Online collaborative learning (OCL) has been developing really fast.
This educational approach encourages learners to study together and complete a shared task using digital platforms and new technologies. The latter provides various communication tools through which learners engage in group discussions. In addition, this type of learning highly promotes critical and creative thinking.
Nowadays, various trends are likely to shape the future of OCL. These will come out due to technological advancements and to meet new educational needs. So how are we going to adjust to these changes? For that reason, it is significant to dig deeper into contemporary trends and predict what is yet to come.
This article will provide an overview of the current trend in online collaborative learning. Moreover, it will offer predictions in OCL while stressing the importance of AI tools, such as Saima.ai. With the help of Saima.ai, you can experience the future of online collaborative learning today!
Current Trends in Online Collaborative Learning
After COVID-19, the eLearning industry has grown to new heights. Its adoption fostered the transition from traditional to online learning. Furthermore, in 2023, the future of OCL looks more promising. Here are some of the most common trends that need to be considered.
Personalized Learning With AI
As of 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) has a considerable influence on the majority of industries, and online learning is not an exception. According to statistics, OpenAI was used by 21.1 million users monthly in 2022. It is now expected that its impact is going to grow in the coming years. AI is going to play a vital role in the academic growth of individual students. Cutting-edge algorithms will use the learners’ individual characteristics, such as their learning pace, strengths, and weaknesses. The good news is that such opportunities are right around the corner with Saima.ai. Adjusting to your listening pace, Saima automatically speeds up or slows down the video for maximum efficiency, helping you focus on the content of the video.
Immersive Learning with VR and AR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are used to provide interactive eLearning experiences. With the help of AR and VR, students now have the possibility to explore historical sites virtually and engage in various activities. The combination of real and virtual worlds provides learners with a greater understanding of complex subjects.
Blockchain For Credentialing and Security
Data leakage is still a popular issue in 2023. Statistics show that K–12 devices had an antivirus compliance rate of just 60%. Thus, this is a significant issue in most of the educational institutions. Nowadays, advanced blockchain technologies make it possible to have secure and protected educational records. In the near future, the adoption of blockchain systems offering transparency will be increased.
Microlearning for Just-in-Time Knowledge
Microlearning offers focused and brief learning modules that make the content more comprehensible. Microlearning started to gain leverage in the 1990s when it was possible to access lessons online through the Internet. This way of teaching has gained quite a lot of popularity in recent years and will continue to do so in 2023 and beyond. Thanks to this method, learners are now able to enhance knowledge and master new skills in a more effective way.
Social Learning And Collaboration
It is not a secret that learning is a socially constructed experience. Online learning systems, in turn, will highlight the importance of peer-to-peer collaboration to enhance the knowledge construction process. In 2023, anticipate encountering more features promoting social interactions, such as discussing and collaborating on shared tasks in virtual groups.
Data-Driven Learning Analytics
Data analytics will play a considerable role in crafting the future of Online Collaborative Learning. Learning platforms will do their best to utilize the potential of Big Data to learn about learners’ progress, preferences, and abilities. Educators will use this data to update the course content and execute new approaches to their teaching methods. In this way, it would be possible to optimize the learning experience for each individual. For this reason, adaptive learning platforms, such as McGraw-Hill Connect, have the potential to significantly enhance the learners to a new level.
Gamification For Enhanced Engagement
Gamification, as the word suggests, makes the learning process fun and engaging. It boosts the motivation to develop skills and foster knowledge. In the near future, eLearning platforms will integrate badges, scoreboards, and rewards to make students have healthy competition. Making the eLearning experience gamified promotes the active engagement and collaboration of students.
Predictions of Online Collaborative Learning Beyond 2024
The development of OCL and eLearning in general takes place in the blink of an eye. As we get closer to the end of 2023, several other developments might take place other than the above-mentioned ones. Not to make you wonder why, here are some key factors when it comes to the future of OCL.
Adaptive Learning And AI Tutors
Personalized and adaptive learning have become increasingly popular in today’s world. AI-powered educators will serve as digital mentors offering individualized guidance and optimized support to learners. To provide a better understanding, in 2023, the entire AI industry is predicted to reach $500 billion in global revenue. This simply means that AI educators have a great opportunity to ensure effective learning experiences for those who struggle with their education.
Human-Machine Collaboration In Learning
Indeed, AI is a powerful and effective tool, but the contributions of humans remain irreplaceable․ In coming years, OCL is likely to focus on the collaboration of humans and progressive technologies.
According to The Guardian, 82% of teachers are struggling to deal with the amount of work they do. Thus, tutors can use technologies to automate administrative and secondary tasks and concentrate more on providing mentorship to learners.
eLearning Ethics And Digital Well-Being
As eLearning gradually becomes an inseparable part of our lives, digital privacy and ethical considerations turn into more prominent issues. Most online learning platforms and academic institutions will start to prioritize digital security and inclusiveness. Thus, the ethical aspect of AI is also going to be of high importance.
Integration Of Extended Reality
In 2024 and beyond, Extended Reality (XR) is also going to enter the eLearning industry. It will also include Mixed Reality (MR) experiences. XR mixes the real and virtual worlds. In other words, it enables the opportunity to engage with virtual objects in real life. This will especially help students who receive medical or engineering education, as they can practice their skills in risk-free settings.
Conclusion
As you can already assume, the future of online collaborative learning and eLearning in general holds great potential. With the evolution of eLearning, most traditional educational systems are likely to be revolutionized by eLearning which will break down geographical and cultural barriers. However, with all these benefits in mind, it is also significant to consider addressing digital literacy and privacy issues.