COVID-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology to up its game. The education system is no longer synonymous with the traditional classroom set-up. Students are now leveraging various platforms and tools to learn at their desired pace. In no time, the traditional chalk-talk teaching model transformed into one that is driven by technology and focuses on skill development. Realizing that uninterrupted learning for students is the need of the hour, educational institutions in India have been quick to reinvent the education delivery to students.

This has resulted in new education trends emerging to stay in the post-COVID world. The learn-from-home technology was never appreciated and utilized as it’s been now. Many universities have flocked to their online websites and created E-versions of textbook learning for their students. With COVID-19 disrupting the sector, education adopteda myriad of digital learning trends that offered ease of accessibility, remote learning benefits and innovation on the education front.

1.Personalized learning: Personalized learning, accelerated by advances in technology and new teaching approaches, have been gaining steam. Education institutes around the world have now resorted to learning platforms that offer a flexible learning environment allowing students to learn at their own pace whilst helping educators to make learning more engaging and collaborative with the help of digital tools. However, personalized learning will help learners, especially students who could earlier not repeat the same class, to go back and review what has been taught.For example, NU Digital is a platform that was created by NU and NIIT Ltd. to provide a platform that would enable the teaching / learning process to be as effective than the regular class room teaching. From lecture delivery, virtual labs, discussion forums, project and other group activities, the platform recordsall sessions and chat transcripts and makes them available to the students for future revision and review.

2.AI and Machine learning: AI and machine learning are the next big thing to hit the education sector. AI can easily be utilized to transform components like testing and grading. Automated algorithms can save time by checking assignments faster than it takes for any human. Learning systems can identify potentially weak areas of the students and suggest are of improvement.

3.Virtual Laboratories:Virtual labs are integrated and developed to aid students complete their assessments. While there are some laboratory experiment that are best done live, many concepts which are learnt in the laboratory can be delivered through animated and real action videos.

Many universities have flocked to their online websites and created E-versions of textbook learning for their students

4.Timetables and Class allocation: Universities are now looking forward to opening their campuses for their students, which means an added emphasis on using technology to schedule activities and generate better timetables that additionally ensures social distancing and ensures that classes and laboratories are not overcrowded.

5.Big data: Big data in the education sector offers unprecedented opportunities for educators to reach out and instruct students in new ways. It will give them a deeper understanding of students’ education experience, and thereby help them evaluate the state of the education system. With big data, it is possible to monitor student actions, such as how long they take to answer a question, which sources they use for exam preparation and so on.

6.Block-based coding system: The 21st century has enabled practical learning and block-based coding as a stepping-stone for learners. Students now can integrate interactive learning via block-based coding as well as do their science projects with creativity. Edtech tools and platforms provide a leverage for educational institutions to impart this in their curriculum to make a smooth transition from offline to online education.

7.Gamification: Playing and learning collide when classrooms utilize gaming as an instructional tool. Gaming technology makes learning difficult subject matter more exciting and interactive. Virtual games provide a unique opportunity to apply new knowledge and make critical decisions, while identifying obstacles as technology progresses, it is quickly being used to enhance educational games in every discipline.

Despite the initial discomfort with technology, schools and educational institutions are welcoming remote learning. These trends will continue to become a part of the education system because it offers instant feedback, enable students to practice self-learning, increases attentiveness and efficiency, and gives effective results.