Digital spending on education is on a rapid rise ever since 2021 has dawned upon us. Higher education institutions are leaving behind the conventional learning mediums like video-based learning to embrace these highly relevant and effective mediums.
Additionally, as an aftermath of the ongoing pandemic, education systems worldwide have had to rely on these technological adoptions in order for learning to thrive. So what does this year have to offer for us when it comes to Ed-tech trends? iXRlabs has dug deep into the potential of Ed-tech Trends in 2021.
1. Conducting Online Assessments
With most people worldwide resigning to their fate of staying indoors, various companies have come forth with platforms to conduct examinations online. Digitization of the previously traditional method of conducting exams offline has led to online proctoring. This has been one of the major higher education trends in 2020, which is continuing this year as well.
Many algorithms have been developed, especially with aid of Artificial Intelligence in order to ensure malpractices by students are prohibited. AI-supported automated proctors, chat boxes, taking pictures of students as they write the exams, etc. are some of the methods that fall under the umbrella of AI in the education industry. Facial recognition is another feature that can be used to cross-check the identity of students on campus and online.
Thus, students in a remote location can go ahead with their Higher Education seamlessly by writing their assessments in a hassle-free, secure environment. Such platforms will be in high demand in 2021, as many countries are still recovering from the pandemic.
Thus, AI-driven assessments can help institutes get precise analyses and reports on students’ overall performance in college. Software-driven evaluation is likely to become the norm in the near future.
2. Podcasting
Podcasts are nothing new. They have been around for a long time. So how is podcasting an Emerging Education Technology Trend? Podcasts are series of audio recordings that can be downloaded on the internet on various playback devices. They’ve been gradually growing since their inception.
Globally, the size of the podcasting market was valued at around USD 9.28 billion in the year 2019. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.5% between the years 2020 and 2028. What drives the market growth for podcasts is the fact that one can multitask with them? You can be seeing what new solutions IXR Labs has to offer while listening to a podcast about Ed-tech Trends in 2021.
Typically, live lectures lead to students having an attention span of less than 10 to 15 minutes. In the case of podcasts, students tend to listen to at least 80% of the recording. They can listen to it whenever, and as many times as they please. This greatly helps the students remember concepts clearly.
3. Big Data for Performance Tracking
In order to propel their institutions further, educators and decision-makers are leveraging data analytics programs. This bridges the gap between current issues that require immediate solutions in the education industry and futuristic opportunities that can change the game. Analysis using machine learning or data analytics is immensely beneficial for students pursuing higher education not only through exams but also daily campus life.
It can also lead to an increase in the graduation rate by almost 61%. Real-time adjustment of school curricula by 47%. Moreover, 44% of professors also consider big data to be an essential tool for measuring the institutional performance of the establishment. While 22% believe that regular scans can uncover possible flaws in the administration.
This technology can be used to maintain the right records and data of the students, saving the University a lot of time. Precise feedback regarding their exams, attendance, behavior, etc. Based on pure facts, and the lack of human error are the major advantages of using data analytics. One can also predict the future performance of a student using the previous historical data through statistical models.
3. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new technological paradigm that is slowly being used by the education sector by connecting various objects around us through software, electronics, etc.
They are aimed at exchanging and compiling any kind of information and do not require human intervention. In the education industry, it is being used for face detection, monitoring student vehicles, etc.
A school that uses IoT is called a “smart school”. They opt for a satisfactory level of personalized learning through smart devices that use WiFi networks on campus for receiving and sending instructions.
IoT can help higher education institutions have a safe and completely secure campus using technologies like 3D positioning to monitor the presence of any student at any given time. The option of distress buttons during an emergency can also be provided. IoT can also help track the total time taken by the students for completing a particular assignment.
4. Virtual Reality Labs
If you’re a devout humanist who does not approve of dissecting a frog open, this new trend will definitely gain your approval! Virtual Reality (VR) is the ultimate immersive and engaging learning experience.
VR Labs allows students & faculty to conduct advanced science experiments virtually, right from your desktop. Instead of just reading a book about something, VR Labs allow students to interact with objects and really understand the science behind them.
Students gain knowledge about experiments that are often too complex to be allowed in a regular lab, expensive, or dangerous for the classroom.
VR Labs are right up the alley of iXRlabs! Be it exploring space, the insides of a human body, pyramids of Egypt, or a simple chemistry experiment. Just wearing a VR Headset is enough to transport you to a whole new dimension of learning!
Conclusion:
Higher education institutions can gain high-value propositions by adapting to the new trends in technology quickly. This will not only help the institutions gain brand value and recognition. It will ensure that students have a better learning experience. This will also help them reach levels of hybrid patterns of education in an attempt to allure a greater number of students who also want to keep up with the pace of evolving technology.
Thus, the year 2021, which still is quite unpredictable, is most likely to witness an increase in the number of institutions. It will use the aforementioned technology and many others in the ed-tech space.
iXRlabs is one of the players that is striving to offer the best technological solutions to supplement students’ education and help candidates get ready for real-world applications. We remain updated with the trends and requirements of the world in these uncertain times.
