EdTech experts discuss tech trends in education

Education technology experts Melissa Loble and Ryan Lufkin discussed how the latest tools and services impact educators and learners. On August 22, 2023, they shared insights to open CanvasConnect, Instructure’s EdTech conference. They explained how schools worldwide changed due to the pandemic and AI bots.

Most students have returned to class, but the old systems haven’t. Schools acknowledge the challenges posed by global innovations like ChatGPT, so they’ve been adjusting their systems accordingly. Checking Lufkin and Loble’s lessons helps students prepare as they enter a new school year. Meanwhile, parents can see how these changes will impact their children.

This article will discuss what the Instructure leaders discussed about tech in education. Later, I will explain how you can learn more about these trends.

What are the goals of tech in education?

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Let us start with a brief introduction of CanvasConnect’s speakers. Ryan Lufkin is the Vice President of Global Strategy of Instructure, and Melissa Loble is the company’s Chief Customer Experience Officer.

Instructure is a tech firm specializing in learner management systems, a software that helps teachers and administrators organize student tasks and track their progress. Its CanvasConnect event started with a few words from Ms. Melissa Loble.

She provided an overview of what Mr. Lufkin will explain in the upcoming talk. Loble acknowledged active learning is the standard for most schools, but it has transformed.

Institutions put students in the center of learning instead of encouraging active learning. They achieve this goal by letting learners earn credentials or digital badges while learning.

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Major companies accept these certifications, assuring students their efforts will help them reach their preferred careers. Later, the Chief Customer Experience Officer shifted her focus toward teachers.

She said teachers are testing how to recreate the classroom learning experience in a virtual environment. Specifically, she cited the virtual reality game Second Life as an example.

After all, metaverse and virtual reality developments develop despite the public focusing more on ChatGPT. However, countries must implement new regulations for online data and a global digital economy.

What are the latest tech trends in education?

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Loble transitioned the stage to Mr. Ryan Lufkin, Instructure’s Vice President of Global Strategy, who shared more details about the former’s insights. He shared these changes that tech in education tackles:

• Connecting with tech-native students – Today’s students expect a digital experience where they can access their assignments and resources both in the classroom and beyond.
• Preparing students for workplace tech – Many students will end up working in careers where the use of technology will be imperative to their success. Learning these tools in the classroom helps prepare them for the future.
• Preparing for future disruption – Hybrid classrooms ensure a seamless transition to online learning in the event of future environmental, social, or global health crises.

Students grew up in a world dominated by technology. Lufkin illustrated his point by explaining how a kid tried to read a magazine by swiping on it like a touchscreen.

In response, schools must ensure their lessons suit these children. More importantly, tech in education helps the next generation prepare for their digital future.

Modern businesses rely on several electronic devices and software. For example, most call center agencies use Salesforce, and most offices demand a basic understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The pandemic also showed the world that unforeseen events can upend their way of life. Moreover, calamities like the sudden wildfires in Hawaii and Canada remind us constantly.

The latest tech in education can help us continue the learning process despite these disasters. For example, students may take quizzes and continue lectures as they stay at home.

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Nevertheless, Lufkin acknowledges the challenges of adopting these innovations. Hence, he recommended changing how we measure learning.

Specifically, he suggested explaining to students why they must learn subjects to prevent them from using AI tools as shortcuts. They must also learn critical thinking because ChatGPT and similar programs usually don’t share sources.

That will ensure they can research correct, reliable information and avoid fake sources. Lastly, he recommends embracing AI bots for instructional purposes by training educators and incorporating them into the curriculum.

Conclusion

EdTech experts Ryan Lufkin and Melissa Loble discussed the latest tech trends in education. They said it is time for educators and administrators to incorporate digital innovations into their teaching and learning processes.

These will facilitate learning and help students prepare for a tech-dominated world. However, they acknowledge that keeping up with these trends can be difficult.

Nevertheless, the world must do its best to prepare the next generation. Fortunately, you can learn more about these trends on Inquirer Tech. For example, here are articles about learning and teaching with ChatGPT.