Digital trends that can be seen in the education sector in 2020

Technology continues to deeply impact every aspect of life and education is no different. The digital divide is shrinking steadfastly at a rate of 5% annually and internet growth statistics show that by the year 2028, 100% of the world population will have internet access. Access to internet coupled with other technological advancement will completely transform the way education has been imparted till now. Here are some trends of the immediate future-

1. Individualised Learning Plans- Thousands of years ago India had the Gurukul system. Each child would get individualised learning as per their ability. Somewhere we lost this wonderful gift of teaching and learning. Till date students continue to learn at different speeds yet we churn them out of schools like factories would churn out goods. We all wish that we could run schools with a smaller student teacher ratio but unfortunately that is not always possible. Technology is helping put forward a customised approach which help each student learn with techniques that interest them the most. ILP will not only help students learn at their own pace, but also track and manage their learning needs. This is especially beneficial for students with learning difficulties who engage better via listening and speaking mediums.But most importantly by introducing a customised learning plan in discussion with the student, their buy-in is greater and the students develop self-reflective abilities.


2. Online Assessments for tracking student performance- Online assessment platforms have transformed the way teachers evaluate the performance of the students. They are also used by classroom teachers to understand what percentage of the class has understood the didactic and therefore, plan lessons better.


3. Students will continue to have a place to express their feelings and thoughts- More and more youngsters are committed to bring about positive change at a large scale basis. Crowdfunding is possible at a click of a button. There are several platforms which gives a voice to students. They support a causeand feel like they are a part of a larger community and this has been possible due to technology.
   
   
4. Educators will have to be open to change and adapt to changing technology- Educators who aren’t willing to adapt to the technological revolution run the risk of becoming redundant. Upgradation of skills will enable educators to widen the technological knowledge pool of students and then leave the choice of utilising the skills up to them. They will have to upskill themselves to be able to keep pace with the learners.
   
   
5. Game based learning- There are several game based learning programs for children as young as 5-6 years old which are helping children learn complex concepts in a simple and effortless manner.There is instant feedback given to the student player. Different levels help to track learning progress and gives students and teachers a clear learning pathway to go to the next level.
   
   
6. School management systems have changed the way the schools now connect with various stakeholders- parents, students and teachers. More and more schools are now adopting SMS to develop a comprehensive eco system where real time information of their childrenis available. It is also a very convenient tool for working parents. More and more schools will continue to digitise their communication which could even include sending out simple circulars via email instead of hard copies.
   
   
7. Schools spaces are evolving- there will be libraries with no books, just kindles and tablets. Think labs and innovative centres will be set up which will support robotics, artificial intelligence, and product designs using 3D printers. Use of virtual reality kits to simulate real life experiences will increase.
   

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