Online education or e-learning has changed the landscape of different educational models. We are facing an environment of educational innovation that is more adapted and full of opportunities for students of all kinds. These emerging approaches are part of a new wave of opportunities distinguished by the mediation of digital tools.
We describe some of these trends and their challenges below. Likewise, we explain how the different educational models are generating new strategies to improve engagement, student retention, and knowledge mastery.
Educational models and trends that are changing the way of learning
In a digital age of unprecedented social change, online training is essential to meet future challenges. With more automated, digitized and fluid labour markets. Current higher education systems are incompatible, considering the future we are heading for. Aware of these challenges, alternatives have emerged such as:
Competency-based educational model. It is primarily concerned with the student’s progression through a curriculum tailored at their own pace, depth, etc. As competencies are tested, students continue to advance. It is similar to mastery-based learning. With the main difference that competency-based learning often focuses on observable skills or “competencies”.
Educational model based on problems. Commonly used in scenarios like a hackathon. An educational model under this modality refers to the resolution of technical problems in an innovative and unconventional way. Their approach is therefore constructive, as students work with the goal of creating a useful product or idea as final delivery.
Educational model based on the formation of soft skills. Some of the most important skills in the workplace include critical thinking, problem-solving, people management, and creativity. Companies that want emerging professionals who understand how to make tough decisions and show their leadership skills are destined to implement this type of preparation.
Lifelong learning educational model. The great technological advance leads to changes in the way people do their work. Professionals who want to remain competitive in their environment must constantly recycle. They cannot assume that the education they received during the first half of their professional career is all they need for the rest of their working lives. Companies must offer support throughout the working life of their employees.
Present and future challenges for the different educational models
Although today’s learning platforms come in all shapes and sizes, the common denominator that connects them is the importance of change. Here are some challenges to consider in education :
Personalized learning. The use of technology in education is preceded by a rejection of some professionals since it raises concerns about whether it eliminates the collaborative aspect. A focal point within the classrooms.
Contrary to popular belief, technologies such as artificial intelligence are proving their usefulness. With the advent of speech-to-text recognition, devices can be used to tutor students, alleviating the burden on teaching staff and providing assistance to students as needed. Additionally, an artificial intelligence rating program eliminates the possibility of bias in performance evaluations.
Cybersecurity. Among 17 industries studied, the education sector was ranked as the least secure, in relation to the high vulnerabilities present in application security, terminal security, and keeping software regularly updated.
Thus, it is important to fight to educate users in the area of security. In addition to determining access management strategies, protect multiple personal devices. And finally, find and train the personnel responsible for a general security plan.
Learning in small lessons. Short-term attention span has always been a problem in the education sector. The development of eLearning platforms has brought new ways of learning by implementing nano learning. This trend is growing at a fast pace, managing to divide the lessons into small interactive sections. This supports student behaviour and guarantees 100% attention during each learning session.
As technology changes society, it has been having an impact on how people prepare for their careers. Institutions and companies that implement educational models and keep abreast of these changes will be setting themselves up for growth and success.
