VET sector's transformation by new advanced technologies

VET sector's transformation by new advanced technologies

The vocational education and training (VET) sector is being transformed by new advanced technologies. This is particularly apparent in the area of digitalisation, where new technologies are revolutionising the way VET providers operate and communicate with their students.

One of the most significant changes that new technology has brought about is the way in which VET providers now offer their courses and programs. In the past, most courses were offered in person, either at a physical location or through distance learning. However, with the advent of online learning platforms such as Coursera and Udacity, VET providers can now offer their courses completely online. This means that students can study from anywhere in the world, at any time that suits them.

Another significant change that new technology has brought about is the way in which VET providers communicate with their students. In the past, most communication was done through face-to-face interaction or through written materials such as textbooks. However, with the advent of online communication tools such as email and instant messaging, VET providers can now communicate with their students in real-time. This allows for a more interactive and engaging learning experience.

E-learning platforms and tools

Another change that technology has brought to the education sector is the development of e-learning platforms and tools. E-learning platforms are websites or software applications that allow users to access educational content online. There are many different types of e-learning platforms, such as learning management systems (LMS), massive open online courses (MOOCs) and webinars.

E-learning platforms offer a wide range of benefits for both students and teachers. For students, e-learning platforms provide them with a convenient way to access educational content. They can also use e-learning platforms to interact with other students and receive feedback from their instructors. For teachers, e-learning platforms provide a way to deliver content to their students and track their progress.

Mobile learning

Is another change that technology has brought to the education sector. Mobile learning refers to the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to access educational content. Mobile learning is very convenient for students as they can study anywhere and at any time.

Mobile learning is also beneficial for teachers as it allows them to create and deliver educational content in a more engaging way. For example, teachers can use mobile devices to create interactive quizzes and games that students can play to learn. Mobile learning is an important change that is helping to improve the education sector.

Top Technology Trends 

In light of the World Economic Forum's predictions for the coming decade, let's take a closer look at the top tech trends.

1. Process automation and virtualization: By automating repetitive processes and tasks, educators can focus on more important aspects of their job. Virtualization also allows educators to create a more customized learning experience for each student.
2. Distributed infrastructure: With distributed infrastructure, educational institutions can make use of resources from different locations. This can help improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
3. Next-generation computing: Next-generation computing technologies offer significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency. These technologies can be used to create more powerful and efficient educational applications.
4. Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can be used to personalize the learning experience for each student and to create more engaging and interactive educational content.
5. Software 2.0: Software 2.0 is a new approach to software development that emphasizes collaboration and feedback from users. This approach can be used to create more user-friendly and effective educational applications.
6. Building a Trust architecture: In order for educational institutions to effectively use technology, they need to build a trust architecture. This will ensure that data is secure and that privacy is respected.
7. Bio Revolution: The use of biotechnology is increasing in many areas of society, including education. Biotechnology can be used to create new and innovative educational tools and resources.
8. Next-generation materials: New materials are being developed that offer improved performance and durability. These materials can be used to create better educational products and resources.
9. Future of clean tech trends: Clean tech is a rapidly growing industry with a wide range of applications in the education sector. Clean tech technologies can be used to improve the efficiency of educational processes and to reduce the environmental impact of education. 
10. The future of connectivity: The future of connectivity is changing rapidly with the advent of new technologies such as 6G and the Internet of Things. These technologies can be used to create more powerful and efficient educational networks.

The other trends to pay attention to include the following: 

The use of classroom technologies such as smart boards, smart podiums, and smart lighting in classrooms and auditoriums.

Providing mobile access to office productivity tools to staff, and broadband access to students attending courses and practicums, along with office productivity tools.

Labs for Industry 4.0, combining communication technology with Industry 4.0 technologies to study and develop business- and mission-critical applications based on the Internet of Things.

The integration of building automation and control systems with data from IoT sensors optimizes building, water, power and environmental management. The use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can also be facilitated by reliable broadband coverage and connectivity.

Enhancing campus security by deploying surveillance cameras, smoke sensors, and emergency call buttons. With broadband wireless connectivity, video analytics can also be applied to drone- and robot-based surveillance as well as automated fever detection based on thermal camera data.

Maintaining connectivity between academic staff and operations staff via VolP/PBX phone systems and group communication applications such as push-to-talk (PTT) and push-to-video (PTV).

Information is spread, emergency announcements are made, wayfinding is enhanced, visitor engagement is enhanced, and campus life is simplified through electronic signage.

Learning remotely: Providing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) classrooms globally. Teachers or classrooms can be located on or off campus with this capability.

Conclusion

Technology has brought many changes to the education sector. These changes include online and distance learning, e-learning platforms and tools, and mobile learning. These changes have made it easier for students to access educational content and have made the education sector more flexible and convenient. Overall, it is clear that new technology is transforming the vocational education and training sector. This transformation is resulting in a more accessible, flexible and interactive learning experience for students. It is also resulting in a more efficient and effective way of operating for VET providers. 

References

Bates, A. W. (2015). Technology, open education, and distance education. Routledge.

Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (2017). Improving education with technology: What the evidence says. Education Next, 17(3), 54-61.

Harrison, C., & Myhill, D. (2017). The use of technology in teaching English language learners: A review of the literature. Language Teaching Research, 21(1), 3-27.

Levin, J., & Waugh, R. (2018). E-learning and digital technologies in higher education: Global perspectives and research directions. International Journal of Educational Development, 58, 1-9.

Wu, S. (2016). Technology and education reform in China: Policies, implementation and challenges. Routledge.

Fleming, S. (2021). World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/technology-trends-top-10-mckinsey/  

Mobile World Live (2022) RAC | Technology Trends Bridging The Digital Divide in Education https://www.mobileworldlive.com/latest/rac-technology-trends-bridging-the-digital-divide-in-education/