We’re crowing 2019 to be the year of emerging tech, impact and personalisation. Here are this year’s top 5 trends disrupting the edtech industry
We’re crowing 2019 to be the year of emerging tech, impact and personalisation. Here are this year’s top 5 trends disrupting the edtech industry:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2. Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
3. Advanced Analytics
4. Accessibility
5. Adaptive Learning
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
It is impossible to engage with an Edtech solution that isn’t supported by this year’s hottest emerging technology- AI. The most innovative trends in the Edtech industry have moved well beyond individual AI features like spell check, automatic translations and teaching assistant chatbots.
AI has become an integral part of entire Learning Management Systems (LMS) by making one-size-fits-all training models history and time-consuming administrative responsibilities a task from the past.
AI has become an integral part of entire Learning Management Systems (LMS) by making one-size-fits-all training models history and time-consuming administrative responsibilities a task from the past. AI allows Edtech solutions to be more cost-effective and adaptive, rendering a solid Return on Investment (ROI) and greater learner engagement. Automated evaluations and data collection allows course administrators to focus on evaluating learner’s unique competencies and provide specific feedback on their progress. Streamlining content makes learners’ experience more personalised and time-efficient on the platform.
CanopyLAB’s AI powered learning platform provides unique features like the automatic tagging of course content to the recommendation of particular exercises. We’ve got all the details about our NLP integrations and how AI is disrupting the future of learning- read further in these two featured blog posts:
The enormous potential of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in learning.
Digital Disruption: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Learning.
2. Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
Looking for ways to make online experiences more hands-on and experiential? The latest innovations in AR/VR are already enhancing learning experiences through virtual learning simulations. Companies like Labster and Cadpeople are increasing learning outcomes and motivation for science education through gamification elements in AR/VR experiences, creating simulations for biosafety, chemistry labs and engineering tasks.
Moving beyond STEM to 21st century skills, some of the most interesting innovations in AR/VR is how it is being used in educational institutions across the United States to teach social emotional intelligence and empathy – Stanford University is even experimenting with VR simulations to fight racism, helping individuals develop the human-centered skills needed to great a just, multicultural society.
3. Advanced Analytics
It’s not just about the data- it is about what you can do with it. One of the most amazing features of LMSs is the ability to collect, track and analyze learner analytics in a way that is easy to understand for all users. For course administrators, overall and individualized learner metrics become valuable insights that support the tailoring of online learning experiences to best fit learner needs. For the learners themselves, being able to see their own progress increases the motivation and engagement of personal and professional growth.
It’s not just about the data- it is about what you can do with it.
4. Accessibility
Tons of edtech solutions out there are making online learning more accessible by facilitating differentiated learning to meet the needs of a wide range of users. For instance, Google Chrome assistive technologies provides built-in accessibility features like dictation, screen readers and even braille support. The biggest insight from this year is that people’s attitudes towards using assistive technologies is changing- we are more aware, knowledgeable and open to the incredible potential and impact of these technologies. Companies and educational institutions are investing more resources in making sure learning and professional development programs provide the necessary online tools and assistive technologies to support the needs of every individual.
Companies and educational institutions are investing more resources in making sure learning and professional development programs provide the necessary online tools and assistive technologies to support the needs of every individual.
5. Adaptive Learning
We are saving the best for last- adaptive learning has not only dominated the hype in 2019, but it is also the biggest prediction for 2020 in corporate learning.
Adaptive learning is the key to real-time personalized learning streamlining instruction and content to meet the needs of every individual learner. The mere idea of creating 10 variations of the same program to fit an array of diverse needs is a thing of the past- adaptive learning finds the most effective and engaging learning path for every learner. How? It enables the personalisation of course content and instruction to facilitate different learning styles. Think of it like this, if an organisation is pushing forward a company-wide course on IoT, adaptive learning prioritizes the knowledge employees need to develop their individual competences. No more having to sit through hours of content they have already mastered!
Looking ahead
2019 has seen a lot of incredible advances in the industry, but there are loads of companies out there claiming to be pioneers in providing the latest in Edtech. What we want to see in 2020 more evidence, applications and usable mind-blowing solutions that give some substance to these hyped trends.
New year, new you? Check out our blog post on Our predictions for 2020: Trends in Corporate Learning.
At CanopyLAB we designed a simple and social platform for digital learning experiences.
