Online Learning, Evolving Technologies and the Future of Education

The technological revolution has changed the world from time to time. Human history has recorded that advances in technology and its adoption in our daily lives have led to the world we are in today. As it unfolds, new technologies are hitting the market now and then. There is a constant endeavor to evolve and discover new technologies to benefit the human lives.   

The sectors which have been highly benefited by the technological growth in the recent times is that of education. While the growth of online learning was gradual in the last decades, it was shot up high in the year 2020. We can say that the future of education and the way we learn is on the way towards a major transformation.  

While the world is waiting to go back to the normal and the students and educational institutions are waiting for the regular classes to resume, there is no doubt that many colleges and universities might develop a mixed method of learning, benefitting the students. As we look at the online learning space, we also have to accept that it has made the technology even more popular and has a direct impact on the development of newer technologies.   

• Virtual classrooms  

Although this is not a new technology it has seen a considerable advancement in the year 2020 alone. With online learning being the need of the hour, the classes were shifted to a virtual platform. These virtual platforms were supported by software that enabled the host (teacher) to connect with the students in the real time, rather than just uploading recorded videos of the lectures. Thus, LIVE classes and webinars have become a part of the online learning and that of the overall education sector.   

• Training programs  

Education is not all about theories, for the students to get a job they have to be skilled with practical knowledge. The pandemic constricted the students at home, this is when the tech experts found a way to come up with online projects and training programs instead of letting the time slipped away. Although, this is not possible for subjects like medical studies where the practical learning method remains the same.   

• AI-based evaluation tools  

This has been a major development in the field of education. With the growth of online learning, it became mandatory to track and evaluate the performance of the learners in an advanced manner. Several educational institutions have incorporated the AI-based tools to track the performance of the learners as well as track their participation during the class.   

• Digital Library   

While the digital library is not a new concept and given that almost all the recourses are available online, we can say it has been reformed in recent times. The schools and colleges have now started archiving their lectures and study material in a digital space that can be accessed by the students for further reference and learning. As per the prediction digital libraries are going to be one of the crucial parts of the future education system.   

The above stated are just a few technologies that have originated with the online learning process. Even if we look at the scene in Zambia, we can find that the perception towards teaching and learning is developing a lot more than it was expected. With the increasing number of enrollments in online courses in Zambia, the colleges and universities are adopting advanced curriculum and teaching methods.   

As we are talking about the online courses in Zambia and the changing modes of learning, let us take the example of Cavendish University. The distance learning and the blended learning modes offered by cavendish university are providing the students with an alternative learning mode, which tends to be more flexible and accessible. It allows the students to learn at their own convenience while making sure that the students have an enhanced learning experience with both online and offline platforms that are interactive in nature.   

The students who would opt for admission in this mode of learning can track and monitor their performance and can support their assignments online. Cavendish University also allows the students to collaborate through messages, forums and chats for discussions on course topics, projects and assignments. Thus, the students can learn at their own pace and all of these in a cost-effective manner.   

While students have the option to enroll in many different online courses in Zambia, it would be a good decision to take up an accredited course and a degree that holds value. While there are benights of online learning there are negative sides too. For example, many online learning websites are offering a range of courses but the question is how well are they accepted by employers. At the same time, a short-term course can only offer the basics about the subject and while taking up a diploma or degree from a reputed college online can give you the essential training as well as the reputation of having been attended a college.   

Thus, if we look at the future of online learning and education, we can see a direct impact on future employment scenes. The advances in technology are also going to affect the job market and recruitment criteria. While there is a rise in the popularity of online courses in Zambia and across the world what is the value all these courses hold for those seeking jobs? Yes, many certifications are accepted but can they compete with the traditional degree and overpower well, we are yet to see that!