learning edtech also students education new teachers

4 Trends That Will Shape EdTech in 2021With the rapid spread of the pandemic, thousands of schools and millions ofteachers globally had to switch to remote classes almost overnight.Along with proving to be a dark horse for investors in 2020 with a whopping223.2% rise in funding than in the previous year (Source: Inc42+), EdTech hasalso made things easier.Some key shifts that happened in 2020 that prepared the ground for a quantumleap for EdTech in 2021 include: * EdTech startups attracted over $2.2 billion in investments * The new National Education Policy opens doors for technology to play a key role in creating more inclusiveness of education. * Birth of new EdTech players whereby the number of startups shot above 4500 * New niche segments identified by players to cater to specific needs * The growth that would have come in a few years got condensed to less than a year thereby boosting acceptance rather quickly * Hiring in the EdTech sector far outpaced that in most sectors#### Let’s take a look at 4 of the most impactful trends that will shapeEdTech for learners in 2021.### #1 Gamification and Interactive LearningIf we think of our days as children, classroom learning has indeed come a longway. But Tech needs to be toiled for learning to truly create ripples beyondjust becoming ‘online’ in nature. Teachers globally are adopting hybridmodels, video-based content and leveraging technology to make online learningmore interactive. Game design aspects are also being incorporated in learningenvironments to gain growing interest and attention. The use ofmultidimensional models, graphic calculators, animation and 3D images on smartscreens, presented with a touch of gamification makes the classroom much moreexciting.The number of new gamification features available to the learners’ communityis increasing rapidly. Hyderabad-based edtech startup EduThrill is alreadyleveraging gamification to deliver tests and assessment tools. Apart fromstudents, the startup is also helping corporates, institutes and job seekersprepare for their next job.There’s no road without bumps but interactive learning, includinggamification, will be a familiar tool in the EdTech domain in years to come.### #2 The Immersive Learning BoomAugmented and virtual reality are rapidly becoming popular with students.Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology in education that combinesmodern tech with real-world settings to provide an immersive eLearningexperience. In contrast, Virtual Reality (VR) creates a new digital world.Movie-like fantasies of experiencing the Indus Valley Civilization in 3D willcome alive with immersive learning. It will soon be possible for a student towear a VR headset and walk through the digital version of any designedgeography.### #3 Internet of ThingsAs students interact with connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices and otherdigital tools, online learning is booming. To cater to students’ educationalrequirements, the learning experience needs to be personalized, and we nowhave bigger data than ever before. This big data and analysis are critical forpersonalized learning, determining interventions, and what tools can beleveraged.As per the report by Markets and Markets Research, global IoT in the educationmarket is expected to increase from USD 4.8 billion in 2018 to 11.3 billion by2023 at a CAGR of 18.8%. And India is expected to contribute 20% of the globalmarket value. The same report states that the ‘classroom management segment’is expected to offer lucrative opportunities in the market.Smartboards and attendance metrics have both become widely known and acceptedby learners. With IoT, we can help breed more familiarity with the technologybetween learners and tutors. This will help pave the way for the short termand in the long term for a future underpinned by technology.### #4 Big Data and Learning AnalyticsThe current learning analytics landscape has expanded and allows educators tomeasure and report student learning efficiently.Some information that can be easily collected at basic levels includes thecourse’s topic, learner enrollment, learner performance (time per course,completion, test result), and learner feedback (rating, survey).When teachers read insights from students’ learning processes, they canimprove their learners’ knowledge and skill acquisition accordingly. Teacherscan also identify what pieces of knowledge weren’t effectively delivered andimprove them for future instances. Moreover, learning analytics also helpseducators identify blocks of students who may have academic or behaviouralchallenges. This can equip teachers to develop a way to help students reachtheir full potential.The Gig Economy has been yet another impactful pivot in accelerating thedemand for executive education and higher education. Add to this the rapidgrowth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets which will further fuel massive growth forall EdTech players in India. According to Talentedge, a leading HigherEducation platform, 45% of its learners come from Tier 2/3/4 markets and notfrom metros.With digital learning also proving to be an efficient solution for bridgingthe teacher skill gap, the future of edtech as a sector holds the promise ofeconomic prosperity for India.Considering students’ safety and the flexibility, the blended learningapproach is future choice to ensure uninterrupted teaching and learning.Leveraging the best of both online education and traditional learning methods,educational institutions can continue to focus on imparting 21st-centuryeducation.About the AuthorAuthor: Lakshmi SridharLakshmi has over two decades of experience in HR & Executive Search. Sheactively works with consumer tech and technology clients. Like what we do?The Latest EdTech News To Your InboxFollow us: