Top Education Technology Trends

The education sector has been long overdue to adopt technology trends. The latest educational technology trends are a refreshing change. Since the pandemic transitioned learning from the classroom to homes, we have witnessed new ways of educating.

Innovative trends in educational technology provide opportunities to fulfill growing education needs. Solutions like online classes provide a way to keep classes going, and technology trends like augmented reality and cloud technology focus on connectivity, versatility and student-centered learning.

In this article, we’ll discuss in-depth what the term “educational technology” means. Then, we’ll talk about the most common uses of technology in the classroom today – 11 trends that are currently impacting modern education and five practical technology devices that are ideal for education today.

What Is Educational Technology?

Educational technology involves adopting new tools in the classroom to create a better learning experience.

Ed tech lets educators deliver information effectively and in a way best suited to learning retention. It has transformed the traditional methods of teaching into a more immersive experience.

We have seen several emerging trends in educational technology, including Internet of Things devices and artificial intelligence. This interactive technology has given students a more engaging way to learn, and it has even played a role in assisting teachers with tasks like grading.

Why Does Educational Technology Matter?

In today’s schools, the internet and computers are as prevalent as textbooks and pencils. These devices, paired with ed tech, can enhance students’ performance. Technology can assist educators in determining every student’s needs and requirements and creating personalized solutions. Technology like auto-grading can lessen educators’ burden and provide a more engaging learning experience.

Technology is already part of many students’ daily lives, so there is an opportunity to use it to further their education. Modern learners don’t want to sit passively while a teacher lectures to them — they want to experience. Ed tech allows educators to connect with young minds and interactively educate them. Altogether, the current trends in educational technology help teachers keep up with their students’ interests.

Educational technology can offer the following advantages in the classroom.

Incorporation of Different Learning Styles

Student needs are diverse, and adjusting the learning plan accordingly can be challenging. Technology can help educators modify their lessons. Incorporating technology can allow students to learn with a medium that interests them. For example, kids who like to draw can create infographics and demonstrate their understanding of the content. Ed tech can help teachers determine and assess all students’ capabilities with a tailored experience.

Improved Collaboration

Technology also increases collaboration among students by encouraging them to work together even outside school. When teachers assign a group project, students are more likely to cooperate when they have access to tech. Small activities become much more engaging when students work together. Technology also helps teachers track who is contributing what and analyze the group’s collective effort.

Improved Student-Teacher Connection

Around 57% of teachers say the internet significantly impacts students’ ability to share ideas with their instructors. From assignments to online discussions, technology has made student-teacher connections more efficient.

Preparation for the Future

Many industries incorporate the latest technologies in their workflow, and being comfortable with technology can make it easy for students to settle in. If students are used to working with technology in school, they can apply that familiarity to work-oriented software like PowerPoint. In this way, incorporating technology in the classroom can prepare students for future job success.

An Engaging Environment

Technology can increase student participation in the classroom. The use of computers, tablets and other types of technology can make lessons more interactive. Students can experience the lectures with technology, and it can help them retain the information better. For example, interactive videos can enhance students’ interest and increase their engagement in the classroom.

Technology Used in Education Today: Top 11 Trends

Keeping up with innovative education technology trends has become one of many goals for modern educators. Cutting-edge technology empowers educators to elevate students’ experience, and also takes the burden of repetitive tasks off their shoulders. So, what are the new trends in educational technology we can expect this year?

1. E-Learning

When schools worldwide shut down to limit the spread of COVID-19, distance learning quickly became the norm. That resulted in a rising demand for e-learning platforms, and overnight, this tech became one of the hottest educational trends. E-learning platforms let you deliver educational content through phones, laptops and computers.

E-learning has opened a door of opportunity for educators to teach students without the boundaries of a classroom. Many educators also use animations, podcasts and videos to make the e-learning experience more fun and interactive. From customized learning environments to being cost-effective, e-learning has many advantages, which is why we will see this trend grow in the future.

