Are New Learning Technologies the Way Forward?

The growth of digital content in the classroom and the growth of e-learning applications make it possible to deliver a more personalized learning experience to students. Instructors are using technology to replace traditional rote learning with personalized learning experiences. Multi-device synchronization has become the norm and software has become more user-friendly to enable virtual conversations and collaboration. More instructors and students are creating their digital content, resulting in deeper learning and more accessible education.

Adaptive learning technologies

The promise of adaptive learning technologies is undeniable, but it is far from clear how it will change education. Currently, most adaptive learning applications use pre-diagnostics and decision trees to generate pseudo-personalized learning plans. These plans, while helpful in their initial stage, are static and heavily generalized.

In addition, these applications make only limited adaptations based on predefined rules and algorithms. Although they automate the upfront manual work, they do not grow more intelligent over time.

Using adaptive learning technologies in education may not be possible in all cases, but some examples of such technologies include Knewton, CogBooks, Cengage Mindtap, and Realiteach. Some systems also include a dashboard for instructors to track student progress through learning materials. The benefits of such systems include improving student learning outcomes. As a result, these technologies can provide better learning experiences for all students.

Social media-inspired discussion platforms

Blogging and discussion boards such as Reddit are examples of social media-inspired discussion platforms. Users of these sites can post and participate in discussion boards related to niche subjects or industries. They can also subscribe to blogs or boards and see best essay writing service reddit 2022 content on their feeds. Likewise, video-creation tools such as Voicethread and Slack are ideal for online courses. But how can they be used for teaching?

Although millions of students are already familiar with discussion boards, their use in an online courses is often underestimated. While discussion board participation is not as heavily weighted as essays and exams, the value of student interaction cannot be overlooked. Discussion forums typically use learning management systems or LMSs. The first major provider of LMSs for higher education was Blackboard. Blackboard took its cues from social networking sites and technical circles to build its system.

Virtual study groups

There are some obvious benefits to virtual study groups, such as convenience.

• Students can meet online at a designated time to study without having to travel to campus.
• The online study group environment fosters a sense of community. In addition, students can use videoconferencing to collaborate with colleagues and classmates, as long as they can stay on task.
• Virtual study groups often require greater self-discipline than face-to-face study groups, and facilitators may need additional training.
  

Although there are several advantages to virtual study groups, they do not apply to all classes. Some classes may benefit more from several group projects than others. Early group projects allow students to develop connections with their classmates and build a reddit essay network of peers. Virtual study groups are not the only benefits of online study groups. In-person groups are still useful, especially for pet-based courses. But the online group setting allows students to discuss more complex problems with a wider range of peers.

Biometric technology

The increasing use of biometrics as a learning technology can help students become more self-sufficient. Using biometrics to track student attendance, for example, allows students to access and use information in more ways. It also provides more opportunities for students to be responsible for their learning by seeking out relevant information, assessing it, and solving complex problems.

John Dewey, who believed that true knowledge is embodied in problem-solving processes, also recognized the value of teaching for the future.

To develop an understanding of biometrics as learning technology, students should understand its fundamentals. The generic biometric system has five major sections: data collection, signal processing, decision, and transmission and storage. The ITEA recommends that students learn about each of these components before applying them to biometrics transactions. These five core concepts can be further divided into sub-components to increase student understanding of the technology.

MOOCs

The authors' study examined the effects of MOOCs on final grades and found that students who chose the MOOC achieved better results than those who completed the project work instead. Moreover, students recognized the value of forums, discussions, and partnerships.

While this type of activity is not as common in traditional classroom settings, it is a vital part of achieving one learning outcome: teamwork. In MOOCs, students work together to solve real-world problems, which are often assigned individually and in teams.

The "old school" method has been transformed by the Internet and technology, and the online classroom is no exception. Faculty members need to be able to interact with their students for them to create a positive learning environment. Using social media and artificial intelligence tools can help, but 20 years of teaching experience should not be ignored. While new technologies such as artificial intelligence may help improve MOOC course design, instructors should still take time to evaluate their teaching practices.