Digital transformation is the buzzword across industries, reshaping the world as we know it. We live in a world that is transforming at a rapid rate and this has an impact on households, businesses, and processes.
In education, digital transformation goes beyond integrating technology into the classroom, but also rethinking the teaching and learning processes to meet the demands of the digital generation. This shift from traditional learning has redefined how students learn, educators teach, and institutions operate.
Parents and educators are increasingly leveraging digital tools, platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for success in the 21st century.
This integration is becoming a part of day-to-day life, as we rely on technological advancements to enhance learning outcomes and improve our abilities to be well-versed in varied skills and competencies. As such, classrooms have evolved into dynamic, interactive learning environments where learning can be inclusive yet personalised to cater to diverse learning styles, preferences, and needs.
The Department of Basic Education in South Africa has embraced digital transformation by rolling out the robotics and coding curriculum, which is still in its pilot phase. This was done as a recognition of the importance of computer literacy and the need to prepare learners for the digital era.
Trends are a big part of the digital culture and even in education, there are trends that we are witnessing and can expect to see in years to come. These include:
Artificial Intelligence
Simply put, AI is a sort of machine learning that uses data and algorithms to learn cognitive functions like problem-solving, decision-making, perception, and language understanding, gradually improving its accuracy over time.
Nano learning
Nano learning or microlearning, is a learning approach of delivering small, bite-sized units of educational content usually on a complex topic in the form of short videos, interactive quizzes, infographics, or text-based content that can be consumed quickly and easily.
Online and hybrid education
Modern students prefer having a choice of how they learn and online learning means that the classroom can be anywhere. In homeschool and hybrid learning, students join lessons virtually through tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams and access additional material online.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is like stepping into a whole new world without leaving your chair. It’s a computer-generated environment that makes you feel like you’re there, seeing and interacting with everything around you. Advancements in tech have combined VR with augmented reality (AR) which integrates digital information with the user’s real-life environment, making it more realistic.
Cloud-based learning
Cloud-based learning is an interactive learning experience that enables learners to access their learning materials from their computers and with an internet connection. Using a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) learners can access lessons, videos, and assignments from anywhere with an internet connection.
Gamification
This is the concept of incorporating game-like elements into learning to make it more fun and engaging while motivating learning, participation, and retention. The use of gamification in learning has been shown to increase learner motivation and engagement and as a result can lead to increased learning gains. Different elements of games are utilised, like competition, points, rewards, and challenges.
Mobile learning
Also referred to as mLearning, this is a way of accessing educational materials, lessons, and resources using smartphones, tablets, or other portable devices. It’s like taking the classroom with you wherever you go, whether you’re on the bus, in a queue, at home, or anywhere else, you can keep learning on the move.
In a world where change is the only constant, innovation is the compass guiding us through uncharted waters. Optimi embraces digital transformation in learning spaces and when the world went into lockdown because of COVID-19 in 2020, we were there to meet the urgent need for digital migration in learning. Our foresight to offer accessible, cost-effective learning products and services through our unique GuideED Learning™ model and our proprietary learning technology, enables us to be industry leaders.
Digital transformation paves the way for a future where education knows no bounds, empowering individuals to realise their full potential and shape a brighter tomorrow.