Today, technological progress is among the most crucial parts of almost any process. All we do can be served by a smart device that can simplify any process and fulfill many important functions. Education is tightly related to technology. Therefore, it is necessary to track emerging trends in educational technology.
Charles Ross is a professional writer and blogger who works for a cheap essay writing company – Affordable Papers. It’s a reliable custom writing agency, which employs only skilled experts. This writer is famous for writing useful blogs and shares his rich experience with students. “Technology is an inevitable and irreplaceable part of modern education. It helps to optimize the learning process and receive amazing results. That is why it’s vital to follow the latest trends to know what can boost efficacy in learners”. We agree with Charles and propose to review the most important trends.
Mobile Learning
The first emerging trend is mobile learning. It’s not new because people use cell phones for two decades and software developers have adapted almost everything to those small smart devices. Almost every website has a mobile version because website owners know that users commonly use their phones. They ensure quickness, convenience, and flexibility.
Students commonly use cell phones or tablets. Mobile learning is really fast and offers many conveniences. Thus, students can access any educational site, read e-books, guides, tutorials, and other useful materials to find the necessary answers. They can also use various learning tools to simplify their tasks and avoid mistakes.
The most popular tools for students are:
- Grammar checkers. These programs check texts and identify grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. Some of them show incorrect use of lexicon or stylistic errors. They also offer correct variants, which simplifies the writing process.
- Plagiarism checkers. These tools scan the whole Internet to define if your text plagiarizes someone else. You’ll see feedback to eliminate such parts.
- Citation generators. They help to customize citations according to the assigned writing format.
- Topic generators. These tools create lists of relevant ideas in any subject for any paper.
These and other tools can be easily uploaded to a modern cell phone. Students can use them when it’s convenient for them. Besides, most tools are commonly free of charge. Therefore, these smart digital assistants won’t cost anything at all.
Mixed Reality
The most engaging technologies are the ones that help to change reality thanks to virtual support. Mixed reality (MR) is common among the most popular educational technology trends. It combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). They provide learners with the opportunities they would have never managed to enjoy.
For example, students can visit places they’ve never been to. These may be museums or other countries they can put on special glasses and headphones to listen to the demonstration of how something is manufactured or surgeries are carried out. It’s possible to create an interior of a room using MR to see how it might look like to make the right decision. Moreover, students travel to ancient times to see how people used to live hundred centuries ago.
Advanced Analytics
Big data and advanced analytics aren’t new today. Nevertheless, they remain popular and important all the same. The usefulness of advanced analytics is huge. A smart computer gathers data from the entire Internet. It checks all the questions asked by users and creates databases that are divided into logical categories. When a student begins to look for something, the computer will instantly propose the most relevant search results to quickly access the data one truly needs.
Artificial Intelligence
AI or artificial intelligence is vital too. It is used to fulfill many functions. One of them has been mentioned right above. It collects and assesses big data. Accordingly, it may make predictions, decisions, and effective solutions. Learners and educators can trust smart AI and undertake the necessary steps to rationalize their learning and teaching.
Robotics
Nowadays, we can see more and more intelligent robots appear in factories, offices, and educational institutions. They help to carry out functions that simplify any process. They are particularly helpful for students with disabilities. Smart robots assist accurately to overcome any complications in such children.
Video-Assisting Learning
Another crucial emerging trend in educational technology is learning via video content. Students can learn a lot by watching video lessons, webinars, workshops, etc. Many people need to see and not only listen to how something should be done. This method helps to learn faster. It enhances engagement in the learning process. It also is useful for group discussions, workshops, and so on.
Gamification in Education
Educational games are also trendy and very beneficial. Psychologists have proved long ago that we quickly learn via games. Thus, educational technology actively creates new games that develop various skills in kids and enrich their knowledge and experience.
Collaborative Learning
Merely all world educational systems are based on collaboration among students. It’s also a trend in educational technology. Students can communicate with each other, as well as with their teachers. It’s necessary to be online and use a live chat and some programs to fulfill tasks and receive instant feedback.
These were the main emerging trends of research in educational technology for 2020-2021. They have bright perspectives and can last for many years. As you can see, these trends are vital for the educational sector. If they are used correctly, learners and educators will reap many essential benefits.