Modern Student: 4 Ways Education Has Changed in the Past 20 Years
The world has evolved significantly, and of course, education has followed suit. Education is more accessible and convenient for people from every walk of life than ever before. Here are four ways education has changed over the past 20 years:
1. From Brick and Mortar to Online Learning
Online learning has become a permanent fixture in the world of education as a means of personalizing the learning experience. In fact, organizations like iNACOL have dedicated themselves to the study of technology’s impact on education. The days of brick and mortar education are behind. The convenience of online learning is completely transforming education as we know it.
2. The Shift to Personalized Learning
The term “21st century education” encompasses a large array of changes. There is a movement toward having students work out their own learning with teachers acting as facilitators rather than dictators of class discussions – this is called student-centered learning. Projects are an excellent vehicle to bring about student-centered learning. Meanwhile, teachers have the opportunity to meet with students individually to evaluate and assist each student as needed. This is referred to as personalized learning.
3. Higher Education has become Even Higher
According to the Washington Post, a bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma. “A new report finds that employers are increasingly requiring a bachelor’s degree for positions that didn’t [require them before].” The theory is that job duties are becoming more intricate and demanding, requiring stronger development of skills. Jobs that used to be simpler now require more refined mastery, and, by extension, even higher education.
4. A New Outcome
Over the years, the goal of education has been to produce productive members of society. For the United States, that meant teaching math and English in light of the Industrial Revolution. However, advancements have created other demands in fields of technology and healthcare. One career that emphasizes both is health informatics, a growing field committed to improving health care via information and communications technology. Education is generating a whole new category of graduates with diversified career options.
These are just a few of the significant changes that have occurred in education throughout the past 20 years. An evolving technological era, new theories of best practices, and expanding career options have shaped a system to meet its needs. Younger generations are faced with life opportunities that were never quite accessible for everyone in decades past. With this newfound freedom, the world can expect many a marvelous things.