Traditional teaching models have been put to the test, not only by the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing, but by the urgency of making room for new pedagogical methods that are more closely identified with current needs.
For Giulianna Carbonari Meneghello – specialist in higher education and new distance learning technologies and dean of MUST University – the pandemic has only accelerated the process of transforming education, leaving traditional teaching methodologies behind.
Below, the specialist highlights 8 trends that are already applied at present by some relevant institutions and that will dictate the future of education:
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is an English term which prioritizes continuous education. It supports the idea that studies should be permanent, and not just during a short period of life.
According to the theory, fulfilling only school years and ending studies after graduation is not enough. While it is important to have a formal education, development is a process that must be continuous. Seeking specializations and accompanying changes through continuing education courses will be increasingly essential for a professional to stand out in the career market.
Personalized Education
While this education trend is nothing new, it has gained even more momentum. Increasingly, it is necessary to invest in personalized education focused on the development of skills. In other words, schools and universities must have a comprehensive look at each student.
Through specific methods, it is possible to value and educate each student, favoring learning.
Distance learning
It is a fact that the pandemic and its effects have accelerated innovations in the education sector. In this sense, institutions, professors and students had to quickly adapt to a new reality of distance learning and teaching.
Online teaching represents greater availability and flexibility, especially for those who need to combine study and work. For teachers, the challenges are greater.
To consolidate themselves in this new market, teaching professionals need to adapt and know how to take advantage of available technologies and above all, recognize that they are no longer the only education agents in the learning process.
“Every learning process must include social interaction and mediation. When the teacher acts in this perspective, he is not seen only as a transmitter of knowledge, but as a mediator”, Giulliana says.
Immersive technologies
After Facebook announced a considerable investment in the metaverse – a technological model that quickly stood out in the last year, known as an interactive and hyper-realistic virtual environment, the use of innovative resources grew in universities.
Watching classes on cell phones, for example, is already considered a common practice, as is the use of Augmented Reality learning environments. The new immersive technologies have been great allies for learning in distance learning.
Avatars and gamifications
With the arrival of the metaverse, one of the technologies that has increased students’ interest in virtual learning is gamification. The technique works game strategies in the virtual environment, which can be applied in everyday life. 3D avatars and other innovative solutions have also been applied to stimulate student learning.
Humanized service
Yes, the present and future of education are really focused on the digital universe, but humanized service cannot be given up. Increasingly, relationships are essential to strengthen ties with the school community.
There has never been so much talk about social-emotional skills. Schools and universities can no longer ignore the mental health discourse, and must include these skills in the curriculum.
New occupations
The labor market has changed a lot in recent years and new occupations have emerged. Courses aimed at the health area gained more prominence after the pandemic, especially with a focus on management. Currently, it is up to this professional to equip his team with solutions and technologies that guarantee clinical effectiveness, agility in care and patient safety.
Another course that has conquered space in continuing education is entrepreneurship. This methodology aims to guide the student in developing an entrepreneurial vision that goes beyond business. It is a pedagogical approach aimed at personal development, creativity, protagonism and proactivity.
Growth of Edtechs
With the arrival of the metaverse, edtechs – companies that develop technological solutions for offering services related to education, such as teaching platforms, online courses, among other technological tools – have stood out.
A survey carried out by CIEB (Innovation Center for Brazilian Education) and Abstartup (Brazilian Association of Startups in Brazil), which consolidates data collected between 2019 and 2021, showed that edtechs grew by 26% during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021 alone, they already represented 5.7% of the most prominent startups in Brazil, the so-called Emerging Giants. According to the Distrito Report, edtechs are expected to move more than US$ 350 billion globally by 2025.
About MUST University
Founded in 2017, MUST University is an American university that offers accessible education for the inclusion and social ascension of its students , with values that include inspiring learning, broadening perspectives and improving lives. With Masters programs that are 100% online, the institution offers the possibility for the student to choose the language in which he wants to take the course. Among the available languages are English, Portuguese or Spanish. The dynamic classes are taught through interactive e-books, video presentations, research activities, among other materials guided by trained teachers to monitor and consolidate student learning.
More information: https://mustedu.com/