The Impact Of COVID-19 On The Future Of Learning
Amidst the wake of the global crisis on account of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the educational sector was massively impacted. With educational institutions shut for an indefinite period, uncertainty loomed large amongst learners as well as educators. However, eLearning app development came to the rescue by providing smart solutions that ushered in myriad remote learning methodologies. The year 2020 has witnessed the emergence of innovative eLearning solutions to satisfy the challenging requirement of the educational sector. These smart learning technologies have transformed the learning methodology altogether. Digital learning is the new normal!
The ongoing trend of learning via digital learning tools has proved particularly beneficial to corporate professionals with busy schedules but has negatively impacted a certain chunk of learners. As per industry experts, this trend is here to stay in the years to come. Now, the most intriguing question that is lingering in the minds of stakeholders of this sector is: How will the remote learning trend impact the future of learning?
This article explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future learning and teaching. But before we delve deeper, let’s have a look at how the new eLearning trend has impacted learners and educators.
COVID-19-induced challenges:
- Underprivileged students without internet access have been hit hard by the new online educational trends. It became almost impossible for them to continue their education.
- Many parents cannot afford online teaching as they have suffered wage cuts or job loss during the pandemic.
- This sudden change in the teaching-learning methodology has created confusion amongst educators due to lack of experience and absence of effective ways for interaction.
How Will COVID-19 Impact The Future Of Learning?
Open-Source eLearning Solutions
Governments across the globe are trying to devise open-source eLearning solutions to provide education to all students regardless of their technical barriers. Mobile-friendly solutions and highly accessible online portals for teacher-student interaction are intended so that even the marginalized and impoverished students can continue their education.
Blended Learning Methodologies
Many of you must be wondering: “What changes will be made to classroom structure or attendance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?” It is believed that post-COIVID-19, a strategy of blended learning will be incorporated in the education industry. Blended learning refers to a combination of eLearning tools and face-to-face learning to reap the benefits of both worlds. The online mode of homework submission and lighter school bags are the expected outcomes of this approach. Moreover, blended learning will zero in on the existing limitations in the traditional educational system and act as a promising alternative if such crisis situations arise in the coming years.
Personalized Learning Powered By AI
Artificial Intelligence has gifted digital learning with innovative strategies that are way more interesting and engaging as compared to the traditional ones. The reason is AI enables the creation of personalized learning experiences that are tailored to suit specific needs. This kind of learning is a boon in the realm of higher education wherein the one-size-fits-all technique fails to succeed. Adoption of a personalized learning approach will help colleges and universities resolve common issues like high dropout rates, lack of tools to engage students, etc. This approach will also enable the educators to track every student’s learning outcome, thereby making way for more effective teaching techniques.
Redefined Role Of Educators
The trend of online education has brought about a change in the role of educators as well. Now teachers, who were considered to be “knowledge-givers,” are gradually becoming “facilitators” in the realm of pedagogy. Teachers these days are expected to assist students to utilize the online learning tools effectively so that they become experts in self-learning.
The year 2020 has witnessed that most teachers were not well equipped and prepared for the sudden shift to online teaching. So, educators must be provided with the necessary training so that they are well versed in the technology and can switch between offline and online teaching modes as per the need.
Convenient Methodologies To Ease Teacher’s Tasks
eLearning solutions powered by smart technologies will ease out assessment-related tasks like evaluation, designing question papers, preparing grade sheets, and many more. This will save time and teachers will be able to concentrate on tasks like improvement in teaching quality, self-skill enhancement, and designing more innovative course material.
Rising Demand For Skill-Based, Short-Duration Courses
The COVID-19 crisis has ushered in uncertainty in the job market as well. Therefore, to maintain agility and stay up to date with the latest skills like AI, data analytics, machine learning, deep learning, etc., professionals as well as freshers are opting for industry-ready courses to scale up their skills and hence remain resourceful for a long period. Quality online learning programs and online training sessions are being preferred the most. As a result, the user intent query investments in EdTech products is on the rise.
Final Words
Adopting digital learning design paths for Learning and Development is the new-age necessity. Therefore, if you have yet to digitalize your educational facility, you should consider doing so. Hire a mobile app development company to create an outstanding eLearning solution. The article “Key considerations for architecting an impeccable mobile eLearning app” will provide useful insights and guide you.