5 trends disrupting 21^st century education

Education in the 21st century has evolved significantly in recent years, primarily because of the infusion of new-age technological aids and solutions. The goals of education and the approaches adopted to instruct and assess students have also changed rapidly over the years. Global education trends are dynamic and constantly evolving to make learning and instruction align with student requirements. The integration of technology in education has also fueled several interesting developments and given rise to many 21st century education trends that are disrupting conventional learning as we know it.

In this vein, here are 5 of the top trends that are radically changing the face of education in the 21st century.

The use of Virtual Reality (VR)

The use of VR technology in education is quickly gaining ground in India and abroad. The idea behind the use of VR solutions is that they help improve knowledge retention significantly, since students can make use of this technology to visualize and experience information instead of merely having it handed out as a lecture. Virtual Reality is simplifying complex concepts in a way that conventional lecture-based education cannot, and for this reason, it’s proving to be immensely useful.

VR technology is also helping students take virtual field trips to the bottom of the ocean or the ends of the Solar System. It’s also streamlining the process of learning new languages, thanks to immersive education that helps students interact virtually with people who speak the language. VR is also revolutionizing other areas like special education and distance learning.

AI-driven personalized learning

Global education trends are increasingly shifting focus to personalization and customization. In this regard, Artificial Intelligence is proving to be a gamechanger. This technology can help overcome the limitations associated with manual feedback, and can provide a detailed analysis of each student’s performance in projects and examinations. It’s also possible to tap into AI to identify the individual requirements of each student and use that information to create customized learning solutions.

Artificial Intelligence technology in education is already being leveraged to simplify administrative tasks by automating the processing and classification of paperwork. AI also enables educators and students to access smart content in various forms, including digitized textbooks, video conferences and lectures, and interactive interfaces. Additionally, AI is also facilitating global learning that extends beyond the constraints of the classroom.

Expansion of mobile technology

Mobile technology is also one of the many 21st century education trends that are disrupting the way knowledge is transferred. By primarily using the development and deployment of applications to help students learn complex concepts in a more friendly manner, mobile technology is being embraced by educators, students, and parents with equal fervor. Also, with the use of interactive software, mobile technology has succeeded in helping students connect better with their academics and assignments.

Tools like virtual communities, debate and discussion forums, and modeling and simulation software used in mobile-based ensure that students can approach one concept from various directions, thereby making learning a more holistic and comprehensive experience. App-based education is also disrupting the way education is imparted in a positive manner, by erasing borders and giving students access to 360-degree data and information.

Game-based learning in the classroom

A more attractive alternative to textbook learning, game-based learning is particularly effective at the primary education level, since that’s the phase where students learn the fundamentals of various advanced concepts and theories. Between 2011 and 2017, the value of the game-based learning domain grew by 4 times, reaching around $5 billion. In the years since, this value has only grown.

The use of game-based technology in education includes a variety of elements, such as collaborative learning through interactive games, strategic gaming that improves brain functioning, and the infusion of Augmented Reality (AR) into this domain. In fact, the combination of VR and AR has proven to be particularly vital in giving game-based education the fuel it needed to scale to such heights. This development has been deployed on various platforms like mobile applications, desktop apps, and web-based portals.

Use of cloud computing technology

The use of cloud computing technology, which is fast emerging as a disruptor, is also among the 21st century education trends sweeping across the global learning culture. The primary advantage cloud technology offers is unification. By tapping into the features of cloud computing, teachers and educators can access learning resources from a single, comprehensive platform, without being bogged down by limitations of geographical location. Furthermore, this technology is also improving the security associated with data storage.

Students also stand to benefit from the use of cloud computing technology in education. They can expand their horizons and access a variety of resources that are otherwise unavailable in conventional learning systems. Students can also pursue remote learning courses or enroll in distance education programs offered by top institutions, thereby overcoming restrictions placed by borders and time zones.

Conclusion

We’re only two decades into the 21st century, and already, these new and radical trends are breaking ground and changing the face of education as we know it. In the coming years, these trends are only likely to gather fire, and in combination without other innovative technologies, may transform the way schools and colleges function. Keeping pace with these developments can help you ensure that your child gets the best that these national and global education trends have to offer.