5 Ways the Digital Revolution Will Benefit the Education Sector

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Description	While many people teach about epochal periods of human history, comparatively few of us formerly lived through them. This has changed since 2020. The onset of COVID-19 has irrevocably altered the world – and the role of education within it. Education has arguably been forced into rapid evolution more than any other industry over the last 12 months, as highlighted by this report from FutureLearn. World leaders have made it clear that younger generations must not be left behind in these unprecedented times, leaving educators tirelessly to find creative solutions to an unprecedented situation. A large part of this problem-solving has involved the use of technology. The classroom has gone cyber, with Zoom sessions replacing conventional schoolroom settings or lecture halls. While young people will return to brick-and-mortar education establishments in time, the genie is now out of the bottle. This is the age of digital, and we're all just living in it. Happily, this does not need to involve hardship for educators – or students. Once the dust settles on The New Normal, newly discovered opportunities will – and should – remain available. Here are five examples of positive adjustments to the education sector in 2021 and beyond, largely thanks to the online revolution. Self-assisted online learning Time is the greatest enemy of many educators and students. The limitations placed upon a pre-determined schedule have caused some students to struggle, unable to fully understand concepts without one-to-one assistance. These schedules also prevent educators from providing this aid while attempting to balance the needs of multiple pupils. In the age of technology, students can gain greater insights from all over the web to aid with their studies and enhance understanding. Inter-student communication For many educators, smartphones and social media have long been the bane of the classroom. In the modern age, however, these lines of communication can provide a significant advantage. Working in a virtual space, students can actively share ideas, questions and discussions outside of the time-restricted confines of sanctioned breakout groups. Greater accessibility to education In some respects, COVID-19 has been a great equaliser for the education sector. Previously, opportunities for students to gain education may have been limited based upon geography or economic stature. In the virtual realm, location is no obstacle. Meanwhile, initiatives from local governments and software suppliers have made hardware and software increasingly available. Arguably more than any other time in recent history, anybody can access an education equivalent to their age-group peers. Expanded roles for educators Very few educators enter the field of teaching to simply drive facts and figures into the heads of young minds. Unfortunately, restrictions of time, classroom sizes and assigned curriculums dictate that many educators have lacked the opportunity to take a more hands-on mentoring role. This will become increasingly possible in the age of digital education. Deeper STEM literacy for all students Perhaps most welcome is the inevitable greater understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that arises from embracing technology in the cyber-classroom. Concerns over imbalances of gender and ethnic background in the STEM fields has been a long-standing concern. By implementing digital knowledge into all fields of education, transition into this field of work will become increasingly natural. Nothing lasts forever, and winter is always followed by spring. The unprecedented events of the last twelve months will eventually become a matter of historical record, discussed with curiosity by future generations. Right now, however, we stand on the cusp of historic evolution. The uncertainty of the current period stands side-by-side with exciting opportunities. The education sector has never been better placed to future-proof itself against further change. Embracing the digital revolution is the perfect place to start.
Created	12 Mar 2021
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Country	United Kingdom
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Founder	Kelly Wilson
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