Gearing Up for the EdTech Revolution in the New Normal

Beth Gordon,PhD, Associate Vice President, Academic and Administrative Services Information Technology Services, Pace University

Beth Gordon,PhD, Associate Vice President, Academic and Administrative Services Information Technology Services, Pace University

COVID pressed the fast forward button on the Educational Technology evolution. The education technology industry has evolved rapidly over these past 3 years due to the pandemic and its aftershocks.  Where we previously thought of courses as either f2f (face to face) or online and work as mostly in person, now the lines are blurred.  Educational Technology was previously adopted by choicebut now has become essential for academic continuity, business continuity and for just keeping in touch with family and friends.  This increased acceleration of an otherwise gradual movement has certain advantages including the increased acceptance of technology, increased skill levels as well as increased accessibility for populations who previously may not have been able to access education. 

With this new acceleration of Educational Technology progress comes new challenges such as access and training.  Colleges and K-12 schools have had to grapple with the digital divide among its students in terms of access to computers and Internet.During the height of the pandemic, some schools sought ways to distribute laptops to those in need and some Wi-Fi providers offered deals and discounts, but these were both stopgap measures that aren’t scalable or sustainable.  As more learning hinges on access to technology we will have to figure out long term solutions to bridge this gap so that no learner is left behind.  Schools have also had to deal with training issues for its faculty - many of whom had adopted technology in parts over the years but had never had to do it all using technology.  We shifted from an “opt in” to “all in” world in March 2020. The training demand never ends in this newly evolved Ed Tech space because the technology is always changing and upgrading so faculty and staff must be committed to embrace continual learning and course redesigning. 

Our new normal is observing several key trends that educators and industry leaders should prepare for including the emphasis on flexibility, personalization and mobile, the demand for interaction, connection and collaboration and the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Learners expect their education to be flexible in terms of mode.   While many people eagerly awaited the return to in person instruction, we are now witnessing many on campus students who choose to join their classes via zoom rather than walk across to the classroom buildings.  Students are comfortable accessing tools from their mobile devices and want the freedom to choose when and how they access course content.  Personalization is also critical for students today.  Educators should look for tools that allow adaptive learning that’s customizable by student and can give frequent and specific feedback based on how each student is doing at every step of the way.  They are mobile savvy and educators often need to catch up them in this arena.  Badging is one way of addressing all of these topics being flexible, providing personalized feedback and incentive and also being able to be tracked and stored on different mobile platforms. 

“Educators should look for tools that allow adaptive learning that’s customizable by student and can give frequent and specific feedback based on how each student is doing at every step of the way.”

After the many months of isolation, quarantine and remote learning/working, there is renewed focus on connection and fostering a sense of belonging in schools and colleges.  Ed Tech can help or hinder this effort depending on the tools and how they are being used.  Faculty and staff need training on how to foster engagement and break through the barriers that social distancing and masking have created.  Students need to relearn how to “unmute” literally and figuratively in this new world. Academic Technologists and Educational Media Specialists can highlight the way and show educators what best practices are using these to create space for sharing, talking, and learning. 

The other major trend to watch is often referred to as DEI – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  DEI is essential for education so that every student, staff and faculty member feels welcomed, valued and respected.  We cannot begin to incorporate technology or address any of the other trends if we haven’t addressed this.  Educators and Industry leaders must keep this topic at the forefront of strategic planning and investment. 

Fasten your seatbelt, the Educational Technology evolution is only going to speed up from here.  As our world becomes more mobile and global, so will learning.  The demands on schools and educators to become more agile and adaptable will increase. We may also see more interest on the part of students to achieve micro credentials and just in time learning to ramp up for a particular job.  Ed Tech can give us the tools for the changes ahead, but astudent-centered mindset must always come first. 

As both of my sons and nephew head off to college this Fall, I’m hoping their faculty are ready for them.  They grew up using technology and expect to continuing using that along the way, but they need faculty who understand the importance of connection, belonging and inclusion so that even as they zoom, click, and submit through their classes, they will be seen, heard and valued for who they are and who they will become. 

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