Technology has permeated almost every industry, with the education sector being no exception. These technological advancements and innovations have the potential to transform how we learn and teach, creating learning environments that are more engaging and personalised to individuals.

While we can only guess where this will lead in the future, we do have insight into how new technologies will play an important role in classrooms over the next five years: here are four edtech innovations to keep an eye out for.

1. Experiential learning

Textbooks and lecture slides are commonly used as methods by which to teach students. But with the rise of technology, there are many more engaging ways they can expand their horizons through experiential learning.

For example, some Singapore classrooms are purchasing accelerometers and light-gate sensors that give students the opportunity to learn about gravity through experience rather than from the pages of a book. By immersing themselves in a process, students are better able to develop skills that allow them to demonstrate the laws of physics and apply it in real life scenarios.

2. Personalised learning

While many schools are making an effort to tailor learning to individuals, technological advancements will allow for this even more, provide the opportunity for students to dictate how they learn. Personalised learning platforms take students through learning projects that allow them to track their own goals and take a hands-on approach to guide their learning.

This has been trialed at institutions in California, with findings showing that the number of students undertaking personalised learning that are on track to complete college in six years is double the national average. They are also more likely to meet or exceed math standards than students who learn through traditional methods.

3. Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) involves using complex algorithms to identify patterns in data. This technology is able to be used in traditional classrooms to help teachers monitor learning outcomes and ensure their students are on track. This is particularly effective in large or disparate classrooms where it’s not possible for the teacher to be involved in every conversation. While students conduct experiments, the AI technology can ‘listen’ in on discussions and transcribe them. By enabling teachers to ‘listen’ to all classroom learnings, even when they’re not there, they can ensure learning outcomes are being achieved and refine their lesson plans where required.

Teachers are even able to teach AI to identify keywords, so that the technology can identify these when it reports back to them. This allows teachers to identify how clearly students have grasped the major concepts of the class.

4. Blockchain

A key issue for any educational institution is data privacy. As more technology is used to educate and assess learning outcomes, more data about students and teachers will also be collected. This raises important questions about how to maintain the privacy of students while increasing their learning opportunities and blockchain may provide the answer.

Several industries, like financial services and healthcare, are already starting to use blockchain to maintain data security. Blockchain uses a distributed ledger process with peer-to-peer networks to securely transfer and store information. This can then potentially be used to maintain a student’s personal details or even verify educational qualifications to potential employers, for example.

Education technology is a rapidly growing industry, and one that requires a multitude of qualified tech personnel to develop and implement these new advancements. To find a job in this exciting industry, or recruit the best professionals in this area, contact us today.