‘Tech innovation is set to change the education landscape’

evolving Technology in Learning analytics Could help each student in a Class get The personalised attention They need and Could prevent some students From Being LEFT Behind

Global investment in education technology is predicted to reach $252 billion by 2022, with the majority expected to be spent in Asia. Education technology, like digital content on mobile phones and smart boards, have been there for a few years.

However, there are some exciting innovations that could totally change the landscape. Here’s a look at some of the most prominent factors.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance the educational process in many ways. It can recognise how a student interacts with an online lesson, identify their difficulties and adapt the lesson accordingly.

It can provide simultaneous translation of a teacher’s lecture into other languages for the benefit of students in other countries. Artificial Intelligence can automate grading of exam papers to ensure fairer, faster marking process.

VIRTUAL REALITY

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies have great application where practical skills need to be developed. For instance, medical students can put on a VR headset and practice operating on a virtual body, which is something they would not often get to do with a real patient. Students who visit a historical monument can use augmented reality software on their smartphones to give them additional information about the monument just by pointing the phone camera at it.

GAMIFICATION

Students love playing challeng- ing video games.

Gamification adds elements of video games to lessons to make them more engaging. For instance, a student could get reward points for every math problem they solve, or they could play a simulation of a historical battle as one of the opposing sides. Students could also compete in teams to score points in educational games to motivate them to learn more.

LEARNING ANALYTICS

This is where data about students’ performance in various tests and classroom sessions can be analysed to give deep insights into their progress and the specific areas, they need help in.

Learning analytics enables each student to get the personalised help they need and will help to prevent weaker students from being left behind in the class.

Implementing these new technologies in the classroom will require institutions and their faculty to make major changes in the way they teach.

As we have seen in other sectors such as the retail, media, finance and transportation, those who are unwilling to change will be quickly overtaken by those that do.

Akhil Shahani is managing director of the Shahani Group