This article will talk about some major trends of educational technology (ed-tech) of 2021.

Online classrooms, learning management systems, and other groundbreaking technology advancements are increasingly becoming an integral component of our educational system. As a result, what was once thought to represent the future of education is now becoming the standard. Students are now using ed-tech platforms and tools to study at their speed, and the education system is no longer synonymous with the conventional classroom setup. By 2021, the ed-tech sector is anticipated to have 9.6 million users and a market share of US$1.96 billion, according to research by KPMG and Google. The education sector will continue to evolve as a result of the industry’s influence.

Virtual reality

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the education sector by automating learning resources such as online classrooms, exams, and homework monitoring, among other things. This invention can help both students and instructors. Teachers may use virtual reality and augmented reality to not only catch students’ attention but also to educate more engagingly and effectively, simplifying the idea explanation process. As a result, the teaching-learning process becomes more engaging and immersive.

Virtual classrooms

Virtual classroom-enabled online lectures are gaining popularity since they allow students to learn from anywhere in the globe and at their preferred educational institution. It not only creates a true classroom-like learning atmosphere at home but also allows teachers to oversee and supervise academic activities from the comfort of their own homes. Online learning has become transparent for all stakeholders thanks to artificial intelligence-enabled student monitoring, attendance tracking, and test proctoring.

Adaptive and personalized learning

The key to 21st-century education is individualized learning. Online learning platforms provide a flexible learning environment by allowing students to learn at their speed and by allowing instructors to use digital technologies to make learning more interesting and collaborative. Adaptive learning tailors study materials to the student’s abilities and knowledge level. Teachers may use adaptive assessments to figure out what problems each student has and concentrate on those to smooth out the rough spots. Adaptive learning guarantees that students are actively engaged in their learning, resulting in the greatest possible outcomes.

Robotics

Robotics is gaining popularity in K-12 schools. Students may improve their grasp of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects while also developing 21st-century abilities like critical thinking, decision-making, and creativity by designing and coding robots.

Cloud-based ed-tech platforms

Integration of cloud technology with education is becoming more common as a result of fast technological developments. Everything can be controlled using cloud technology, whether it’s academic content or school management. Smart cloud-based ed-tech systems offer a variety of academic services, including online tests, online classrooms, and homework solutions, as well as real-time tracking, immediate reporting, and other features. They’ve also simplified administrative duties including online fee management, parent-teacher communication, online admissions, report card preparation, and staff management.

Masterclasses over the internet

Digital masterclass formats are becoming increasingly popular as students get more familiar with the Internet and other digital devices. Students may learn from top-tier professionals in a variety of disciplines through digital masterclasses. This motivates students to take an active role in their education.

Blended learning

The blended learning strategy is one of the greatest alternatives for ensuring uninterrupted teaching and learning, given the safety of students and the flexibility it gives. Educational institutions may focus on delivering 21st-century education by combining the finest of both online educational resources and traditional classroom learning techniques. The flipped classroom concept, for example, allows students to explore and study on their own time. Teachers can also encourage collaborative learning by combining offline and online learning resources, resulting in a more dynamic classroom.

Block-based coding systems

Block-based coding is a stepping stone for learners in the twenty-first century, which is all about practical learning. Because the instructions are presented as blocks in Coding, a block-based programming language, it is easier for students to grasp and build diverse multimedia projects. It allows kids to create a variety of projects, including animated stories, science experiments, interactive artwork, and more. Students’ creativity can be boosted by using such coding applications.

Ed-tech tools and platforms are therefore giving educational institutions a tremendous chance to respond to the challenge and create a seamless transition from offline to online learning. Online education will become the new normal in the next years, fully embracing the concept of studying from anywhere, at any time.