Latest Education Tech Trends to Watch for in 2024

Jeni_Odley

From cell phones to smart TVs and digital payments, technology is now an integral part of our everyday lives, and it would be difficult to survive in our fast-paced world without using some form of technology. Younger generations are brought up with technology at their fingertips and are tech-savvy from a young age. Technology is frequently used in classroom settings to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for life outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to embrace technology and participate in lessons using various digital learning tools that bring learning to life. 

The use of technology is now a basic requirement in many schools around the world. Educational technology describes teaching and learning software designed to improve learning and boost student results. There are many benefits of using technology in the classroom, including enhancing problem-solving skills and creativity. Educational technology fosters collaboration between students and increases student engagement during classes, supplementing learning by making classes more interactive. Furthermore, some educational technology tools can also lighten the load for teachers by creating lesson plans or helping with marking.  

What are the latest trends in educational technology? 

Educational technology trends are transforming the traditional learning experience with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, and gamification. Here are some current trends in educational technology that facilitate learning and improve performance.  

1. AI in education  

AI technology is rapidly evolving and is often used to perform tasks requiring human involvement. In an educational setting, AI can help create personalized learning experiences for students based on their unique abilities. Chatbots like ChatGPT provide immediate support and feedback to prompts, guiding students through their work in a conversational manner. When used correctly, these chatbots can help students brainstorm and map out ideas in a clear and structured way. Similarly, Google’s latest AI brainchild, Gemini, lets users directly access Google AI. Gemini processes data and automates tasks, replying to prompts with information from its database or other sources like Google.

Microsoft Copilot lets teachers develop personalized content and feedback for students based on their unique learning styles. Teachers can also use Copilot to brainstorm activities and create lesson plans to supplement traditional teaching methods. Copilot responds to prompts and can even be used to create images. 

AI in education helps to simplify and structure thought processes and provide information based on prompts. However, chatbots are not intended to replace the human experience and should not be used to do work for students. They are not always accurate and can make mistakes, so users should also fact-check any information. 

2. Augmented, Virtual, and Extended Reality in education 

Augmented reality enhances our perception of the real world through visuals and sound. In education, augmented reality immerses students in realistic situations to create a more effective learning experience. For example, medical education institutes use augmented reality to let students understand human anatomy through interactive, real-time images.

Unlike augmented reality, virtual reality is entirely based on simulations and computer modeling. Virtual reality transports users to a digital environment where they can react to and interact with the images they see, creating an immersive experience that feels like real life. For example, students can be transported to and explore other countries without leaving the classroom, helping them learn about cultures and customs from afar.

Extended reality is an umbrella term that describes augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. It combines real and virtual environments and produces immersive experiences for users. Extended reality helps connect the dots between theory and practice, letting students tackle challenging concepts in real-time and helping them retain an estimated 75% more information than traditional teaching.  

3. Gamification in education 

Gamification in education describes using the elements of game designs to create challenging and fun learning tools. It incorporates competition and feedback to increase student engagement, helping them learn through the games they love. For example, Minecraft Education is a game-based platform that lets users learn coding, math, and other subjects. Minecraft Education gamifies the learning experience by integrating games and learning, helping students expand problem-solving, creativity, and analytical skills.  

4. Mobile learning & microlearning 

Mobile learning lets students access educational content through their mobile devices. With mobile learning, users have the flexibility to choose when and where they learn, helping to increase engagement and knowledge retention. Moreover, microlearning captures and maintains attention by providing short bursts of relevant information through short videos, animations, or quizzes. These 3-5 minutes of content are designed to achieve a specific learning goal and can be completed anytime, anywhere. 

5. Cybersecurity 

Our increased use of technology has led to a surge in cybersecurity issues. Hackers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to steal personal information, and the education sector is no exception. Schools and educational institutes should prioritize protecting students and their devices to avoid data leaks and other cybersecurity threats. To do so, it is imperative that schools install the correct software to ensure students are suitably protected from cybercriminals. They should also educate students on the importance of cybersecurity and help them understand how to recognize and safeguard themselves from potential cyber threats. At a hardware level, and for additional peace of mind, schools can consider purchasing secured core PCs for students. 

Acer TravelMate B and educational technology trends 

With high-performance features for optimized learning, the Acer TravelMate B range helps students and teachers keep up with new trends in educational technology. The latest Intel® processor and a long battery life give users the speed and performance required to participate in classroom activities and online learning. Acer’s range of TravelMate B laptops is durable and can withstand a downforce of 132 lbs (60 kg), along with daily wear and tear and liquid spillages. Its anchored keyboard design makes keys hard to remove, protecting the keyboard from young or restless children. TravelMate B laptops are the ultimate companion for young learners and teachers, contributing towards an outstanding learning experience.  

Conclusion 

As technology evolves, so do trends in education. Younger generations are used to having the whole world at their fingertips through cell phones, virtual reality devices, and video games, and the education sector is keeping up with current trends by bringing tech to the classroom. Gamification is a useful tool to keep students engaged in classroom content, using games like Minecraft Education to enhance learning. Microlearning provides short bursts of educational information via videos or quizzes, maintaining attention through interesting and colorful content. Augmented and virtual reality can transport learners to different countries or outer space, bringing learning to life through immersive experiences that feel like real life. The Acer TravelMate B series equips students and teachers with the performance and power they need to support the latest educational technology trends. 

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