There’s no denying it: the way students are taught today is a world apart from the methods used a few decades ago. Thanks to technology, education has undergone a serious makeover. Well, in 2024, more trends in educational technology will open up new possibilities for learning.
The global e-learning market is projected to hit more than $460 billion by 2026. With no signs of slowing down, the industry opens opportunities for more individuals and organizations to use education technology or EdTech to create engaging and personalized learning experiences.
So, there is no better time to predict the future of educational technology. After all, it’s evolving at an unprecedented rate.
Let’s dive into the seven trends to watch out for in 2024!
AI-Driven Education
Of course, at the top of our EdTech trends list is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will continue to assist in e-learning. But in 2024, it will move beyond predictive AI.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications are on the rise. It’s projected that the market will hit $1,345 billion by 2030. As industry demand increases, education will play a crucial role. That’s why EdTech organizations need to gear up to bring generative and super AI into the mix to achieve the best educational outcomes.
Tailored learning materials
With the help of technologies like NLP, Machine Learning, and LLMs, hyper-personalized digital spaces are now within reach in the education sector. The advancements in assistive tech have paved the way for learner-centric virtual and real-life classrooms, offering flexible instruction techniques that cater to unique learning needs. Thanks to AI-powered content, students can access tailored learning materials that perfectly match their requirements.
Automation for grading systems
Automated grading systems streamline the grading process, freeing up time for personalized interactions with students. AI can also generate lesson plan outlines quickly, but not only that—smart, AI-powered content is adaptive and interactive, allowing students to learn at their own pace and in their preferred style. These predictive analytics tools identify at-risk students for targeted interventions and support.
Simplifying complex topics
AI is a game-changer for the teaching and learning process. It can enhance writing skills and explain complex concepts into easily understandable material. AI tools are perfect for spotting learning gaps and creating personalized learning plans that match each student’s pace. This approach ensures students get the specific support they need to excel, keeping them motivated and boosting their academic performance.
Social Media as a Learning Tool
Who would’ve thought social media could make its way into the classroom? The ever-evolving educational landscape of teaching and learning is constantly shifting. And with kids as young as eleven already embracing social media, this year will be the year of transforming it into a mighty weapon to supercharge the learning experience.
Educational institutions have caught up with the times and are now using social media as a communication tool. Students can now chat it up with their buddies and faculty members, not just sharing funny videos but also sharing study materials, opinions, and awesome projects with their social eBook features.
In 2024, teachers embrace the power of social media in their teaching methods. It’s not just about “likes” and “shares” but about keeping students hooked and boosting engagement. So, we can expect more learning modules to pop up with your Facebook and Instagram notifications.
AR and VR for an Immersive Learning Experience
Using more wearables in the classroom is one of the emerging trends in EdTech in 2024, and who can blame them? Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) apps have a lot of potential in the education industry.
Learning has gone beyond traditional methods. According to The App Solutions, 97% of students are excited about taking virtual reality courses. Instead of just plain images and hands-on experiments in the lab, students can now explore enhanced versions of images and objects right on their mobile devices.
These awesome technologies offer hands-on training opportunities from medicine to engineering. Students get to practice real-world skills in a safe and controlled environment. They can go on virtual field trips to historic landmarks, explore faraway planets, or engage in interactive simulations that make learning come alive. Plus, collaborative learning in VR and AR allows students to work together on projects and share experiences, no matter where they are.
Learning at Home Through Gamification
Accessing educational content through games isn’t a new concept. But in 2024, we’ll see more educational games that make learning fun and engaging for students of all ages.
Games are educational tools to help students learn while having a blast, and they’re getting more interactive by the day. If you’ve heard your kids playing Minecraft, you should know it’s not just for building blocky worlds. It’s been used to put on stage performances, write stories, and even teach students about DNA.
But we’re not just talking about games you can play on a PC or laptop. Gamification is also present in the classroom environment with leaderboards, reward points, badges, stickers, and more. This empowers student engagement, motivation, and social interaction.
Out of all the trends in education technology, gamification really stands out. It’s the one that guarantees more participation, engagement, and healthy competition. And you know what? It is not impossible to see this trend being used in even more creative ways to make learning fun!
Private Spaces for Focused Education
The internet is brimming with communities and resources for education. In 2024, these online groups will focus on creating private spaces for students to have a more focused and dedicated learning experience.
With the surge in distance learning and e-learning, education-focused audiences are actively seeking private communities and chats to create safe spaces. With cloud computing, students can access educational materials and resources, all the while creating a discussion with fellow learners and instructors, moving away from impersonal online platforms.
Creators in the education technology space can make the most of this opportunity by providing safe learning environments for their audiences. This can take the form of exclusive monthly memberships, private communities, personalized calls, and more!
eLearning for All
We can see more accessible education in 2024. EdTech creators are breaking the barriers of educational settings and starting their own on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that 1 in 4 TikTok users in the United States actually use the platform for educational purposes. We already mentioned that social media will be one of the emerging trends in education technology, but to some, it will be their primary source of education.
When we think of “online creators,” we often imagine teenagers or young adults in their 20s. However, the reality is quite different. The average creator in this space is actually a 40-year-old millennial. Experience matters to audiences in the realm of education technology. They seek trustworthiness and reliability, qualities that individuals with more life experience can bring.
This year is the time to take advantage of all that social media has to offer for education technology. So don’t be shy and start creating your online courses through these platforms!
Blended Learning is Here to Stay
Digitization has transformed the education system big time and will keep on doing so in 2024. With more EdTech coming in, we can expect more blended learning experiences.
Different techniques, like in-classroom, remote, on-the-move, and others, all work together to boost knowledge acquisition and make courses more efficient. This approach to training encourages a self-paced and continuous learning process. Plus, with elements like gamification and mobile access, it can also help you meet your learners where they’re at.
If this is the year you embark on creating your very own online learning platform, why not make the challenge of learning new skills a fun and easy group activity? Encourage collaboration and foster community among your learners with features like chats, posts, hashtags, and personal stories. Let them share lessons and curricula and even form study or learning groups.
Want to Make an App for Online Learning?
Jumping into education technology trends in 2024 could be a wise move for your business or brand. However, building an app isn’t exactly child’s play.
At StarTechUP, we are a renowned mobile and web app development company in the Philippines that promotes accessible online learning. Our team can carefully craft custom apps tailored to your needs so you can create an engaging, interactive experience for your learners.
So, if you wish to stay at the forefront of online education, contact us today!
