Over the last few years, a number of technological trends have emerged in the higher education space – trends which have been catalyzed and popularized by the advent of COVID-19. In this blog, we will talk about some of the technological changes that are likely to dominate higher education in 2022 and beyond.
Trends in the World of Higher Education Technology:
1) Video-Based Learning:
Cisco’s latest annual report states that, by the end of the year 2023, almost 66% people around the world will have access to the internet.
Moreover, YouTube stats for 2021 revealed that 7 out of 10 YouTube users utilize the platform to seek help related to their hobbies, studies, or work. Considering that YouTube has approximately 2.3 billion active users, that is quite a large number of people relying on the video platform for assistance in different aspects.
Also, compared to reading lengthy and dull paragraphs, video learning does a better job of keeping students interested, leading to better understanding and retention of knowledge. Also, a video can be watched repetitively, which means that a student can keep using the same video until they are clear about the concepts being delivered.
New innovations like Android-powered and Smart Televisions are also likely to increase video consumption throughout the world.
2) Micro-credential Programs:
A micro-credential program is one that focuses on a specific set of skills. These programs are considerably shorter and more flexible than their conventional degree counterparts. At the moment, more than 700,000 micro-credential programs are being offered under online, in-person, and hybrid models. Some common types of micro-credential programs are:
- Boot camps
- Short courses
- Professional licenses and certificates
- University-issued certificates
The length of these programs can range from less than ten hours to more than 5,000 hours. Considering that the market for micro-credential programs is expected to double by the end of this decade, these programs can present extremely lucrative opportunities for high schools and colleges throughout the world. In addition, since these programs are highly affordable, they can be excellent promoters of inclusion, equality, and diversity.
3) Blockchain:
Blockchain is not just the driving force behind the crypto craze, but also has a number of use cases for higher education, such as:
- Sharing student data between universities (for exchange programs, for instance)
- Student transfer
- Course exchange
- Data exchange for student scholarships
- Sharing student academic information with recruiting organizations
Blockchain allows for digital information storage, and only authorized users will be able to gain access to this stored information. This means that blockchain technology will also be able to assist in enhancing the security of confidential and sensitive information.
Final Word:
The year 2022 is an important one for higher education technology, as institutions around the world try to convert quick-fixes brought about by the pandemic, into more sustainable and longer-term solutions. Technologies like the ones discussed in this blog have the potential to change the face of higher education forever, and, hopefully, for the better. Finding the right technical employees to improve your school’s tech integration and solutions is what Hudson Group is here for.
