Teaching and learning technological trends
The education sector has not been left behind by the technological revolution of the last two decades. Not only have computers and the internet changed how students access information, but they have also changed how they attend classes. By the end of 2017, there were over 6..5 million students were enrolled in a degree-granting postsecondary institution's distant learning program.
"The growth of technological capabilities means that a variety of media and there are now learning-support systems available to assist students in receiving a high-quality education through the internet."
This trend presents a number of benefits and drawbacks for teachers and institutions who wish to provide their children with the quality education they require to thrive.
Technology, for example, may not encourage students to learn soft skills. They might not have the built-in opportunities to engage with their fellow students, the way they might in traditional-style classrooms. For example, opportunities for leadership on group projects will not occur as organically as they once did.
The online platform may also force teachers to change how they teach. They might find it challenging to change how they approach lesson plans to ensure that the students remain engaged even while they cannot see the instructor in person.
A key trend in higher education is soft skills training.
Critical thinking, problem-solving, people management, and creativity are among the most crucial job talents, according to the Future of Jobs survey. Employers are looking for young professionals who can make tough judgments and have leadership ability.
" In an effort to prepare students for their future careers, schools must have the training in place to help students nurture and grow in these skill areas."
However, as already discussed, the simultaneous trend towards online learning does make this a challenge for many teachers. These educators will need to find a way to balance the screen time involved in their class with the importance of encouraging students to work together face-to-face to nurture soft skill development.
Students' attention spans are shortening.
Students' attention spans have shifted as technology has become more prevalent. Between 2000, when the mobile revolution began, and 2015, Microsoft conducted a study that examined at people's attention spans in general. They discovered that attention spans shrank by 4 seconds, from 12 seconds to 8. The nature of technology and the constant stimulus it provides viewers has been widely blamed for the decline.
The changes in attention span can also be used as an excellent way to differentiate between the different generations. Millennials, for example, who have largely grown up with this technology at their fingertips, have distinct characteristics from Gen X and Boomers who came before them.
Most notably, Millennials report that when content is highly engaging, they have the potential to pay attention for longer periods than past generations. However, when that content does not engage them, they become among the first to tune out the speaker.
" To keep the attention of Millennials, the content presented to them must have excellent visuals and dialogue, along with an interesting storyline that will hold their attention. This younger group cares more about the narrative and the visual nature of the content that interests them than other age groups."
Learning facilitation vs. instruction
As technology has advanced, so has the way teachers interact with their pupils and classrooms. Students today have the tools they need to independently explore a vast quantity of facts and knowledge, thanks to a wealth of information at their fingertips. Many students regard a top-down delivery technique less in this context. Teachers are increasingly more of a facilitator than a teacher. Their work has gradually evolved into one in which they assist pupils in learning how to study, to enjoy learning, and to uncover and comprehend the knowledge they discover.
This can present some challenges for teachers, who must work on their own soft skills of leadership and problem-solving. They must learn how to foster conversations and create an environment that values teamwork.
"The best teachers will be those who can help students take ownership of their learning."
As teachers become more involved in the students’ learning process, they will also find themselves in a position to receive immediate feedback on their teaching effectiveness. Their ability to nurture and facilitate these skills in their classroom will become obvious quickly as the class moves through the material.
The trend of lifelong learning
Each industrial revolution has radically altered the nature of labor and employment. As enormous technical progress leads to changes in how individuals execute their professions, the current 4th Industrial Revolution may affect an amazing 50% of jobs. Professionals who wish to stay competitive in their field will need to retrain on a regular basis. They can't presume that the education they received in the first half of their careers will be sufficient for the rest of their careers.
Instead, earning a degree must be followed by ongoing learning. This requires institutions to create a self-development mindset in their students as well as their faculty and staff. Classrooms must leave opportunities for teaching self-learning skills so that students can continue to learn and engage in their chosen fields.
The schools that learn how to master these skills, however, have the chance to remain connected with their alumni throughout their careers. They can offer continual learning courses that will keep their former students engaged with the new development in their fields, and ensure that they keep coming back to the school for the support and education they need.
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