Recent leaps in artificial intelligence (AI) led by the popularisation of ChatGPT have propelled technology to the forefront of global education.

Introduction

Many online tools have recently integrated generative AI into their educational offerings, including student essentials such as Microsoft Office and Notion. AI in the education market is set to experience a global increase of approximately $100 billion over the next decade and global education as a whole will see expenditure of up to $10 trillion as educators seek to transform the industry to keep up with the latest technologies. In this article we explore the top four emerging EdTech trends to watch out for in 2024.

Personalised AI tutors

Keen observers will be familiar with user-generated game or flashcard-based learning platforms, the majority of which are free to use. As of 2023, many of these services launched new AI tutors or teaching assistants that tailor content to individual student needs for a monthly subscription fee. Some services allow students to upload their own notes, undergo testing, and receive feedback on how to perform better each time. Others can transcribe notes directly on behalf of students during lectures and create convenient study summaries. In 2024 we can expect personalised AI tutors to increase in popularity as their performance improves.

Skills-based self-education

As workplace competition heats up, many students are turning to short courses to close skills gaps. According to Class Central, the most popular short courses in 2023 were computer science and programming, interpersonal skills development, and language learning. These skills are all essential for employees in the 21^st century, but not everyone has the time or interest to engage in a formal setting, making online learning a useful alternative. The most popular providers of short courses remain top-ranked U.S universities and well-known technology companies such as Google and Microsoft. Education providers are likely to increase and diversify their short course offerings in 2024 to keep up with students’ demand for remote learning opportunities. We are also likely to see the rise of alternative educational platforms and credentials to supplement the need for niche and highly specialised topics.

Gamified rewards

Gamified education has traditionally seen the greatest uptake in education for children and language learners, but with the rise of mobile app-based learning, is becoming a regular fixture for all students. Gamified rewards incentivise learners to learn more effectively by offering points, badges, discounts and other benefits for completing learning milestones and achievements. As educators look for unique ways to keep students engaged while learning complex concepts, gamified rewards are set to become more common.

Enhanced EdTech regulations and security

Lesser focused on but equally important is the framework of regulations governing EdTech worldwide. Australia joined the EU and 27 countries in signing the Bletchley Declaration to affirm that AI should be designed and deployed in a responsible manner. The Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools was also recently passed to provide guidance on usage and adoption in classrooms. We can expect new legislation to affect emerging EdTech technologies as they become more crucial to society, and to ensure its benefits are equitably distributed.

Final thoughts

Looking to the future of the global education sector, EdTech will inevitably expand to become a more integral aspect of students’ learning experiences. Educators and students alike are invested in improving their understanding of EdTech products and services, but in a way that does not compromise on the need for equity and accessibility. In 2024 we are likely to see a greater emphasis on the infrastructure supporting EdTech’s rollout to all segments of society, including low-income and disadvantaged communities. In turn, EdTech providers will refine their offerings to cater to underserved markets.

Sources

[1] Class Central. 2024. The 250 Most Popular Online Courses of All Time. https://www.classcentral.com/report/most-popular-online-courses/

[2] Forbes. Seven EdTech Trends Cultivating Passion for Knowledge in 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/02/16/7-edtech-trends-that-will-be-cultivating-passion-for-knowledge-in-2024/?sh=44f18bef1579

[3] Owl Ventures. 2023. Education Outcomes Report.  https://view.genial.ly/6525982780798f0011437cde

[4] World Economic Forum. 2024. Five Key Trends Shaping the EdTech Market To 2030.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/these-are-the-4-key-trends-that-will-shape-the-edtech-market-into-2030/

Cover image generated by Dalle