In just over 30 years, web-based Learning Management Systems became a new textual form of communication. Education technology was used to influence the way teaching and learning is done.
Since then, education technology is no longer just for educators. It has also become a popular tool among entrepreneurs and business leaders who are looking to increase team productivity and grow their businesses. Most recently, the 14th annual ASU+GSV Summit gathered over 720 EdTech entrepreneurs, leaders, and companies that envision a whole new era in the use of EdTech to develop educational pathways and valuable skills for workforce success.
EdTech’s recent advancements are opening up new opportunities for innovation for teams. Training at work is often mandatory and results in a lack of employee engagement. However, leaders are realizing that the expectations of employees regarding learning environments are changing.
We will explore how technology in education is driving growth and innovation for both small and large companies.
1. Big Data Analytics
A study by Gartner found that the key to driving innovation in companies is investing in the correct initiatives and learning strategies. This will help to fill the talent gap and encourage modern development. They note that diverse teams with cross-functional members are more effective in fostering innovative thought leadership. Data and analytics also form the basis of digital business transformation. They help teams to solve problems and inspire innovative thinking.
This would not have been possible without companies such as Dotmatics, which uses data from Project Discovery – Flow Cytometry to teach their R&D scientific program to facilitate a Machine Learning (ML) approach to flow cytometry. This opened up the possibility of making even more significant medical discoveries. Companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Merck and research universities such as MIT and Oxford, were able to make breakthroughs.
What impact has this had on today’s world?
When COVID-19 was launched, Dr. Ryan Brinkman led an initiative with the creators of Eve Online. Dr. Brinkman’s team wanted to make tens of thousands of gamers into ‘citizen scientists’ to help scientists better understand COVID-19 and cancer. Flow cytometry is used to closely monitor the impact on human cells. The technology of flow cytometry allows for the analysis of cells in blood to develop new treatments.
Dotmatics software can save time for medical professionals by using the same flow cytometry information. It does this by transforming the learning process into an engaging and interactive one. By 2023, Project Discovery will have enlisted thousands of gamers to solve puzzles. This represents hundreds of years’ worth of traditional work.
Big data and analytics are essential for team performance, as the pandemic has shown. It was also necessary to meet the demands of innovative circumstances. It was crucial to find new ways of managing data consistently. It is without it that the medical and safety community in America would not be able to make so many significant medical advances today. Modernized data and analytic tools can improve small-business success by using more cost-effective and efficient team learning methods.
2. Artificial intelligence
In the last few years, we’ve seen how artificial Intelligence has only just begun to transform approaches to education. The next decade will provide business leaders with more tailored solutions, based on the analysis of employee learning data. Chatbots and AI learning tools will replace live instructors, and provide more personalized and relevant learning experiences.
According to a Wall Street Journal article written by Angus Loten, AI-powered office automation has changed the way that businesses view internal operations and the development of training. Entrepreneurs and business leaders across many industries are realizing how AI tools can benefit team growth and development. They don’t wish to contribute to the current economic problems.
Loten says that AI and other automation software tools can make this possible. Loten attributes the success of the software to the fact it eliminates the need for additional employees. Beautiful.ai claims that 95% of managers have already implemented AI at work because AI applications are shown to increase productivity and reduce costs.
As well, AI technology is becoming more widely understood. It is important to consider the potential risks and identify them. It is for this reason that global reports are being conducted to inform leaders about the policies they need to understand and implement to protect their businesses.
3. Virtual and augmented reality scenario-based learning
Virtual reality and augmented-reality scenario-based training opportunities are extremely beneficial for employers.
Studies found that scenario-based technology helps employers to effectively translate theoretical knowledge into practical application. These innovative methods offer employees a safe learning environment without fear of mistakes. This reduces the likelihood of repeating avoidable workplace mishaps.
VR and AR Learning immerse employees in lifelike simulations that are lifelike. Virtual reality creates a completely immersive environment for learning. Augmented reality displays 3-D images.
Many business leaders avoided investing in innovative education technologies. Adobe, Gartner, and Trivantis are among the e-learning providers that have introduced new products to make VR and AR applications more affordable and with shorter lead times. Businesses are now beginning to see the potential of VR and AR scenarios-based learning apps, which help employees understand and remember learning objectives, and also increase user engagement.
4. Mobile learning
The New York Times reported that the use of mobile technology only started to take off in the past 7 years. During this time, leaders saw EdTech move from classrooms in higher education to boardrooms in companies. Since smartphones and tablets are now a part of daily life for more than 5 Billion people, and over 27, billion devices are connected to the Internet, 87% of companies rely on employees to interact with learning opportunities on company applications.
2U, for example, helps institutions and employers build a sustainable, future by offering people opportunities to advance their careers. The company only acquired edX a year before and is now the leading online platform in the world. Over 230 universities and top companies support the bright future of this market leader. Over 4,000 online learning offerings are available on the mobile learning platform. It can lead more qualified and diverse teams, with different backgrounds and experiences. This leads to better results and innovation from the work of the team.
What This Method Does for Education
They wanted to create innovative learning solutions and opportunities. Chip Paucek, 2U’s CEO, says that there is a pressing need for learning to be affordable, equitable, and accessible to all.
Gallup’s 2021 study shows that employees can set their schedules and adapt their pace to their preferences and habits when they have access to training material from anywhere. The 2U program upskilled diverse groups and created a talent pipeline for 6,700 large companies. It has also increased the median salary of boot camp graduates by $11,000 after one year. Mobile learning offers companies the chance to increase user engagement. Analytics can be used to monitor worker performance as well. All of this can be achieved with flexible, relevant, and updated continuous learning applications.
5. Microlearning
A range of cutting-edge technologies has been gradually adopted by leaders to improve team training and innovation. Businesses are learning the importance of microlearning for employee development and work-life balance.
This includes the use of microlearning platforms. These platforms aim to make learning for both in-house employees and remote workers more engaging and time-saving. microlearning is a great way to reduce the information overload that occurs during a single training session. This leads to poor engagement and retention rates.
Microlearning is a great way to improve your business by identifying specific learning outcomes and improving concept absorption. Consumers today prefer images and visuals to interact and stay engaged with online content. Employees are more likely to engage in microlearning environments with concise and easily digestible visual elements. Videos, infographics, and images, as well as audio material, could be included.
EdTech will continue to shift to improve employee efficiency and innovation
EdTech combines proven educational practices with advanced information technology tools for decades. This has in turn facilitated and improved learning throughout the education industry. We are now seeing a shift in the education industry towards entrepreneurs and business owners, who want to maximize the potential of innovative technology for education and close productivity and learning gaps.
The effects of the pandemic and the recent economic collapse are still being felt by companies in the U.S. They also recognize the importance of professional development at the workplace to retain valued employees. They’re not only working to increase efficiency and profitability but also driving more innovation within teams.