2. Video-Assisted Learning

Another trend that has been beneficial both during and after the pandemic shutdowns is video-assisted learning. This tech is somewhat similar to e-learning, because it also relies on videos and other visual modes. However, instead of a real-time class, students can watch these lecture videos at any time.

Though this medium predates the need for widespread e-learning, the pandemic forced people to make updates to suit modern needs. It is not the same as “movie day,” where teachers play educational films for students to enhance their knowledge of a topic. It is a much more subtle medium that has been instrumental in distance learning.

According to a paper published in Scientific & Academic Publishing, video presentations are highly effective for students’ learning. Video-assisted learning enriches the lessons and directly influences student performance.

3. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a way to structure data. A blockchain collects information in small units called blocks. As these fill up, they connect to previously filled blocks, forming a data string known as the blockchain. Blockchain technology has a significant role to play in the education sector, especially in data storage.

This trend has transformed record-keeping for student credentials and certificates, and it eliminates the need to verify degrees and other academic papers. Blockchain ensures transparent ledgers, reducing workplace fraud.

Blockchain ensures honesty and transparency in academic qualifications. Once a school records information in its online ledgers, it is not easy to change — you will need permission from network users to modify it. This tech can tackle issues like fraud and keep the data secure. Blockchain technology can also address issues like plagiarism by storing all data on a blockchain platform, which makes it almost impossible to modify without admin access. In this way, blockchain is laying the foundation for a transparent and better future.

4. Growing Big Data

Since various educational institutions adopted the distance learning trend following the pandemic shutdowns, we saw bigger datasets than ever. Since many schools operated remotely, educational institutions had a unique opportunity to collect student data, including their responses and engagement levels. This data could significantly improve the student learning experience, but losing critical information amid this flood is understandable. Here is where big data shines.

Identifying beneficial knowledge within the collected data requires specific methods. This data can demonstrate the results of adopted techniques and allow educators to alter their curriculum and measure students’ performance. Teachers can measure educational techniques and methods against students’ performance, empowering them to see which methods are most effective.

5. Artificial Intelligence

A recent market report predicts global AI in the education market will reach $3.68 billion by 2023. One of the most promising applications of using AI in education technology is automating activities like grading. AI can grade multiple-choice questions and fill in the blanks without an educator’s involvement. It frees up time for teachers and enables them to focus on other priorities.

Save Time in Your Classroom

Another issue AI solves is the need for individualized attention in an overcrowded classroom. AI can fill this gap by providing personalized tutoring to students in need. AI programs can also tailor learning tracks for every student and let them learn at their preferred pace. Children can explore their lessons at a comfortable speed and reduce the frustration that comes with traditional teaching methods.

6. Learning Analytics

Researching, tracking progress and analyzing data have all improved the learning process. Learning analytics relies on those pillars, but it also offers new opportunities to use the collected information.

Learning analytics uses computational analysis techniques from data science and AI to improve the quality of learning and teaching. Learning analytics programs help educators measure students’ growth and predict academic success. It also identifies the students who are at risk of failing or dropping out. Learning analytics programs evaluate the overall competency skills and offer insights to educators that allow them to focus on other areas apart from academics, like coordination, communication, critical thinking and more.

When educators receive this analysis, they get an idea of what students enjoy the most. It provides them an opportunity to increase engagement in the classroom and identify any blocks students might be experiencing. These analytics empower educators to develop a teaching pattern that benefits the students and helps them reach their full potential.

7. Gamification

Educators are always looking for ways to provide knowledge through fun activities, and gamification can be the answer. Gamification is applying game-like mechanics to daily activities to increase student engagement. This emerging trend is gaining momentum in primary education. Students can learn valuable information while feeling like they’re playing a fun game.

Gamification improves student engagement and allows them to learn without feeling bored. Gamification has several benefits, including aiding in kids’ cognitive development. Gamification can also create a positive environment in the classroom and help students collaborate.

