Ed-tech is here and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Some academics claim that it is worth fully replacing textbooks with tablets, refusing on-campus lectures and moving all learning processes to the webspace. We asked experts from Pro-Papers to outline the main details educators should analyze before integrating computer-based tools into the academic environment. Here are the top global Ed-Tech trends and challenges of 2019.

Top Ed-Tech trends

Virtual and Augmented reality apps

You don’t need to wait around for AR and VR apps to change education, there are plenty of education-focused apps that are already available. Students learning medicine, physics and manufacturing skillsets can expect to see AR as a learning technology.

Group Projects Tech

Tech is definitely changing the way we communicate and deliver results. Students participating in group projects often take advantage of online collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Trello and  Slack, and they often end up using the same tools later in their careers. 

3D Printing

Also known as prototyping, 3D printing tech is here to enhance a learning process with a more physical experience. Any student can now easily shape his or her idea thanks to 3D printers. Physics, design, engineering, architecture, and medicine are the most common fields for prototyping.  It has been proven that 3D printers can help students unleash their creativity and have more hands-on experiences as they learn.

E-Learning and Upskilling Courses

With the tech industry growing rapidly, new trades emerge and new skills are needed. Fortunately, there is an ever-growing library of high quality, tried and tested courses and online learning programs. There are thousands of courses online and it’s not easy to pick the right platform. Here is a handy Guide to Online Learning to help you make the most out of it.

Major concerns and challenges.

Some educational institutions hesitate, some approach innovation with enthusiasm, break old patterns, and hope for positive changes. But technology does not always meet expectations. It is worth determining the purpose of changes, taking into account variable factors, weighing all pros and cons, making sure all elements of the educational process work well together.  

Do not abandon well-tested methods until these things are clear. 

Are professors ready for changes?

Before buying expensive computers, multimedia projectors, smart desks, interactive whiteboards, tablets, and VR headsets, educators need to be taught how to use all these things. Statistics show that professors lack continuous tech training and comprehensive professional development. It is worth investing not only in hi-tech means but also human capital, i.e. teachers acting as intermediaries between students and tech. 

How much it will cost to keep up with tech?

The tech world does not stand still and it’s not enough to just buy expensive equipment. There are always trends, upgrades, and new models. Educational institutions should update technology to keep up with time.  It is crucial to have the sources of constant financing and calculate budgets carefully so that schools do not find themselves in a situation when there is no opportunity to maintain technics purchased.

Would basic skills be hindered?

Educators often complain that technology makes students lazy, lowers the enthusiasm, and hinders basic skills. Many processes forcing a human brain to work are automated today. 

For example, writing by hand contributes to better information memorizing than simply copying and pasting texts from electronic sources. Spellcheckers allow young people to not track and correct mistakes in their essays. There is no need to understand complex math formulas and memorize important facts when you can use a search engine. Therefore, when introducing some innovation in the classroom, educators should make sure it would not devoid students of the ability to think and solve problems on their own.

There are definitely pros and cons to Ed Tech, and it’s up to you to decide on whether or not it’s the right time to implement technology into the learning process. But while you’re thinking, others take action.