The rise of EdTech

Educational technology (EdTech) is currently one of the fastest growing sectors of digital technology as its value rapidly propagates across continents.  A smartphone, internet connectivity and an uninterrupted power supply are the only resources that you need to gain new qualifications, certifications and skills since EdTech allows learners to be exposed to the most relevant content and resources online in the most uncomplicated form.

This global phenomenon is expected to generate approximately $252 billion by 2020!  The rise of this new digital wave has had a positive impact in Nigeria as there has been a significant growth in EdTech start-ups who have performed exceptionally well despite the technological challenges faced within the region.  No longer being restricted to a traditional educational setting, professionals looking to further their CPD have benefited significantly from the proliferation and development of EdTech start-ups in Nigeria.  Given the fast-paced evolution of digital technology, the below 5 trends will be paving the path to advance EdTech presence in Nigeria.

Artificial Intelligence

Having already been a crucial part of the EdTech discourse in recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to play a significant role in the industry during 2020 and will be used as a tool by training providers who want to augment their services in Nigeria.  AI as a learning tool is just one of the ways that education technology can utilise the potential that this resource harbours.  The value of AI is enhanced when you consider how it is an independent resourceful tool that allows for individualised learning with feedback delivered in real-time.  Likewise, there is already an increase in AI-powered apps and programs that learners are using to understand and apply concepts more effectively.  All this will support the provision of outstanding educational contributions since it will be used to personalise and tailor learning to individual needs in the coming years.

New Media

Collaborative EdTech tools that support online learning over platforms which promote peer-to-peer engagement, chatbots, blogs and apps are all looking to be big trends in 2020.  This will enable professionals to use chat tools they are familiar with for a more personalized online learning experience.  Groups can be created in Learning Management Systems to enhance engagement (among trainers and trainees) and to give and receive constructive feedback.

Video-based learning which is great for background information and condensing material will prominently feature just like mobile applications.  The infusion of mobile technology with education presents a multitude of opportunities, expanding the use of exemplars for how and where professionals can learn and consume information with little to no stress.  This increasingly mobile, virtualised and geographically dispersed approach to education, affords educational providers the ability to be more collaborative, productive and readily available to professionals in the corporate environment.

Data-Driven Institutions and Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms and institutions are making learning more convenient for students by enhancing educational digitisation and significantly reducing long-term costs.  Recognising the benefit that data offers, training providers are now making the most of the power of data to help with retention and student success.  Leveraging data allows training consultants and tutors to identify the difficult areas to provide valuable solutions.  These data-driven decisions enable educational offerings to be tailored to meet the needs of particular demographics, which makes for a better learning experience.  In this instance, the trainers become facilitators who lead adult learners to higher quality online learning sessions, where learners can empower themselves to learn.  The convenience of having all the educational resources needed on one platform, with a support network of educators and peers to provide a motivational boost, gives professionals the freedom and flexibility that they need to thrive.

This liberation is provided by interactive digitised curricula that will be part of data-driven institutions and online platforms in 2020 and beyond. As a result, adult learners will be provided with a more meaningful, convenient and personalised learning environment.

Online Assessments

Online assessments are at the heart of the learning process in today’s society; however their success has remained consistent over the past years and this will continue to be executed in Nigeria. Online assessments are flexible, customisable, interactive, secure and swift to deliver.  This is primarily how they have enabled a major shift from rigid traditional paper assessments to secure online assessments. Since online assessment models can be managed with relative ease, they provide a valuable and innovative vehicle for delivering assessments that are fair and accurate.

Immersive learning

Immersive learning is taking Nigeria by storm and is set to remain a key part of its EdTech throughout 2020 since it offers an enormous level of learning potential, especially as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies continue to develop and evolve.  These types of educational experiences will help the learner become a part of the narrative as they get to draw their own conclusions to gain expertise and knowledge.  The opportunity to simulate real-life situations or scenarios will be particularly important for professionals who need a more practical training experience.

Since the market is competitive, VR and AR based learning will be used as a magnet to attract and retain valuable adult learners.  Beyond the fact it yields positive results, this trend will continue to be prominent in 2020 because it is also proven to engage long distance learners and generate successful outcomes.

Conclusion

The marriage of technology and education offers an enormous amount of value to training providers and awarding bodies, as it provides learners with the content and resources most relevant to their requirements – in a personalised experience.

So if you are exploring education options in Nigeria, be sure to consider the emergent EdTech in your location and how it may help you to gain your life-changing qualifications.