IN Sewickley Fall 2017 | Page 26

5 ONLINE EDUCATION TRENDS FOR COLLEGE

5 ONLINE EDUCATION TRENDS FOR COLLEGE

Online education allows non-traditional students the opportunity to earn a degree without leaving the comfort of their own home . This educational approach has opened doors for individuals with circumstances prohibiting them from participating in oncampus education . Whether they are working full time , raising families , or they live in a different state , online education provides the opportunity to earn a degree remotely . According to U . S . News and World Report , the number of online students is continuing to grow and experts are predicting a number of trends within the next year for online learning .
1 . Adoption of “ Microcredentials ” – As non-traditional students are on the rise , universities are developing multiple program levels since not everyone is looking to complete a four-year degree . Microcredentials offer certificate programs , digital “ badges ” of completion , and other types of credentials to prove successful completion of continued education coursework .
2 . Tailored Curriculums from Data Insights – Since students complete all of their work online , universities are receiving data that is not typically available in a traditional classroom setting . Analytics teams are using this data to predict student success , and in turn , teachers are enhancing their curriculum to meet the needs of their students .
3 . Artificial Intelligence – Universities are investing in artificial intelligence , such as virtual assistants , to provide an additional layer of support on top of that which students receive from their professors .
4 . Nonprofit Programs – Experts are continuing to see a drop in for-profit programs as more nonprofits are ramping up their online education offerings . Nonprofit institutions are working to keep up with the demand for more online programs .
5 . Ranging Disciplines – As online programs continue to grow , they are offering an increasing number of focus areas that may not have been thought of until recent years . Some students who already have degrees are looking for specialized programs to learn new technology in their field and to increase their knowledge and credibility .
Education
research , videos that make learning more fun , and access to a community of individuals ( peers , leaders and the like ) to support their projects . Students are using tools such as Skype to tap into their network of resources .
Live streaming enables students to have face-to-face contact with students , teachers , community leaders and industry experts like never before . Visualization is a proven tool for success , as teachers on the other end are able to demonstrate lessons instead of simply lecturing . This is exceedingly helpful in the matter of virtual learning . Instead of teachers working through chat , they have the opportunity to talk directly to their students , allowing for a more personalized experience for online learning .
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
The idea of community schools was born with the thought of a school becoming the center of a community , instead of just a place located within it . A community school is built on partnerships between schools and other community resources and focuses on academics , social services , and youth and community development with the goal of being a hub for students , teachers , parents and community leaders to come together to provide support and opportunities to one another .
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OFFER :
• Engaging Instruction – Community schools provide real-world learning and problem solving opportunities for students both within and outside of the classroom . Instruction goes beyond the teachers , encouraging students to engage with community leaders , local businesses and other public organizations .
• Expanded Learning Opportunities – Community schools , which are typically open 24 / 7 / 365 , offer and encourage students to pursue both academic and non-academic success by enhanced opportunities to learn and grow .
• College , Career and Citizenship – Whether this is readiness for college , technical school , or simply to enter the workforce , community schools focus on ensuring that students are comfortable and confident after graduation to become engaged members of society .
• Health and Social Support – A strong community starts with healthy members . Ensuring mental and physical well-being is a high priority in community schools .
• Community Engagement – Community schools are run by a collective number of teachers , community organizations and other stakeholders that monitor and grow the well-being of the entire community .
• Early Childhood Development – Community schools focus on ensuring that high-quality early learners enter school with confidence and readiness to learn .
• Family Engagement – Community schools offer critical support for family growth and development through activities to increase family engagement .
• Youth Development Activities – Students are given the opportunity to engage in hobbies outside of the classroom for the chance to find out what makes them excited to learn .
TEACHING THE FUTURE
Teachers are tasked every day with correcting spelling tests , entering grades , writing lesson plans , and now with integrating technology along the way . They would be doing their students a disservice if they choose to ignore the fact that technology
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