Technology has progressed incredibly in the last few decades, and its use has been extended to every field conceivable. Teaching is not an exception: for many of us, it is hard to imagine learning without any technological devices, such as computers, digital blackboards, online dictionaries... The importance of online learning has only been boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as all or almost every country has decided to continue the task of teaching online.

In this article, we will focus on the main tendencies of remote learning resources for 2020, for those who desire to keep teaching and learning without leaving the comfort of their homes.

1. Mobile Learning for Real-time Education

It is estimated that almost six thousand million people own a mobile phone by 2020, meaning that 73% of the world’s population possesses one. Mobile learning is still a big industry to be exploited and it is expected to become an industry-standard where every learner should have access to an interactive mobile app.

Mobile apps consist of images, text, and videos among others, and the use of real-time events, such as weather forecasts, traffic alerts, and other real-time contextual information will be soon available in real-time and near instantaneously as students are working on assignments or tests.

2. Interactive Videos to Amplify Learning

The main disadvantage between on-site and non-attendance education is the interaction: in face-to-face education, the teachers can see how students are reacting, and as a result, they will modify their message. For example, they might explain a concept slower, provide examples, and make use of other words.

However, this problem can be solved if the professor incorporates interacting videos. That way, not only will students understand the concepts easier, but they will also feel the lessons and subjects a lot more personalized.

The challenge is, how should teachers introduce video resources to their class? First and foremost, it is important for students to not only rely on video resources but also to be assigned tasks detailing what the video informed them. Additionally, educators can even encourage students to make videos of their own and, this way, acquire interview and documentary skills.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) to Personalize Learning

Augmented Reality’s purpose is for students and teachers to have a closer, more realistic, and personal learning experience. This is accomplished by combining interacting technology, such as audio and video. By using AR both students and professors will be able to see who they are interacting with, creating a stronger bond between the two and contributing to a bigger engagement during the learning process.

Augmented Reality will only continue to evolve, and resources such as music and interactive technology will become part of the learning methodology. By using body movements, expressions, and voice recognition, students are expected to obtain a more personalized learning experience and teachers will be able to identify the members who are taking part.

4. Microlearning for Advanced and Contextual Interactive Experiences

Microlearning has become one of the biggest trends in online learning. It consists of content divided into small sections, no longer than 30 minutes, and related to one another. When dividing the content into short pieces, our brain can stay focused for the whole fragment, making the learning experience more effective and engaging. Microlearning will also facilitate educators responding to students and offer feedback to help them get the most out of their learning process.

Microlearning is characterized as being informal, short, interactive, and reusable. This learning methodology will raise the use of audio, visual, and kinesthetic components and it will only continue progressing, by soon being available in televisions, computers, smartphones, among other devices.

5. Inclusive Mapping

In the future, geospatial technologies and start-to-finish mapping will allow mapping student’s locations and knowledge from all the different environments: online, in person, real-life, and virtual environments. As an example, students will be able to create, share, and study maps of all locations from the comfort of their desks in addition to the traditional classroom setting.

After examining the 5 main trends in remote teaching, we can undoubtedly conclude that online education is rapidly evolving and that it offers a great variety of technological resources and methodologies to be implemented in the education system. In order to provide a more personalized experience to learners, educators must consider implementing video resources, moving into collaborative projects, and exploring gamified teaching.

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