EdTech Trends to follow this year

Post-Covid, even when schools have opened up again and children are back in classrooms, educators believe that the usefulness and popularity of ed-tech are not going to abate.

More teachers believe that in the coming future, textbooks will be replaced by digital content to quite an extent. Students too have gotten used to the more flexible technological alternatives to physical classrooms. This may well mean that ed-tech is just going to keep growing. Let us take a look at where Ed-tech is leading us now.

Artificial Intelligence

This is probably the top trend in K-12 ed-tech. Ai and machine learning are present in all aspects of learning. It is present in everything from class management tools to cybersecurity. It can be found in Voice assistant and also for content filtering in the classrooms.

But it is still in its nascent stages and relies on human inputs to give meaningful results. However, it does present a prospect to use big data to create better opportunities for the classrooms. 

Learning Management System

To create and track e-learning activities and initiatives, a system called the Learning management systems is being developed. It is used to develop and deliver courseware. It is also used to track progress and provide a channel for communication for the class. 

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

When combined with Artificial intelligence, AR & VR provide a powerful tool for learning. Together they provide a more inclusive and healthier atmosphere for learning. AI can compute learning challenges for individual students and present courseware that will help them overcome their limitations or to present them with advanced learning material. The teachers can create a much more absorbing and richer teaching atmosphere by using the tools of AR and VR. 

Internet of Things (IoT)

This comprises several technologies combined. The growing trend for ed-tech shows that the usage of IoT will become more ubiquitous in the coming years. The applications of IoT in K-12 education are endless. 

Gamification

One of the most significant trends that have come to light in the aftermath of the pandemic is game-based learning. Since it brings together learning and the fun of gaming, it adds an extra dimension to the process of learning and makes it more engaging and interesting. Complex concepts can be easily explained by presenting them as a game. Gamification doesn’t require a teacher's presence in the classroom and the learners take control of the learning process. Creating games like PowerPoint Jeopardy, quizzes, and crossword puzzles all add an element of games to learning. 

Cloud Technology

This is one technology trend that is set to grow even after the pandemic. Cloud collaborations, computing, and storage have helped to make collaborations easier. Its accessibility and portability mean that the students can work from anywhere anytime. They can store and share projects and work on them as and when time permits. As long as there is an internet connection available to the students, they can work on their lessons and projects.

To deliver these tech-based learning environments, the teachers as well as the students need to have devices that are connected to the internet. IT directors should take into account that desk-bound clunky PCs are no longer an option for any school. The time is not to use more portable devices that the children can use anywhere and anytime. Devices like tablets, iPad, smartphones, laptops and Chromebook are more suitable to the new trends in K-12 ed-tech.