We live in the most amazing times for teaching and learning. Technology revolutionized the way we approach education. It’s no longer about accumulating knowledge and solving tests. It’s about actual learning. Anyone from anywhere can learn anything.
According to the data provided by Statista, 43% of American students find digital studying technologies extremely helpful when doing homework. 37% of the respondents said these resources were very helpful, and they were somewhat helpful for 17%. Only 3% of all respondents said that digital learning resources were not helpful at all.
This brings us to a conclusion: digital learning is getting more popular than ever, and more people access these resources on a daily basis. But did it stop evolving? Absolutely not! We expect to see more progress in 2019, and it will be great!
Digital Learning Trends to Watch for in 2019
Increased Demand for STEM Online Courses
Technology is putting many jobs in danger, but it’s providing new career opportunities at the same time. That’s why many students focus their attention to STEM education. In addition, people who change careers are very interested in these types of online courses.
This trend will get us to a future where math and science are dominant on online learning platforms. And that future is not far. Currently, Programming for Everybody is one of the most popular courses on Coursera.
Data Protection Will Be a Major Issue
If you thought that only Facebook was concerned with privacy issues, you were wrong. The online educational industry has had its share of controversy in that aspect. We’re entering a new era of user data protection, and the digital learning industry will have to keep pace.
It’s All About Engagement
Problematic completion rates have been a major critique for online education. That’s why all platforms are trying to engage their users more. We’ll be seeing more polls, quizzes, assignments, and active discussion sessions in 2019.
Standardized Tests Will Move Online
Did you know that teachers cheated on standardized tests? Yes; they erased and corrected answers, so their class and school would get a higher average score. Such practices will be prevented when standardized tests move online.
Innovative Educational Models for K-12 Education
Educational policies are the highlight of many political debates, especially in the USA. The reason for that is that American children don’t score well on international tests.
The educational model will have to change, and online platforms will be a huge part of the progress.
Enhanced Use of Assignment Writing Services
More people than ever are taking online courses, not only throughout their educational journey, but beyond it as well. Since these courses come with assignments and not everyone has time for them, the use of online services like BrillAssignment.co.uk is only going to grow.
When someone doesn’t know how to write academic content, a professional writer can be of great help.
Digital Notebooks Are a Must
Digital notebooks naturally complement digital education. Evernote has been the standard among online students for a long time, but OneNote and Google Keep seem to be gaining more attention.
Massive Open Online Courses Getting Even More Popular
Textbooks are expensive. A chemistry course textbook can be priced as high as $400 in the USA, and we’re not kidding.
Instead of investing in textbooks that students cannot afford, schools and universities will move towards open online education. When digital textbooks are necessary for a course, they are cheaper and easier to update.
Professional Learning Microdegrees
Coursera and Udacity have already shifted their focus to providing professional learning microdegrees. These are more convenient for people who consider changing careers, or those who don’t’ want to attend college but still want some kind of degree.
Learners can get certified in several subjects, ranging from cybersecurity to digital marketing.
Team Collaboration Is the Real Deal
Just because someone decides to enroll in an online course doesn’t mean they are condemned to learning alone. Collaboration tools can make digital learning much more effective, especially in corporate environments. Currently, Slack is the most popular tool among learners, but Microsoft Teams is catching up.
The trend of digital learning is only going upwards. We still haven’t witnessed a death spiral and it’s highly unlikely that such thing is going to happen in 2019. The industry is getting stronger and more educators and learners are becoming part of it.
