Current Trends in Education

Stay updated with education trends: remote learning, mental health, skill gaps, AI, AR/VR, gamification, hybrid learning, and lifelong education.

Education is an ever-evolving landscape, which is why it’s so essential to stay up to date with the latest research, technology, and trends in the field. When you’re well-informed, it’ll enhance your teaching quality, keep you engaged and passionate, and improve your career aspects. 

So, what are the trends and advancements in education right now? Let’s discuss current issues, technology trends, and the future of education. 

Current Educational Issues

Remote Learning Challenges

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it was the first introduction of remote learning for many. While it allowed students everywhere to continue to learn without putting their health at risk, it did come with its own challenges. Remote learning is still an effective tool in education, but it's essential to be aware of the drawbacks that need to be addressed. 

These issues include: 

• Ineffective Time Management: Successful time management can be difficult on its own, but becomes even more challenging in a remote learning environment where students are in charge of pacing themselves.
• Lack of Instant Communication: Because both student and teacher are not in the same physical space, communicating quickly or providing feedback can be delayed. This can lead to miscommunications that become problematic.
• Lack of Clear Instruction: Students need clear and concise instructions and expectations set for them, which can be difficult with the delay in communication. 

Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental health challenges among students are a growing issue. Anxiety, stress, and depression are the most common concerns with students. It was reported in 2021 that the average number of appointments students needed to address mental health concerns increased by 20%. 

Skill Gaps and Workforce Preparation

Many skill gaps between education and the workforce are a result of an educational system that can’t keep pace with the evolving economy. It’s believed that higher academic standards, better tracking of student performance, and more robust early childhood programs are needed to prepare students for postsecondary education and a successful start in the workforce. 

Technology Trends in Education

Online Learning Platforms

With online learning platforms, particularly at a higher education level, students can complete work around their schedules rather than having a defined classroom time. This approach allows students to have more control over their assignment timing and promotes learning effective time management skills. 

Current technology offers educators a way to meet students’ learning objectives through computers, tablets, and smartphones. They can provide a variety of different lesson styles, utilizing podcasts, simulations, videos, and more. This trend is sure to continue due to its high levels of configuration and affordability. 

Artificial Intelligence in Education

Artificial intelligence is a more recent development but is taking off in many industries, including education. Teachers can save time using AI tools to automate tasks and enhance the delivery of course material. It can also assist in grading exams and generating lesson plan outlines. This allows teachers to focus on continuing education to ensure that their classrooms are effective. 

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented and virtual reality are emerging technology trends that are gaining popularity. They both transform learning into an immersive experience that is engaging in several ways and with a number of senses. In augmented reality, students can view topics through the lens of a real-world setting. Virtual reality creates an entirely new environment for students to learn from. 

With these tools, teachers could: 

• Enhance language learning through immersive role-play
• Conduct virtual field trips
• Travel to otherwise unreachable destinations, like space or the inner human body

Gamification in Education

Gamification, the process of applying interactive game-like elements to teaching, is a growing trend. 

Its benefits include: 

• Increasing Knowledge Retention: Gamification promotes active learning processes and improves information retention.
• Transferring Knowledge: Gamifying education allows students to test their new skills.
• Honing Real-World Skills: This method helps students develop and apply teamwork, problem-solving, self-confidence, and fine motor skills.
• Making Learning More Engaging and Fun: Adding new ways for students to interact with their learning materials makes their lessons more engaging and enjoyable.
• Boosting Motivation: Gamification provides students with new challenges, which motivates them to want to learn. 

The Future of Education

Hybrid Learning Models

Hybrid learning can revolutionize the way teachers approach education. It offers a unique opportunity to combine the best of in-person and online learning. It provides flexibility and personalization for students and offers access to a wider range of resources and opportunities. 

Teachers can also have a lot more flexibility in designing and delivering lessons. There’s more opportunity to track and assess student performance through digital tools, and can also lead to cost savings for educational institutions. 

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is becoming increasingly popular as a method for educators to continue to enhance their classrooms, knowledge, and skills. Continued learning can also offer more opportunities in their career. 

There are plenty of options to do this, including: 

• Joining workshops or evening classes
• Taking free MOOCs (massive open online courses)
• Pursuing self-guided learning through reading, seminars, and online courses
• Enrolling in online courses to earn a graduate degree or certification

Collaboration and Global Connectivity

It’s easier than ever to stay connected to others around the world. This can be utilized to create a more well-rounded learning experience where students can connect globally through collaborative platforms. 

Education Programs at Peru State College

If you’re interested in staying on top of trends in education, a master’s degree in education could be the right choice for you. At Peru State College, we are committed to offering you the support, guidance, and resources needed to advance in your career, regardless of the educational path you choose. We’re well-known for our expert faculty, affordable prices, and flexible schedules.

Beyond our master’s program, we also offer bachelor's degree programs for educators who are just starting out.  

If you’re interested in our master’s in education program, reach out to learn more or apply today.