How do future of education speakers envision the future unfolding for colleges and university-level learning institutions around the world? We’re sure glad you asked, because there’s a veritable ton to talk about when it comes to this particular topic. Mind you, like many of your favorite future of education speakers and teaching futurists would note, the best way to learn about such topics is to hit meetings, conferences and events in person. But for now, here’s a handy guide to what’s trending.
- More blended/hybrid learning – Combining online and in-person instruction based on what works best for each method. Flipped classrooms.
- More modularized credentials – Students accumulating “stacks” of short courses and micro-credentials focused on skills. Less focus on 4-year degrees, a trending topic with future of education speakers.
- Focus on careers and employability – Curriculums evolving to align more closely with workforce needs and in-demand skills.
- Partnerships with employers – Educational institutions partnering directly with employers for things like apprenticeships, certifications, tailored coursework.
- Continuing education – Schools playing bigger role in continuous lifelong learning and skills upgrades for adults in the workforce.
- Greater personalization – AI and analytics helping customize learning experiences based on individual needs and interests, as you’ve no doubt heard future of education speakers talk on as of late.
- VR/AR transforming learning – Immersive simulated environments and scenarios for experiential learning of hard-to-replicate situations.
- Automating admin tasks – AI and analytics automating tasks like grading to allow professors to focus on students.
- Campuses as innovation hubs – Schools as platforms bringing together students, faculty, employers, startups, and investors to spark innovation, an area future of education speakers often touch on.
- Lower cost options – Continued rise of value-focused programs, Income Share Agreements, and cost transparency.
Put simply, the best future of education speakers emphasize that schools must evolve teaching methods, knowledge/skills trained for, partnerships, credentialing, and costs to be relevant and valuable.