What are the current trends and issues in educational technology that are heading into our upcoming decade? I am here to give you the inside on things to keep an eye on in 2023 and beyond.
We all know that COVID-19 has forced the education industry to be more innovative. However, even before 2019, students already had access to different tech solutions that improved their learning experience and significantly helped with studying. Some of the most favored included and continue to include educational apps, online tutoring, and professional essay writing services platforms where students can buy essays and other papers.
The most popular educational technology trends in 2019 were Big Data, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), and they had a lead in 2023 as well. However, distance learning has emerged as the dominant trend that governs them all.
Students have gradually adjusted to remote learning via digital platforms as a result of social alienation. So, in 2022 and beyond, educational technology trends are being transformed with a strong focus on connectivity, adaptability, and student-centered learning.
Everything has a positive and negative side. So, what are the current trends and issues in educational technology? Let’s answer this question by reviewing the trends in educational technology 2020 and trends in educational technology 2023.
What is Educational Technology?
The process of facilitating learning and enhancing performance through the creation, implementation, and supervision of appropriate technological processes and resources is known as educational technology. It is the concept of converting traditional book-based teaching and learning to a digital format.
In a nutshell, EdTech is the practice of integrating technology into education to improve teaching/learning experiences and thereby improve learning outcomes.
Current Trends and Issues in Educational Technology
Today’s cutting-edge technology started its journey quite a while back. They were not invented overnight. Let’s take a look back at the trends in educational technology 2020 and Trends in Educational Technology 2023 so that we can easily understand current trends and issues in educational technology.
Trends in Educational Technology 2020
Virtual reality education, with a unique digital course for each student, used to be a far-fetched dream. But, now technology has progressed to make these and other fantasies a reality. Let’s see what was the top trends in educational technology 2020. Please keep in mind that all of the 2020 trends are still in effect.
Top 5 Trends in Educational Technology 2020
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Immersive Learning and Virtual Reality
This was one of the emerging trends in educational technology 2020. In 2020, approximately 15% of American schools had implemented virtual reality (VR) classroom kits. Over 70 million students throughout the world have been immersed in virtual reality learning. Virtual reality can turn theoretical knowledge into a realistic experience for students, which is incredibly valuable.
For instance, biology students can use VR kits to take a virtual visit inside the human body. This allows students to have a more comprehensive understanding of topics such as how the circulatory system functions and how the human body fights sickness.
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Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence was one of the most demanding trends in educational technology 2020. It is still governing the world. According to research, students learn best when classes and activities are tailored to their specific requirements. A teacher is unable to fully tailor each student’s learning experience in the classroom. That’s where AI-assisted learning comes in. First and foremost, AI can automate basic educational tasks such as grading.
When teachers are too busy to care for all of their students, AI tutors can assist them. Also, through AI learning systems, each student can progress at their own pace, they are not pitted against each other. For example, a language learning program like Duolingo allows users to study at their own pace by indicating when specific abilities need to be practiced.
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Gamification of Learning
The concept of gamification techniques, or game-based learning, is not new. Educators are always seeking innovative methods to impart knowledge through enjoyable activities, and gamification could be the solution. Gamification is the technique of bringing game-like mechanics to non-game situations to boost student engagement. These trends in educational technology 2020 were well-received in the educational community, and teachers are still using them in their classes.
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Social Media Learning
It was one of the most popular and easily accessible trends in educational technology 2020. When all educational institutes transferred their activities to online, social media became the primary teaching platform in the majority of cases. However, now many of the educational institutes have launched their portals.
Although it is a very popular learning medium in the present situation, they are also current trends and issues in educational technology as well.
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Machine learning
This was another one of the most demandable trends in educational technology 2020. Teachers can use machine learning technology to identify students who are at risk of dropping out of an online course. For instance, Netex Learning is an online platform with machine learning capabilities that allows teachers to construct daily curricula.
Trends in Educational Technology 2023
The current trends and issues in educational technology are not confined to one place. The trends that began in 2020 continued in 2023 and continue to this day. Some additional trends were added in 2023.
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E-Learning
Though this trend became mainstream overnight due to COVID-19, It was one of the top trends in educational technology 2023 and still is. Educators can now teach students outside of the classroom due to e-learning. In e learning companies in usa, many educators combine animation, podcasts, and videos to provide a multi modal and practical learning experience. 
