Setting goals to integrate technology into higher education will be a long term process, with many obstacles in the way. As we make our way through trends in instructional technology, we will need to chunk them into workable groups. Based on the 2019 Higher Education Horizon Report, these are categorized into long-term (5 or more years), mid-term (3-5 years), and short-term trends (1-2 years) (Educause, 2019).
These trends will allows us to focus on driving adoption to the long-term trends which represent at least a 5 year window. The trends listed in the Horizon report represent innovations that seek to maximize current programs by connecting diverse programs (Educause, 2019). We will be looking at a select few trends: Blended Learning Designs, Advancing Cultures of Innovation, and Rethinking How Institutions Work.
Blended Learning Designs represent a short-term trend which is centered on integrating digital solutions that are most impactful to student success (Educause, 2019). Blended courses are more complex in their design, as it requires detailed planning compared to traditional face to face classes. Blended classes are taking two teaching modalities and forming a new model, a Hybrid model where some of the class meets face to face and the remaining part of the class meets online. The complexity comes from trying to design a class that is student centered while having limited personal interaction (Anthoney, 2018).
The ongoing issue with Blended Learning Design is that faculty members are not well trained in developing the necessary resources to take advantage of the digital tools available. For example, many instructors use the Learning Management Systems, such as Canvas and D2L, as means to distribute information. This method is efficient but lacks engagement and interaction for the students (Anthoney, 2018). A solution is to include professional instructional designers in the course creation stage to assist in building a more robust learning environment.
To increase engagement and interaction, instructors must begin to adopt new types of innovation in the classroom. Advancing Cultures of Innovation, categorized as a mid-term trend, will allow us to move beyond the typical use of the standard tools included in the LMS (Canvas, D2L, etc.). Creating a culture of innovation is not just throwing technology at a problem, but rather utilizing teamwork, hands on activities, and individuality (Meleci0, 2019). Professional development plays a part in advancing innovation, allowing time for instructors to come together to share ideas on what works and more importantly, what does not work. Setting aside time for these types of activities are essential to team building and building a culture where risks taken are not punished but encouraged (Melecio, 2019). Institutions needs to be able to accept risks being taken and allow failure as it will inevitably lead to success for both instructors and students in the long term.
Long term trends are items that will take at least 5 years of development and implementation into the current system. Rethinking How Institutions Work is like trying to turn a battleship, it takes time. Momentum carries an object forward in the direction that they have been going, it takes a lot of force for them to change (Clark, 2012). The process of change is a gradual one, altering how an institution works cannot be done overnight. However, we are moving towards student populations that are more diverse, not just in race, sex, and ethnic backgrounds, but also in income, age, and family status. These changing demographics will fundamentally alter what degrees and credentials colleges and universities offer to students. Examples of these changes can be seen in the different modalities of classes being proposed and new interdisciplinary degrees being offered.
Each of these trends represent the coming changes in education. As an instructor I will need to be well versed in each one and understand how to implement them in to my curriculum to be successful. Furthermore, institutions will need to adapt to these trends or risk losing students to those that do. The 2019 Horizon report outlines multiple trends, challenges, and developments in educational technology that will change the academic landscape for the foreseeable future...hopefully for the better.
Works Cited:
Anthoney, M., Snare, J., & Jacobson, J. (2018, January 19). Innovating with purpose: The blended flow toolkit for designing blended/hybrid courses. EDUCAUSE. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://library.educause.edu/resources/2018/1/innovating-with-purpose-the-blended-flow-toolkit-for-designing-blended-hybrid-courses
Clark, J. I. (2012, April 21). How do we turn the battleship around? Jill Clark Speaks. Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://jillclarkspeaks.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/how-do-we-turn-the-battleship-around/
EduCause. (2019, April 23). 2019 horizon report. EDUCAUSE. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://library.educause.edu/resources/2019/4/2019-horizon-report
Melecio, N. (2019, June 27). Creating a Culture of Innovation in Education. Idesignproject.com. Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://idesignproject.com/creating-a-culture-of-innovation-in-education/
Comments