Trending technologies in the higher education sector

For over 30 years, technology and higher education have gone hand in hand.

Universities and other institutions of higher learning have been aggressive adopters of new technology, leveraging the educational opportunities that computers, specialized software, and other IT equipment can enable. As a result, the classrooms of tomorrow will utilize mobility, cloud and big data technology to accelerate student outcomes. Advances in cloud technology will allow communication and class participation on a global scale. Imagine a teacher in Beijing being able to lecture and interact with the classroom halfway around the world.

Thanks to sophisticated learning management systems, students will be able to access that lecture remotely along with all of their other important course materials anywhere, anytime, and from virtually any device. Universities today are just beginning to rely on predictive analytics to increase retention and provide a more personalized learning experience. In the near future, teachers will also rely on personal data with predictive models to monitor each student’s engagement in the classroom.

As you see the proliferation of devices across campuses, you will also see the need for innovative security measures. These systems will protect sensitive information while allowing unrestricted communication and transfer of data.

Using social media platforms has also proven to give students an extra boost. With easy access, mobile learning puts the power in anyone’s hands from literally anywhere.

You’ve heard the buzz about the incredible printer that can make three-dimensional solid objects. Well, imagine the potential they’ll have in the classroom. From geography to biology, this device will make amazing learning tools for possibly any subject.

Now, more than ever, the perception of online learning has gradually shifted in its favor. Students and teachers have realized the many benefits that come with learning online. The method of online learning, when blended with face-to-face learning, has been shown to afford students and teachers the flexibility, ease of accessibility and use of various multimedia technologies.

Blended learning combines online aspects with the face-to-face instructional method to produce a learning experience, which helps students as well as their teachers.