Exploring the Future of Education

by Startacus Admin

Rich Maaghul, CEO of ODEM.io explores the future of education and how disruption will transform the way that we learn...

Education shapes us more than any other process in our lives. What we learn governs our understanding of the world and the decisions that we make.

As Abraham Lincoln said, “upon the subject of education...I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.” He had a point. There is no greater equalizer of social class, economic status and borders than a quality education. 

The way that we learn has been dramatically impacted by innovations in technology that have made education more affordable and accessible. In fact, this shift has led to the birth and rise of the multi-billion dollar education technology (“EdTech”) sector, whose aim is to bring education out of the restrictions of the classroom and allow students to have greater control of their learning journey. Today, EdTech solutions have evolved so much that you can find an app or digital solution to learn just about anything -- from quantum mechanics to foreign languages, the options are endless. 

This new accessibility to all of the tools that we need to learn is what has truly disrupted education. But, we’ve only scratched the surface. The future of education is on its way and it’s coming at us quickly. 

Innovation that Puts the Student First

EdTech has reshaped the way in which we access and consume new information. It’s allowed for students to choose between self-directed learning, instructor-led environments or blended formats. This paradigm shift has given students greater control over how, where and when they learn. 

In the coming months and years, students of all types will be able to enjoy even richer and immersive learning experiences with innovations like virtual reality (“VR”), augmented reality (“AR”), artificial intelligence and machine learning. Sensory VR experiences in space to learn about astrophysics will soon take the place of thick textbooks, and machine learning will help tailor educational journeys to each student’s unique skill set.

Making Education Universally Accessible

Technological advances have not only impacted the way that we learn, but also the types of learning journeys that we have access to. Online learning platforms have made it easier for students to access educational programs that are much more affordable than those offered in traditional settings. By removing unnecessary administrative expenses and overhead, online learning platforms not only give students more direct access to educators but are also able to offer quality education at a fraction of the price. 

In addition to improving affordability, EdTech has also removed the barrier of geography from the student’s equation of deciding what educational path to take and why. By putting digital vs. physical communication at the core of learning, students can now directly connect with the perfect instructor anytime, anywhere -- bringing much-needed inclusion to the education industry as a whole. 

The digitization of education will have an even greater global impact in the future. Infrastructure improvements, like greater access to high-speed Internet and the availability mesh network services, will make quality education infinitely more accessible in developing areas than it is today. Countless studies have concluded that the common denominator among slow-growing developing regions is a gap in educational access and quality. In leveling the playing field, we are able to stimulate global growth, improve lives and innovate together in a way that we never thought possible. 

Transforming the Way We Work, Learn and Grow

As human beings, the process of learning never ends with the completion of a course or a graduation ceremony. In fact, remaining competitive in today’s modern employment landscape requires that we regularly learn and adopt new skills. Just as technology has disrupted the educational landscape, it has dramatically impacted the way that employers recruit, retain and train employees. The changes have been fast, with global demand for certain skills surging overnight. Traditional education institutions have attempted to bridge this gap by offering courses to support new areas of expertise, but adoption is often slow, as these organizations are bound to strict academic calendars and the time required to staff new positions. 

On the other end of the spectrum are institution-independent organizations, like ODEM, whose mission is to create solutions that best prepare students for employment in today’s marketplace. As an on-demand education and employment marketplace, ODEM is the first-of-its-kind solution that closes this gap. ODEM is unique because it gives students insights into trending jobs and in-demand skills, and then connects them with the educators that are experts in the material. ODEM Students can tailor their study schedules to fit lifestyle, learning preferences and accessibility needs. Upon completing coursework, ODEM Students are then surfaced to employers looking for professional profiles that meet the students’ newly acquired skills. With ODEM, all connections are direct: between students, educators and employers, with zero intermediaries. 

Innovation in education is moving at a pace that we have never seen before, responding to technological advancement and our ever-changing professional environment. We are in the process of transforming how, what, where and when we learn. What’s exciting is that the future of education will see the accommodation of these changes, and ultimately, will do more to put our students first.

Students worldwide will learn with flexibility and security, within a culture of lifelong learning and fulfillment. It’s a much-needed improvement to education globally, and one that will be to the benefit of us all. 

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Published on: 13th August 2019