Three Key E-learning Trends to Look Out for in 2018
This is an era of technological advancements. Well, we have been here for quite some time now with Siri managing our lives, various applications keeping tabs on our activities, Intelligent Machines helping us with everything ranging from simple to complex. In recent years, technology has drastically changed the way we learn and is predicted to bring further changes in our learning spaces. Listed below are three such technology trends which might completely overhaul our teaching and learning methods:
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Traditionally used for entertainment purposes (gaming, movies, etc.), a mix of Virtual and Augmented Reality is predicted to completely overhaul the immersive learning space in the coming decades. With blended reality, as the mix of VR and AR is popularly called, it will be possible to put the learners in realistic environments where they will be able to experience the learning. Imagine your students exploring the outer space, marine ecosystems, exploits of the Roman civilization all the while sitting in the classroom!
An article by Times Higher Education reveals that in a survey conducted by education technology charity Jisc, nearly a third (32 percent) of the students admitted that tech facilities played a part in their choice of university. So, along with bringing learning to life for the students, blended reality will bring in more revenue for the educational institutions in myriad ways.
Video-based learning
The popularity of interactive video-based learning continues to grow by the hour. It is no brainer that content in video form appeals to learners more than the traditional teaching methods. Organizations are capitalizing on this popularity of video-based courseware to make students more engaged and invested in the learning process.
According to a report by Cisco, by 2019, 85% of the internet traffic will be video content. This dramatic increase in video content consumption speaks a lot about the impact it is expected to have in the higher education sector.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence has come a long way since IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue defeated the then reigning chess grandmaster, Gary Kasparov in 1996. We have a robot citizen in Saudi Arabia. Intelligent machines have automated and made the most complex tasks, simple. Bots are performing our tasks for us.
AI has generated great waves in the educational industry also and has significantly changed the way today’s student learns. A study by the research firm Research and Markets states that the artificial intelligence market in the US education sector is projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 47.50% over the next four years which makes artificial intelligence the third key e-learning trend to look out for in 2018.
Have something to add? Tell us in the comments.
Anthony Banford is an esteemed executive with 19 years of experience in technology, consulting, and education. He begins his latest chapter as Chief Revenue Officer at BlackBeltHelp, aiming to innovate in the higher education support industry. His move follows a successful stint as Head of Revenue at StudentBridge since March 2023, where he significantly contributed to the company’s merger with Full Measure Education, enhancing its service offerings.
Todd Hollrah joins BlackBeltHelp bringing 25+ years of experience managing service delivery operations for several Fortune 500 clients around the globe. After a distinguished career as an executive in the BPO industry, Todd will provide critical insight into building an exceptional customer experience combining both live voice and automated solutions.
Inspired by a family computer that always needed fixing, Chris Uthe has submerged himself in business and technology for the last 20 years. His first company, a PC repair and networking business, was started at just 16 and successfully fueled a deep interest in solving problems as he helped business customers throughout his hometown adopt technology into their business. He would go on to successfully run a media & managed IT company before joining the Ed Tech industry with a successful 13-year tenure within an ERP/SIS company leading the Student Portal & Learning Management division. His last startup, EdSolio, helped to fuel the winds of competency-based education by providing a comprehensive view of a student’s work and achievements. Chris is now focused on creating successful learners by ensuring the highest quality help and support through the use of AI backed toolsets spending the last 3 years in the student engagement and support markets.
Quaiser Absar is the Chief Technology Officer and Director of Institutional Computing at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
Bringing in over 2 decades of experience with him, Manish has ensured seamless operations in terms of client delivery, reporting & analytics, quality, training, and transitions with a special focus on technical integrations to help reduce costs and improve the bottom-line.
Anthony has served higher education in diverse, leadership roles for over 30 years and has helped organizations thrive through his expertise in developing, analyzing, and executing growth strategies. Prior to joining BlackBeltHelp, he served in College Administration as well as in leadership roles within Blackboard Student Services and Ellucian, Inc.
Accomplished IT Specialist and Manager with extensive experience in a higher education setting and demonstrated abilities to effectively manage both student and professional staff. Self-motivated problem solver, who is skilled in managing many issues and prioritizing their importance to find resolutions in a timely and effective manner. Possesses strong abilities to adapt to new technologies by extrapolating from existing experience. Possess first-rate communication and collaboration skills to work with diverse groups effectively.
Lila Buytendorp has been serving as the Director of User Services at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) since 2000. In this role she is responsible for staff & lab desktop computing and end user support. She guides and supports technology based on the curriculum needs and ensures technology is implemented to support the emerging needs of the college. She builds and supports integrated systems to improve efficiencies and uses technologies to support data-driven decision making. Lila is a member of the Capital Projects Planning and Design Committee to ensure new or remodeled facilities have appropriate technology.