back in a classroom setting that caters to all levels of learners.
This also allows those who are more academically-challenged to keep practicing until they reach the required level. This, of course, is no excuse to slack off. But it allows all types of learners to perform at their optimal best.
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Collaborative robots
What does a collaborative robot mean? Simply put, these are robotic machines created to directly interact with humans within a shared space. Since collaborative robots have increased in popularity in a lot of industries over the past few years, several universities are now studying how to take advantage of this tech and fully utilize it to enhance a person’s learning experience.
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Project-based learning
Since the freelance economy is growing, especially with the present health climate the coronavirus has brought, people are also making the transition from their professions into the gig economy. Students will need to adapt to this culture which means their skills will be adapted to shorter employment terms in various situations. As early as high school, students should be taught and exposed to project-based learning.
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Data interpretation
Although it is considered as a part of the three literacies, mathematics will soon become irrelevant because of technology. Computers are likely to take over all statistical analysis. They will also take care of describing and analyzing data and predicting future trends. The need for people who can accurately interpret these data will increase all the more as we go further along in the future.
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Student’s ownership of curricula
With distance learning and other adaptive educational methods, students are now more involved in the selection and management of their curricula. The learner’s input will prove critical in the improvement of the content, efficiency, and durability of their courses. Their output will be useful in helping maintain a curriculum that is up-to-date, contemporary, and useful.
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Test and examination methods
The way that exams will be conducted will change a lot in the future. A lot of people are arguing about the way tests and exams are being conducted today. They claim that it is designed for students to cram information into their brains just for the sake of passing the test but tend to forget everything the following day. Educators are worried that the way we do tests will not validly measure a student’s capability when considering a job.
Since Gen Z is the first generation that’s digitally native, they have more expectations of virtual connectivity with both friends and learning materials. With how the pandemic has limited socialization between people, youngsters are trying to fill in that void by connecting with each other even outside their virtual classrooms to help each other out academically.
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Field experience
With a lot of industries modernizing and updating their systems, technology has become a lot more efficient in certain domains compared to humans. Although this does not make man obsolete, certain curricula will be adapted to accommodate professions that will require in-person interaction and human knowledge. Educational institutions will provide courses that will meet these needs and allow more opportunities for students to hone skills that are necessary to fulfill these jobs.
As technology continues to develop, regardless of the global health condition, the educational system will evolve and adapt accordingly. Do you see any other changes in the educational landscape in the near future? Let’s talk about them in the comments section.