4 Ed Technology Trends to Watch in 2024

Education Technology TrendsPhoto byMarvin Meyer/Unsplash

The pandemic has had a major impact on the education sector. Due to the transition to distance learning technologies, universities were forced to introduce modern technological solutions to optimize the educational process.

Innovations must be implemented effectively and quickly to ensure the quality of the educational process. In the article, you will learn which technologies are in demand in the educational industry.

Digital personalized learning

The first trend is a personalized model of the educational process. This approach tailors learning to the unique requirements and interests of each student. All students have their own abilities, skills, and unique characteristics, so they need to choose the optimal approach for them. This allows students to stimulate the entire educational process.

For example, Arizona State University was one of the first to introduce a special education system based on personalized program selection. Students can take courses at their own pace and format. This program also includes adaptive learning technologies, a special curriculum based on a thorough analysis of student needs. As a result, there is a high increase in student involvement in the educational process.

The main goal of personalized learning is to motivate students, increase their performance and involvement in the educational process. At the same time, students themselves can choose a program based on their skills, aspirations and preferences.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

In 2024, services based on artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming especially popular. They assist universities in planning and decision making.

One of the effective ways to apply these technologies in practice is to use and implement systems based on artificial intelligence. AI and ML provide personalized recommendations and feedback to students based on specific preferences and skills. Such systems help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of students and provide recommendations for improving academic performance.

Intelligent systems can also be used for forecasting. For example, the system can analyze academic data and student performance and timely identify those who are on the verge of expulsion. Based on the data obtained, the system provides funding and assistance to struggling students, which allows them to remain at the university. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will help increase the number of graduates in a short period.

Immersive learning

Immersive learning approach allows colleges and schools to create a modern interactive environment for teaching students, using several modern technologies at once. Augmented, virtual and mixed reality are used to implement complex immersive learning, providing complete immersion in the educational process and helping to understand a specific topic.

Immersive learning differs significantly from classic classroom learning in a way it allows students to gain real-life experience, not just theoretical knowledge. This method involves students in the learning process, helps them practice skills, teaches them how to solve problems and apply knowledge without hesitation.

Immersive learning will be used more and more in the near future to prepare students for their future lives and careers faster. It will also provide a personalized and engaging educational experience, revolutionizing the traditional educational process.

For example, Case Western Reserve University uses immersive technology to teach anatomy to its students. Visualization of three-dimensional anatomical models makes the educational process more visual and understandable for students.

Among the key elements of such an educational process are:

• Active learning. It implies the active participation of students in the educational process. They study the content and explore the environment. Compared to traditional training, this method allows students to learn all the features of a specific topic and acquire valuable skills.
• Experiential learning. Immersion in the educational process allows students to gain skills based on real-life experience. Students can practice what they have learned, solve real-life problems, and apply this knowledge to specific scenarios. This allows students to develop practical skills and gain the necessary experience applicable in real life. In traditional learning conditions, it is almost impossible to obtain such knowledge.
• Multisensory learning. With the help of immersive methodologies, it is possible to cover the entire range of sensations and emotions of the student. While studying different topics, all senses are covered: vision, hearing, touch. This makes it possible to understand certain phenomena and concepts and create realistic models of behavior. This method helps students remember information faster by creating associative series.
• Flexibility. Immersive educational methods are highly flexible. Such a program can easily be adapted to the individual needs and characteristics of each student. Students can progress quickly and receive feedback and support from the teacher almost instantly.

Immersive learning involves not only theory, but also practice. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while reducing their learning time. They can start working immediately after graduation and perform it at the highest level.

Geolocation intelligence

Another trend in edtech in 2024 is the use of location-based technologies. This technology has many advantages for orientation in educational buildings. Among the key functionalities of such technology, colleges should pay attention to the following:

• Navigation. With the help of geolocation services, it is possible to develop effective navigation methods in educational buildings. This will allow visitors and students to navigate the campus without getting lost. The technology will allow both students and visitors to get from one building to another quickly.
• Safety. Geolocation technology will help ensure safety on the territory of an educational institution. For example, colleges can set up tracking the location of students, teachers, and strangers. This is useful in emergency situations, allowing them to save everyone present much more efficiently.
• Student engagement. This method can be used to encourage students to attend classes and various events on campus. The service can be configured to send notifications depending on the current location and individual preferences of each student.
• Personalized recommendations. The service will help provide specific recommendations depending on the student’s location. For example, students can find out where the nearest park, store, and various educational events are located on campus or nearby.
• Resource management. Tracking and locating resources helps in their control. Staff can track the location of employees, students, and various instruments. This allows students to fully control all processes and wisely use available resources to achieve the assigned tasks.
• Marketing. By receiving location data, the administration can use it to promote the educational institution. For example, educational institutions can more effectively attract the attention of new students or advertise certain events on campus.

College life is quite a challenging task for many modern students. Not everyone can concentrate on learning and get rid of anxiety away from home. That is why location technology can also be used to find the best route around campus and provide comprehensive support.

Final thoughts

The pandemic has made adjustments to the modern educational process, completely changing values. Now, along with traditional teaching methods, there are also modern technological trends. These trends continue to develop and are actively being introduced into the educational process.

Teachers can significantly improve the learning experience, achieve success and exceptional results in the field of education. It is expected that the technologies described will improve the overall teaching methodology, help organize typical tasks and reduce the burden on the administration.

Students can acquire knowledge remotely without a need to attend universities directly. This will allow them to combine work and study, and use available tools for quality learning. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and immersive technologies increase involvement in the educational process and help to obtain only the necessary knowledge.

To stay ahead of the curve, universities and other educational institutions must actively integrate new technologies into their work. This will ensure a high-quality educational process, increase the efficiency of teachers and students, and will also allow regularly producing qualified specialists.