8. Immersive Learning With VR and AR

Augmented reality and virtual reality can help the classroom become more interactive and immersive. Students today want new experiences, and immersive learning is the perfect solution. Immersive learning is a style that engages students’ senses. Whereas VR provides a constructed reality, AR gives a better and enhanced view of the image.

Immersive learning allows students to view environments and provides a fun learning experience. This technology makes some concepts seem more approachable for students. Participating in experiments and experiencing real historical sites can make lessons come to life, and it can directly influence student performance in the class.

9. STEAM

STEAM is an improvement on its predecessor, STEM. This new acronym stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math. STEM has been around since the early 21st century, and it was a set of skills educators encouraged youth to develop. Art is the new element in this equation that promotes creativity.

Since STEM occupations are in high demand, people who earn STEM-related degrees typically earn higher incomes. STEM workers played a critical role in economic stabilization, but it’s no longer enough to provide a balanced education. Arts and humanities programs teach personal expression, empathy and provide purpose to students. The introduction of arts has increased creativity and encouraged students to try new things. Adding arts to STEM is a movement that may entice other students to consider a STEM job.

10. Cloud Technology

Cloud technology software allows students to collaborate on projects and work from any location. This technology’s popularity increased during school shutdowns and maintained its momentum even after students returned to in-person learning. With cloud technology, students can access programs and files from any device, including laptops, desktops, tablets and phones. Cloud technology also gives students more access to STEAM programs, and it saves teachers time because it eliminates the need to update computers every day.

11. Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous online learning gives students more flexibility and freedom during the school day. It allows students to set their preferred learning schedule within a given timeframe. Students can view instructional information and materials at any time during the week as long as they complete their required assignments and tasks. Asynchronous learning empowers students to take a hands-on role in their education and practice self-sufficiency and time management skills. Online learning makes this possible because it allows students to view materials from any location.

5 Technology Devices Used in Education

Today’s digital learning offers everything students and teachers need readily at their fingertips in advanced designs. Modern technology used in schools provides an environmentally friendly approach with less paper waste. Organize your classroom with these beneficial systems:

Wondering what technology devices are most practical for modern education? Organize your classroom with these beneficial systems:

Projectors: Notes, images or presentations can be projected onto any flat surface.
Smartboards: A digitized recording can capture written content on a board with digital or real markers.
Laptops and tablets: Electronic portable devices can offer note-taking and learning activity opportunities.
Charging Towers: A vertical Tower can charge and store laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, iPads and mobile devices.
Ultra-High-Definition Television: Educational movies and videos can be displayed on wide-screen TVs.

Classroom Charging Solutions

Benefits of PowerGistics for Education

Educational technology devices require protection. Proper storage and charging keep laptops and tablets safe for maintaining long-lasting use with students and teachers. Consider PowerGistics Towers as your ultimate classroom tool with these provided benefits:

Versatility: Each Tower offers setup options to suit teachers’ classroom layout and preferences. Mount it on the wall, keep it free-standing or place it on wheels for easy movement to other room areas as needed.
Organization: A safe cord management system keeps your cords well-maintained and tidy for the device’s entire life cycle or longer. Each electronic device is inserted into a charging slot at the front of horizontal shelves with an adjustable and removable TechStop to accommodate larger laptops.
Productivity: Devices charge quickly in two to three hours. The machines only require an initial setup with little to no other maintenance for ease of use and continued productivity.
Visibility: Asymmetric doors offer clear visibility of secure device storage. Students quickly see storage slots for removing or inserting laptops efficiently.
Safety: The Open Tower Design offers single-touch power cord access for device retrieval to limit the spread of germs. An antimicrobial powder Coating provides an extra layer of protection to keep classrooms safe.

Trust PowerGistics for Ed Tech Solutions

Technology is becoming more prevalent in education, and the results have been very promising. Partnering with an organization that can assist you in adopting the latest technology can benefit your institution and students. At PowerGistics, we provide simple and effective charging solutions that help educators keep laptops and devices organized and safe when stored.