The Future of Edtech and How It Can Benefit Your Career

In society today, technology plays a big role in the way we operate and connect with others. With it becoming so widespread, it’s difficult to avoid technology in our daily routines and activities. Since new forms are constantly being developed, it’s understandable to feel confused and lost with what’s unfamiliar to you. Although, keep in mind that the way we embrace technology can make a tremendous difference in how we progress through life.

An Introduction to Edtech

Educational technology (Edtech) in particular has recently been evolving more than ever before. Edtech is the usage of computer software to facilitate better learning styles and techniques for society. This style reframes the way we approach learning as human beings. While Edtech is still constantly developing, the integration of technology and education has been around for quite some time now. 

You may recall a time when you were younger and your teacher used a projector in the classroom to facilitate learning. This is a prime example of a time where you may have had a first-hand experience with Edtech. As we continue to grow, Edtech can help us become more successful students and workers. Many schools use technology to help students retain information better, while many workforces implement it to create better-skilled workers. We can also use Edtech on our own time to help advance ourselves as individuals and set us apart from the competition.

Ways That Edtech Can Benefit Your Career

Technology today provides us with the opportunity to have education available through a digital format. The way we learn and work has undergone a big change. Embracing Edtech into our daily lives can put individuals in a better position to grow in the workplace. The following are ways in which Edtech can benefit you and your career:

Free Online Courses

Many universities and Fortune 500 companies offer free online courses for individuals to take at their leisure. These courses are most commonly known as massive open online courses. Universities and big companies typically offer a broad range of subjects to take and learn from. This way you can pick and choose what interests you specifically. Taking online classes can come in handy if you are interested in switching over to another area or industry. 

As humans, we are naturally very busy when it comes to our schedules. Massive open online courses are designed for students to progress at their own pace and time. The freedom and liberty to complete the course at your own pace allow more people to benefit from the offering. Many individuals are unable to take structured courses because they can not sacrifice time out of their schedule. 

If you are interested in taking advantage of these courses, check out the following sites. 

Different sites may offer a unique variety of classes, so consider taking some time to research what’s available.

Controlling Your Career Growth

Edtech allows people to take the reins into their own hands when moving forward. You can climb up the ladder on your own time, according to your own schedule. With a lot on our plates, it’s not always easy to be everywhere we want to be. Not to mention, in the workforce it doesn’t depend on us when we receive more training or information to help grow our careers. Upper management usually decides this based on what works better for them and the group as a whole. 

Edtech can also help cultivate much more skilled workers and students. Expanding your skillset can help distinguish you from other candidates in the workplace. Many people use Edtech to flesh out their resumes and have unique talking points in their interviews. Likewise, this form of supplemental learning can be extremely useful if you don’t have very much experience in the position you apply for as well.

Blended Learning

The method of blended learning has increased in popularity as a result of the recent pandemic. Around 90% of students were transitioned into an online classroom to limit exposure to the coronavirus. Blended learning takes both an online and offline approach to teaching. Most universities and schools have classes available primarily through a digital format. However, some courses require more of a hands-on approach to learning, so safer versions of the original class are being offered in person.

For instance, a lab course is much more difficult to teach online than it is to teach a lecture-based course. Aside from the pandemic, blended learning can be used for individuals who learn best when information is presented in a variety of formats. Having courses available completely online may be difficult for some students, so a mix of online and offline can be a better option.

Microlearning

Microlearning takes a much shorter approach to learn new techniques. It uses smaller sized learning modules in the form of online applications. Many of these courses even take on a much more enjoyable approach to learning. Microlearning integrates the use of quizzes, videos, pictures, and games to make learning more entertaining for the user. 

What’s unique about microlearning is that the lessons are quite short. As a result, you can complete them when you find yourself having extra downtime. Duolingo is an example of a microlearning app that focuses on teaching users a new language. Many lessons are so short that you can complete them when waiting in between classes or during your breaks at work.

Multidirectional Training

Multidirectional training is the offering of training in different areas, other than what’s already available to you in your industry. Within the workforce, employers typically only offer training based on what pertains to your position and responsibilities. Logically speaking, this is more cost-effective for the business. 

Employers aren’t as likely to invest in something that won’t make you a better worker for their company in particular. Edtech helps resolve this issue by providing people with training across many different industries. This may pique your interest if you are looking into working in a different position or industry.

Where is Edtech Going?

We’ve come a long way with incorporating Edtech into our lives, but there is still plenty of room left for improvement. As technology continues to develop, so does Edtech. Upcoming trends are on the rise to make digital learning more accessible and efficient.

Gamification is a developing trend that many classrooms and workforces are implementing. Gamification is the backing up of learning with rewards and incentives. Lessons may be converted into challenges for users to play around with. Once the challenge has been figured out, users are rewarded for their hard work and efforts. Rewarding users is a great technique to motivate individuals. The incentive of rewards can trigger the release of endorphins, making learning much more enjoyable. 

The rise of Edtech has also made learning available to people all over the world. As long as technology is available to us, we can learn anywhere we go. For example, a student who suffers from a disability may not be able to come into a classroom and participate with others. This leaves him or her excluded and at an unfair disadvantage. With online learning, the student can learn from home in a way that is most accessible to them.

Technology has also contributed to the growth of immersive technology. Immersive technology is working to revolutionize how we learn. Not everyone learns best with the traditional approach most of us are used to. Immersive technology has the power to replicate specific experiences for people to develop their skills. For example, a musician may practice better for performances with an interactive virtual composer leading the way. The unique formation of artificial surroundings works to mimic a real-world learning experience for the user.

The Importance of Keeping Up With Edtech

Keeping up with the Edtech world can be very beneficial to us as learners. New advancements are coming out faster than ever before. By staying up to date, you can receive more of the benefits Edtech provides early on. Instead of following the crowd, you put yourself in the position to advance as a first mover. If you are unsure how to stay in the loop, the following informational guides and blogs are a good place to get started:

Utilizing Edtech to your benefit can put you in a much better position to grow as both a student and an employee. Digital learning promotes self-development and can expand your horizons immensely. Not only does this develop more skilled workers, but the advancements also work to recognize those who put in the extra effort. Whether your achievements are addressed in your resume or during an interview, they can set you apart from others competing in the industry. Edtech works to promote self-development and expand your horizons. 

If you are interested in learning more, take a look at JobHero’s infographic about the future of Edtech and its benefits:

Credit to jobhero.com with this graphic.

About The Author

Carolyne Guilani is a writer for JobHero.com and is currently a student pursuing a degree in Business Marketing and Spanish.

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