When we talk about trends, we are talking about what is popular and effective right now – in marketing, economics, society, fashion and other areas. Education is no exception, it also has its own trends. The world is changing – and approaches to learning are changing, and education software solutions are gaining great popularity.
Table of Contents
Online learning
Online learning is the most popular trend in education today. Thanks to total digitalization and modern technologies, people can study anywhere and at the same time not leave their usual place of residence. Online you can get a complete education, from elementary to higher and beyond – to endless professional development and development of additional skills. There are many teaching formats:
- voluminous programs and short courses,
- online webinars;
- master classes.
Online learning empowers and simplifies access to knowledge. Even those who could not afford it before for various reasons can study: limited abilities, chronic diseases, remote place of residence, peculiarities of work activity, frequent moves.
Hybrid learning
Hybrid learning combines face-to-face and online formats. In this case, some students can attend classes in person, while others can participate in classes remotely via a conference call. We also allow the option when students take part of the program offline, and part online. Such blended learning allows you to successfully combine the most effective face-to-face practices and advanced e-learning methods.
The benefit of hybrid learning is that students become the center of learning. Most of the time, students plan on their own. Teachers rather serve as mentors and guide students. This trend in education not only enhances the learning experience of students, but also awakens their motivation to learn.
Social networks in education
Social media platforms are turning into a powerful tool to improve the learning process. Now people spend a huge amount of time on social networks – and instead of fighting it, you can turn it for good: watch educational videos and lectures, participate in meetings, take all kinds of courses.
A big plus of social networks for learning is that they simplify communication. It is convenient to share materials, interact with other students, conduct joint projects, and present the results of practical work. Some educational projects include social networks and instant messengers in their programs as a way to provide feedback and evaluate results. One of the most convenient tools for this is a chatbot, which can act as a curator in the educational process.
Mobile learning
Mobile learning refers to receiving education using portable devices – smartphones, tablets and the like. Formats can be absolutely anything, as long as they allow students to gain the necessary knowledge. In particular, today many educational projects create their own applications, adapt platforms to the mobile format.
In fact, mobile learning allows a person to study anywhere and at any free time – most people always have a smartphone with them. You can watch a lesson or listen to a lecture on your way to work or home, while walking or jogging. The main advantage of mobile learning is accessibility and time saving.
STEAM education
Methods based on STEAM involve more creativity in the learning process. Subjects are not studied separately, they are taught in integrated lessons. At the same time, a significant part of the time is devoted to technology and coding.
This approach is due to the fact that different subjects are interconnected. And instead of memorizing individual rules, students learn to use theory in real life at a basic or fundamental level. The goal of STEAM education is to teach critical thinking, use of logic and interaction.
Virtual and augmented reality
The use of VR and AR technologies completely transforms education and familiar approaches. Teachers can not only teach theories, but also support their words with almost real images. For example, students can immerse themselves in a virtual world and apply their knowledge in practice – according to a pre-designed scenario.
The use of virtual and augmented reality in education helps to create the necessary environment. Without leaving the learning space, students can immerse themselves in the right environment and situation.
Gamification
Gamification has long been on the list of leading trends in education, but has not lost its popularity. In this educational approach, the learning process includes various game elements. For example, video games, animated characters, leaderboards, reward points, badges, stickers.
With the help of gamification, it is possible to increase interest and involvement, improve the internal motivation of students, and simplify the process of conveying knowledge. Simply put, gamification turns boring traditional learning into a fun experience.
Of course, these are not all trends in modern education. But it is these trends that show the direction in which technologies and teaching methods are developing.
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