IT industry disruptors taking the Tertiary Education System by storm
By Lumify Learn Team | November 23, 2023
The world is changing faster than ever, and so is the way we learn. The IT industry is at the forefront of this change, offering new solutions and opportunities for education. But what does this mean for your child, who is preparing to enter the tertiary education system? How can they adapt to the new realities and challenges of the digital age?
In this article, we will explore how the IT industry is transforming the tertiary education system and what you need to know to help your child succeed in the future of learning.
How is Education Being Disrupted by Technology?
Traditionally, the education system has been based on a hierarchical and linear model, where students progress through a fixed curriculum and are evaluated by standardised tests and grades. This system assumes that all students have the same learning styles, interests, abilities, and goals, and that they can be taught by the same methods and materials.
However, this system is increasingly becoming outdated and problematic as it fails to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of learners and societies in the 21st century. For instance, the traditional education system does not account for the different learning styles, interests, abilities, and goals of individual learners, and often imposes a one-size-fits-all approach. Technology is disrupting the traditional education system by offering new ways of learning and teaching that are more flexible, personalised, interactive, and collaborative.
In the next section, we will discuss some of the IT industry disruptors that are changing the way we learn and teach in the tertiary education system.
What are the IT industry trends disrupting the tertiary education sector?
Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems are software applications that help educators create, manage, deliver, and assess learning activities and resources. They are often used in online or blended learning environments, where students can access course materials, interact with instructors and peers, and complete assignments and assessments. Learning management systems can also be used to support face-to-face or hybrid learning, where they can complement or enhance the classroom experience.
Learning management systems typically contain the following elements:
Dashboard: This shows the courses, assignments, grades, and notifications for each user.
Course management system: This allows instructors to create and edit courses, add and remove students, and set up the course structure, schedule, and objectives.
Collaboration system: This system allows instructors and students to work together on projects, assignments, and discussions, using tools such as wikis, blogs, podcasts, and social media.
Assessment system: This system allows instructors to create and administer tests, quizzes, and exams, and to grade and provide feedback to students.
Reporting system: This system enables instructors and administrators to monitor and analyse student performance, engagement, and progress, using data and analytics.
Some of the benefits of learning management systems include:
Organisation: Learning management systems can help parents and children keep track of their courses, assignments, deadlines, and grades, and to access them anytime and anywhere.
Communication: Through these systems, parents and children can communicate with instructors and classmates, and receive timely and relevant information and feedback.
Collaboration: Parents and children can collaborate with other learners and educators and participate in diverse and inclusive learning communities.
Assessment: Learning management systems can help parents and children assess their learning outcomes and achievements, and to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
Artificial Intelligence
At the forefront of educational innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a dynamic force, reshaping traditional teaching methods. In essence, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, allowing them to perform tasks that typically require human cognition.
AI is disrupting the tertiary education system through the following innovations:
Personalisation of learning styles: AI ensures that educational content aligns with each child's learning style and pace, fostering a personalised educational journey. According to a study, nearly 47% of learning management tools will incorporate AI by 2024. This will enable teachers to personalise education for each student by utilising the core curriculum and supplementing it with various materials.
Adaptive assessments: Adaptive assessment is the process of measuring the learner’s abilities and achievements by adjusting the difficulty and content of the questions or tasks according to their responses. AI can help by using algorithms and models to generate and select the optimal questions or tasks for each learner, and by providing immediate and accurate feedback.
Data analysis: AI's data analysis empowers parents and educators with comprehensive insights into a child's academic journey. Ethical considerations guide AI implementations, ensuring the responsible use of technology in education. This commitment to ethical practices not only builds trust in AI-driven education but also sets a precedent for a safe and secure learning environment.
Intelligent tutoring: This refers to the process of providing the learner with individualised instruction and support by simulating the role of a human tutor. AI can help provide intelligent tutoring by using natural language processing and dialogue systems to interact with the learner, and by using knowledge representation and reasoning to diagnose the learner’s problems and provide hints, explanations, and examples.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
VR refers to a technology that immerses users in a simulated environment. It often leverages visuals, sounds, and interactive elements to create a life-like experience that transcends the physical realm. AR, on the other hand, overlays digital content into the real world. It enhances the physical world with interactive graphics and elements, thus creating a blended experience that enhances the user’s perception of reality.
VR and AR are enriching the tertiary learning process through:
Realistic and engaging scenarios: VR and AR transport learners to realistic and engaging scenarios, providing experiential learning that goes beyond textbooks. From exploring historical landmarks to dissecting virtual organisms, these technologies offer a dynamic and immersive approach to education.
Enhancing visualisation and comprehension: By visualising complex concepts in three-dimensional spaces, VR and AR enhance comprehension. Abstract theories come to life, making it easier for students to grasp intricate subjects through interactive models and visualisations.
Facilitating collaboration and exploration: VR and AR foster collaboration by enabling students to interact within shared virtual spaces. This collaborative exploration transcends physical boundaries, allowing learners to collectively engage in projects, experiments, and simulations.
Fostering creativity and innovation: These technologies unlock the door to creativity and innovation. From designing virtual prototypes to creating AR-enhanced presentations, students are empowered to explore and express ideas in ways previously unimaginable.
Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms are environments where students can take online courses on various subjects. They are often offered by universities, colleges, and vocational education and training institutions. These platforms can have different features, such as live or recorded lectures, assignments, quizzes, discussions, and feedback.
Online learning platforms offer many benefits for both students and educators, including:
Accessibility: Because classes can be taken on any internet-connected device, students can learn from anywhere and anytime, according to their own pace and preferences.
Quality education: With online learning platforms, students can access courses from world-renowned instructors and institutions, and learn from different perspectives and cultures.
Reduced costs: Because courses are taken online, students can save money and resources on transportation, accommodation, and materials.
Improvement of digital skills: Online learning platforms can foster the development of digital skills and competencies, as students can use various technologies and tools to communicate, collaborate, and create online.
Lumify Learn: The Perfect Online Learning Platform for IT Courses
If your child wants to pursue a career in IT, why not have them take a course with Lumify Learn? Lumify Learn is an online platform offering and vendor-certified boot camps and nationally accredited courses in the following areas:
All courses are conducted by expert trainers and mentors that will guide and assist students throughout their learning journey. They will also get to enjoy the aforementioned benefits of online learning. Once your child completes a course, they could become eligible for a 33% credit towards a bachelor in IT degree course in certain Australian universities. They can also participate in Lumify Edge, a comprehensive membership program that aims to arm students with the tools they need to launch a fulfilling IT career.
If you want to understand the options that your child can take after graduating from high school, download our latest eBook here.
Ready to help your child make waves in the IT industry? Enquire with us on a course today.