Though eLearning has become today’s most effective way of teaching due to pandemics, it is also current trends and issues in educational technology. This is obstructing the students’ physical and mental growth. They’re growing apathetic.
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Blockchain Technology
The Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) from blockchain was one of the trends in educational technology 2023 and it offers a slew of advantages to students. It’s used to validate skills and knowledge in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and ePortfolios.
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Video-Assisted Learning
Video-assisted learning is one of the most popular trends in educational technology 2023 and has proven to be effective during the pandemic. This is kind of similar to e-learning, which employs videos and other visual media. But, instead of a live class, these are lecture videos that can be watched whenever you want.
This is one of the current trends and issues in educational technology as well. Students will not be able to communicate with the teacher if they have any concerns because it is not a live class.
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Big Data
During the pandemic, many educational institutions have joined the online learning trend. To adapt and correctly offer the course, instructional designers require relevant information about learners’ experiences. They needed to collect data from students, such as how they interact and how interested they are. So, more sets of data emerge than ever before. As a result, among all the other trends in educational technology 2023, big data has become overcrowded.
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Learning Analytics
Learning analytics was one of the well-received trends in educational cloud-based technology 2023 that can assist instructors in identifying groups of students who are experiencing academic or behavioral troubles. Furthermore, using learning analysis, teachers can adapt their teaching methods to the preferences of their students. For example, teachers can see which types of content (text, photographs, infographics, or videos) students prefer. Then they can use it more in their subsequent sessions.
So, What Are the Most Current Trends in Education 2023?
The current trends and issues in educational technology are deeply involved with us. All of the trends described above are the current trends in education 2023. But, aside from that, many other current trends in education 2023 are also heading into the future. Let’s see what they are:
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STEAM
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. This is one of the current trends in education 2023 which involves using hands-on learning activities and creative design to solve real-world challenges.
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Personalized Teaching
Personalized teaching is one of the most popular current trends in education 2023. It is the blessing of technology and the tools that make it possible. Many benefits can be obtained by properly using e-learning platforms. For example, students will have unrestricted access to the cloud, where they will find all educational resources that can be downloaded and/or accessed at any time. There’s also a chat plugin that allows students and teachers to communicate in real-time.
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Development of Soft Skills
It is an important and necessary talent that should not be disregarded. In light of the current global scenario, this is one of the most essential current trends in education 2023 and the years ahead.
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Mobile Learning
Because of the ubiquitous availability of mobile phones, mobile learning has become one of the most popular and accessible current trends in education 2023. It will continue to be one of the most popular trends in the coming years. There have been various apps developed that allow us to learn languages, maths, physics, and other subjects from anywhere and at any time.
Mobile learning is not only a beneficial learning medium but also one of the current trends and issues in educational technology as well.
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Education Using Project
Project-based education is very effective in learning. So, among all the other current trends in education 2023, project-based education can transform a textbook into an intriguing study or experience.
Current Issues in Educational Technology
There are so many current trends and issues in educational technology. In the sphere of education, technology has been widely adopted. However, some educational trends are an issue as well. Let’s see the current trends and issues in educational technology in brief.
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Virtual Addictivity
Mobile addictivity is one of the most alarming current trends and issues in educational technology. Mobile phones and best electronic gadgets to gift are being utilized to join online classrooms. Though mobile learning is a very popular trend, students are getting more addicted to the virtual world. It is one of the most alarming current trends and issues in educational technology.
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Budget Limit
The greatest barrier to embracing technology in education is financial constraints. Great educational technology isn’t cheap. So, the limitation to accessing the powerful tools is the current trends and issues in educational technology.
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Lack of Professional Training
Every day, new and advanced educational technology emerges. Thus, the limitations of professional training are current trends and issues in educational technology. Because teachers must be able to know how to use each new tool to its full potential and also train their students to use it.
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Inadequate Network Infrastructure
Designing, constructing, and maintaining a good network infrastructure requires a tremendous amount of effort and planning. It is required for the successful and appropriate use of technology in education to continue. So, failure to build those infrastructures are current trends and issues in educational technology.
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Change-Averseness
Change aversion and a reluctance to adopt new technology have become one of the most common current trends and issues in educational technology.
There are benefits and drawbacks to everything. So, adopting technology in education has demerits and drawbacks as well. All the current trends and issues in educational technology discussed here are just an overview, but they are not exhaustive. So, whatever the current trends and issues in educational technology, we need to pick the best out of the worst.
