Personalized learning: A teaching strategy that adapts instruction to the unique requirements, capacities, and interests of each learner. As technology develops and allows for more customization of online education, it is growing in popularity. SMEs in the education sector are investigating ways to employ technology, such as adaptive learning software and personalized learning platforms, to provide students with individualized learning experiences.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality*: Because they offer immersive and engaging learning experiences, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming more common in the education sector. To make learning more interactive and interesting for students, SMEs are looking into methods to include VR and AR into their online education products.
Online Credentialing and Micro-Credentialing: As a tool for students to exhibit their expertise in a particular field, online credentialing and micro-credentialing are gaining popularity. In order to assist students stand out in the job market and develop their careers, SMEs are looking into ways to offer online credentialing and micro-credentialing programs.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: These fields are progressing quickly and have the potential to completely change the educational landscape. To personalize learning, increase student engagement, and give students feedback in real-time, SMEs are investigating how to include AI and ML into their online education offerings.
When we look at this from a SME perspective, we can see that overall, the education sector is changing and expanding quickly, and SMEs must keep up to remain competitive.
Given the nature of a SMEs (and their ability to innovate) they can develop cutting-edge online education solutions that cater to the needs of today's students and get them ready for the future by focusing on personalized learning, virtual reality and augmented reality, online credentialing and micro-credentialing and artificial intelligence and machine learning.
*VR & AR limitations - While VR and AR technology have the potential to revolutionize education, it is important to consider some downsides before incorporating it into the classroom. Things like cost, accessibility, motion sickness, lack of resources, assessment and defined learning outcomes with this 'new tech'. Things will change but it is important to make sure that the benefits outweigh the costs and that the technology is being used in an appropriate and effective way before you jump in as a trend setter!
