What's AI, AR/VR, Gamification and other learning technologies got to do with it?

Transformative learning technologies refer to digital tools, platforms, and educational strategies that have the potential to bring about significant and positive changes in the teaching and learning processes, leading to deep, enduring transformations in knowledge, skills, and perspectives. These technologies are designed to enhance the overall educational experience and outcomes by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability among learners. When these learning technologies are effectively implemented, it enables learners to develop a deeper understanding of subject matter, and undergo significant cognitive, emotional, and perceptual shifts in their learning journey. Current transformative learning technologies are reshaping the landscape of educational technology, offering innovative approaches to teaching and learning. It is important to investigate into some of these technologies, their relevance, advantages, and challenges, as well as strategies for further integration and research in the educational technology field.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently the most trailblazing transformative learning technologies. AI-driven personalized learning platforms use data to tailor content and pace to users or individual students, enhancing engagement and comprehension. One of the big advantages of AI is personalized learning, automated grading, and adaptive assessments improve learning outcomes. However, there are a lot of concerns about accuracy, data privacy, algorithm bias, and overreliance on technology. The information received on AI is only as good and accurate as the data centers the information is being pulled from. AI is a great tool, but should not be used as the final resource, but rather one of many tools to use to enhance learning. Further research can explore the optimization of AI in adaptive learning, ethical AI use in education, and the impact of AI on pedagogical methods.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) is another popular learning technology. AR/VR technologies create immersive learning experiences, enabling students to visualize and interact with complex concepts. Imagine being in a physics class, and you use AR/VR to learn about Newtons Law of Motion. Or to have a word problem in math about two train, traveling toward each other at a rate of 75 mph, and are 2789 miles apart- how long will it take for them to collide. AR/VR allows for enhanced engagement, improved retention, and practical applications in fields like science and healthcare. The biggest problem with it is the cost of equipment, content creation, and potential issues related to motion sickness in VR. It will be interesting in the years to see what research is done to focus on developing low-cost AR/VR solutions, content creation tools, and assessing the long-term impacts on learning outcomes.

Gamification and Game-Based Learning has been a trendy term in instructional design and in education for at least 15 years. Through the years many have become disenchanted with gamification because or wanted to forego considering it because of its overuse. Games, whether it be digital or analog, can serve a great purpose in education. The reason I think gamification does matter in education is because when created and used properly it can reduce cognitive load, increase learner engagement, and can teach socialization and team skills in a fun way. Using a game can help a learner chunk information in a less stressful way than reading a sentence, number or concept and trying to memorize it. If a game is creatively and carefully designed, learners will gain knowledge without realizing it, and this frees up the brain to take on more challenging information. Instead of the game teaching memorization, it can teach application and use, thereby letting the learner apply the knowledge in a fun way and storing it from working memory to long term memory. Gamified elements, simulations, and serious games make learning engaging and enjoyable and it increases motivation, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. The challenge is designing effective games, balancing fun with learning, and assessing learning outcomes. More research is needed to understand the design principles of successful learning games and their long-term impact on knowledge retention.

Learning Analytics leverages big data to inform instructional decisions and improve learning outcomes. In my career in training and instructional design, learning analytics and big data is one area I have found to be lacking. While assessments and surveys can gather a lot of data, what is needed, which some learning analytics have, is to have Data-driven insights, early intervention, and personalized feedback. The information provided through an LMS, quiz, or survey can give some information, but you have infer how they came upon the answer provided. This is one of the challenges of this learning technology. Other challenges can be data privacy, interpretation of data, and ethical concerns. Regardless, it is so important to try to capture this information so that courseware can be improved upon, and so that the learner can have a better experience and have a better understanding of the information. Ongoing research can explore the most effective use of learning analytics in different educational contexts, addressing privacy issues and guiding faculty in data-informed teaching practices.

Collaborative and Social Learning Platforms such as social learning tools and collaborative platforms encourage communication and knowledge sharing. With TikTok and Instagram being such current and trendy platforms, I have seen teachers use them to have students create a song or dance to explain the major bones in the body. Or to write a short sing-song story to remember the steps in the scientific method. Peer teaching peers, in a way that is simple and easy to understand and remember for a test. Discussion boards and online communities of practice also can be a great resource for collaborative and social learning. Enhanced peer learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are some major advantages of collaborative and social learning. A big challenge is monitoring and ensuring quality of online discussions, potential for distraction. Further research can explore effective strategies for facilitating online collaboration, assessment methods for social learning, and tools to manage large-scale online interactions.

Integrating these transformative technologies requires aligning them with educational goals, addressing challenges, and fostering a culture of experimentation and adaptation. To research further in these fields, institutions can establish interdisciplinary research teams, conduct longitudinal studies on technology adoption, and collaborate with the edtech industry to explore emerging trends and innovations. Additionally, research can focus on equity and accessibility considerations to ensure these technologies benefit all learners.

In summary, transformative learning technologies are at the intersection of digital innovation and pedagogy, designed to empower learners with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving knowledge-based society. These technologies aim to bring about substantial and lasting changes in education by harnessing the capabilities of digital tools and approaches.

References:

Bates, A. W. (2015). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning. BCcampus.

Crompton, H. (2014). A historical overview of mobile learning: Toward learner-centered education. In Handbook of Mobile Learning (pp. 3-14). Routledge.

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1), 3-10.