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6 Essential educational trends to look out for in 2022

The new year is an excellent opportunity to put last year’s lessons into practice and start with a clean slate. While there were some disruptions in the educational sector, technology managed to keep many boats afloat.

Edtech tools have become a great asset for schools and universities worldwide, providing a delightful learning experience. Besides the learning trends that people are used to, there are a variety of rising digital trends that will revolutionize the learning space in 2022. Let’s have a look at them: 

1. Hybrid classrooms 

Although some institutions are reopening their gates, not everyone feels comfortable going back into the classroom yet. Students expect some flexibility in their lessons, and the Future of Higher Ed report shows just that.

For students, the ability to access their learning materials at any given time is a significant benefit. Edtech tools like learning management systems (LMSs) include all materials in a single place.

The future of hybrid teaching alleviates the teacher shortage, makes learning available regardless of the physical location, creates a more equitable environment for remote learners, and cuts costs for institutions.  


Read more: How to get started with hybrid teaching


2. Asynchronous learning for more freedom 

The shift to remote learning gave students the freedom to complete lessons and assignments in their own time. While younger learners need more guidance, older students have more flexible schedules.

However, younger students could also benefit from the asynchronous learning model and learn how to manage their time from a young age. For example, they could study for two or three hours in the morning, focus on reading, and continue their lessons in the afternoon.

Although they get more freedom and become more independent in their study, teachers’ work does not become obsolete. Educators can guide students through their materials, help when they struggle, and make sure they achieve a higher level of understanding.

3. Virtual reality in the classroom

Until recently, virtual reality (VR) was seen as a novelty, but people are finally catching up on this trend. Teachers and parents alike believe that VR-powered games will shape the future of learning.

The investments in this sector have gone up, predicted to reach the 700 million dollar mark in the education sector by 2023. Students are enthusiastic about what the future holds, and they are very likely to show interest in a VR-focused class.

Learning in a less formal environment encourages students to come out of their shells and become more creative while eliminating distractions and immersing themselves in the digital learning landscape.


Read more: 7 Ways to explore and create with Augmented and Virtual Reality


4. DEI trends for 2022

Whether we are talking about small schools or large university campuses, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential for creating and maintaining a healthy environment. When implementing DEI practices in the classroom, teachers encourage positive behaviors among peers, foster a sense of belonging, and foster acceptance for everyone involved.

With an alarming cyberbullying rate and an increase in hate speech due to more screen time, focusing on diversity is more critical now than ever. It’s an excellent time to shift from the one-size-fits-all approach and promote a personalized learning experience that considers each student’s needs.

5. Tracking students’ emotions 

While sometimes it’s obvious how students feel about a subject, there are instances when teachers need direct input.

The future of e-learning takes the pulse of the community to create a better learning experience. For example, a virtual class has different lessons that students need to go through. Every once in a while, they come across an assignment that tests their understanding. While clicking away, students can show their emotions through different reactions —  excited, confused, bored, etc.

Most learners are no strangers to these “reactions” as they use them frequently on other channels. Rating how they feel about a specific learning situation can make a difference in their learning.


Read more: Using the school LMS to provide emotional support in remote learning


6. Harnessing platform data 

Learning platforms already provide comprehensive analytics and reports that show student progress. Once analyzed, teachers can help students who struggle to understand certain concepts and include helpful materials in their individual learning paths.

Since a lot of learning takes place online, it’s not always easy to supervise everyone closely. However, thanks to the data collected, teachers and institutions can make better decisions for their students.

For example, educators can tweak their lessons to make them more engaging and personal. More so, schools can build an online learning community after analyzing what students are doing and understanding how they engage online.

Wrapping up 

Starting a new year is often a challenging time, especially when it comes to shaping young minds with the help of innovative edtech tools. The main priorities should be preparing students for their future careers while instilling confidence, empathy and allowing them to express themselves. Nonetheless, we need to remember that trends come and go. As useful as they are, the teachers’ role remains essential.

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