It’s a newfound world of wonder for students in primary and secondary schools across the globe thanks to recent edtech trends. Big ideas played out in the metaverse have made their way into the classroom and we’re passionate about the possibilities for education. Now teachers and even students are choosing their own educational adventure—and this Valentine’s Day we’re feeling smitten about it all!
The innovations we’re most fond have unlocked opportunities for schools to expand the minds of their students:
Students are becoming more engaged in their own education and taking more control of their learning thanks to the rise of personalized learning. By giving them the freedom to choose the topics that interest them, they become more engaged. And with AI-generated difficulty levels, they stay encouraged and motivated while also becoming accountable for their own progress.
For schools, personalized learning takes some of the burden off overstretched teachers by enabling students to in effect self serve their own learning outcomes while automating grading and assessment. This is also an easy way to customize learning for each student’s strengths, needs, skills and interests. The latest research is proving that no two students learn the same way. Personalized learning is an efficient and effective way to tailor instruction at the child’s unique level and pace.
Schools across the globe are adopting blended learning programs in which students are taught in both online and in-person environments. This increases access to resources while providing the ability for students to work at their own pace. For edtech companies, this is an opportunity to develop new learning platforms that will make it easier for students to access online materials and collaborate with their classmates and teachers. Schools, on the other hand, are given the flexibility to have quality learning options in the event of an emergency or remote situation. It’s opened the way to expand the ways beyond traditional learning methods to include things like virtual field trips and experiences or body breaks.
More and more schools are adding smart technology to their classrooms to prepare students for a future where computers and other electronic devices are part of everyday life. Digital devices are helping students communicate, perform research, and learn how to solve problems more efficiently. Edtech companies are challenged to develop novel gadgets that can be used in the classroom and enable students to use the latest tech tools at home. Meanwhile, teachers can use IoT data to tailor pedagogical approaches for the particular needs of the class.
IoT opens the way to more efficient communication and connection between students, parents and administration. Even field trip and gym fees or report cards are easier to collect with online forms—and student progress can be tracked more easily. The possibilities are endless and schools are using them well.
Virtual reality is rapidly becoming part of the classroom experience by allowing students to experience subjects in a much more engaging way than traditional textbooks. It has even unlocked the opportunity for collaboration between students and teachers from different parts of the world. Edtech leaders are developing cutting-edge virtual reality software that can be used in the classroom to enhance student learning everywhere. Schools gain the ability to introduce immersive experiences in never-before-seen places and experiences that were traditionally inaccessible like ancient civilizations, Jurassic worlds, or space exploration.
Teachers are using game mechanics to engage their students and get them excited about learning. This isn’t just for kids either—gamification can be used in the teacher’s lounge to inspire collaboration and interactivity. This is a concept found in everything from employee training to customer loyalty programs. The main principle is using point scoring and competition along with video-game style aesthetics and a high-satisfaction rewards to encourage motivation, learning, and skill improvement. Of course it works for kids—and maybe even makes teaching more fun too.
What’s not to love with the edtech trends available to schools today? These solutions promise respite for many of the main challenges in K-12 schools and breathe new life into outdated pedagogical approaches. Overworked teachers gain automated assistants for things like grading and assessments. Students get personalized lessons and fun, immersive activities to hone their skills. It’s no wonder we’re feeling warm and fuzzy about it all!
