Top EdTech Trends for 2023 

No doubt, the impact of EdTech on the education industry is huge. It gives learners an opportunity to acquire knowledge faster, easier, more accessible, and cheaper than ever before. At the same time, it gives teachers a chance to create and deliver content to their students wherever they are. Not to mention, eLearning can be a real salvation during the pandemic times. 

Nowadays, 98% of educational-related businesses utilize eLearning as part of their study processes and development strategies. But as new technologies are constantly evolving, EdTech is constantly improving as well. In this post, we’re going to take a look at the top EdTech trends (for 2023 and beyond) and how they may influence the learning processes. 

Previous Years in Numbers

“Without a past, there is no future”… That’s why we’d like to start our article with an overview of the market. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the popularity of eLearning erupted suddenly in 2020 due to the Coronavirus limitations. It allowed students to get all the needed knowledge in the comfort of their own home, and in a quite interactive way thanks to new engaging technologies. For example, recent studies have shown that 83% of 6–12 grade students used Google tools at least once a week to support their schoolwork. Zoom, often categorized as an EdTech company, also saw a big splash in popularity. It experienced massive user growth and, hence, an increase of funding up to $145.5 million in 2022.

Speaking about EdTech industry as a whole, it’s worth noting that the global eLearning market is expected to grow up to $457.8 billion by 2026 and $605.8 billion by 2027 (according to Global Newswire). The industry is really growing super swiftly and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down since more and more students and organizations use EdTech for convenient and results-driven learning. 

Admittedly, EdTech has facilitated and advanced learning (personalized learning in particular). As a result, students now are able to choose the learning technology that will bring them the best results and let them think “outside the box”. So, what are the main EdTech industry trends to watch in 2023?

(Source: Global Market Insights)

The Biggest Trends in EdTech

As Gartner noted in its report “This year, the ‘hybrid world’ trend is refined to the more specific ‘digital learning environments,’ reflecting the need to think in multiple dimensions about how, when and where learning takes place”.  That’s why we’re going to begin our shortlist with the hottest trend across all industries – AI. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI has already begun to transform and revolutionize various industries including the education sector. It can address some of the main challenges in education and drastically enhance the quality of the learning experience. Actually, AI tools can help automate tons of tasks (translation, content tagging, content grouping, generating quizzes, assigning courses to users, etc). In addition, different AI-driven chatbots do a great service for students, answering even the most tricky questions. Also, let’s not forget that one of the top peculiarities of AI is its in-depth data analysis, so this technology has a long way to go in the education sphere. 

As per the report by Markets and Markets, AI is expected to reach $ 3.68 billion by the end of 2023 in the education market.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

These are the other technologies that were earlier limited to science fiction only. Now, virtual reality and augmented reality are the ideal tools for learning, among many other sectors. Of course, these technologies may be not appropriate for all topics, but they can be extremely useful in particular situations when there is a need to deeply immerse students. For example, future astronauts can take a pre-visualized walk on the surface of the moon, whereas practitioners can prepare themselves for surgery after a real-life trip inside a human body. For sure, AR and VR can deliver incomparable immersion and enhanced learning.

The latest research predicts that the gross value of AR in education will reach $5.3 billion by the end of 2023 and it may touch $640 million for VR tools used in education. 

Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) and Learning Management Systems (LMS)

A Learning Experience Platform (LXP) basically focuses on enhancing the user experience with adaptive learning techniques. Many confuse it with a Learning Management System (LMS), but, actually, they serve different purposes.

LMS typically delivers training that is mostly moderated by course creators who develop specific learning paths and decide on the learning material and curriculum. A Learning Management System is a knowledge platform sharing :

• Articles
• Documents
• eLearning Courses
• Webinars
• Workshop
• Virtual Classroom
• Discussions
• Audio
• Videos
• Blogs
• Vlogs

Such platforms deliver more formal types of training and are great for training where a structured program is required. 

LXP, in its turn, supports and even encourages the sharing of user-generated content like: 

• Articles
• Courses
• Blogs
• Videos

The LXP is a good fit for non-compulsory training as it offers a more relaxed approach to learning. Both LMS and LXP will continue to stay relevant in 2023.

Mobile Learning

Mobile learning has progressed extensively since the Coronavirus-19 appearance and even already evolved from just being “mobile-friendly” to “mobile-first”. Mobile apps really open a whole new world of opportunities, letting you study on-the-go wherever you are. Plus, a vast number of learning apps now offer downloadable content, so even an internet connection isn’t required.

The current demand for mobile education apps is so high that by 2024 experts predict a $46.9 billion market value (at a CAGR of about 26%). 

Microlearning Platforms

Quite often, microlearning is considered as a trend within the mobile learning ecosystem. Small, bite-sized content (especially videos) now is the most popular and, probably, the most efficient learning material for consumption on mobile devices. And in 2023, it’s going to stay dominant. What’s the catch?

Microlearning techniques and tools help students to learn in small bursts, which enhances knowledge retention. Just like smaller chunks are more easily digested, the smaller segments of knowledge are more memorable. 

Unlike traditional learning formats, microlearning lessons last no longer than 10 minutes and, most frequently, they don’t exceed 30-60 seconds. These may be YouTube lessons, Instagram DIY reels, TikTok recipes… whatever. Mobile-first microlearning approach is an optimal choice for learners who are after quick and easy content.

(Source: TechSmith)

Gamification

Did you know that according to FinancesOnline, the companies using gamification have a 700% conversion rate? The gamification learning method is not only enjoyable but also educational as it really engages students in learning and helps them retain more knowledge. Of course, this method isn’t among the new trends in the education industry, but it will surely continue to conquer the market in 2023. Gamified courses are a go-to solution for any age and any area of education – from general schools and higher education facilities to companies willing to train their staff in companies and students in online schools. 

The Other Trends and Changes to eLearning

Besides the main educational trends, there are many interesting things that are going to happen in 2023 and beyond. 

Big Data and Data Analysis

A recent increase in use of online tools and software-based learning solutions in the education industry has resulted in the generation of a huge amount of data. And this big data is going to be utilized to focus on research learning. Big Data can enhance student results as well – by launching customized programs and helping tutors analyze student behavior more precisely.

Data analysis also has the potential to significantly improve learning effectiveness as it can direct students to the learning material they like the most and the content that can help them learn more effectively. Data analysis and data-driven learning will definitely become an integral part of learning in the nearest future. 

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is a fool-proof way of recording data that makes it impossible for the system to be hacked or modified. How it can be useful in the education sector? For instance, colleges will be able to easily store a huge number of student data in an extremely secure manner. Apart from this, it allows for the safe storage of their digital syllabus and coursework.

Personalized Learning

It’s not a technology, but an educational approach that will continue to thrive in 2023. The aim of this approach is to develop courses for each student’s particular needs and abilities. Platforms that offer personalized tutoring lessons definitely boost knowledge retention and boost the learning experience. So, we project that personalized learning will be one of the most popular eLearning trends in 2023.

Conclusion 

It looks like 2023 will be another exciting year for EdTech and eLearning in general. Educational technologies will continue to provide flexibility and further encourage innovation.

We hope our overview of the most-predicted eLearning trends has helped you to stay informed about the EdTech future trends and decide how to make the most of them. So, if you’re going to create something meaningful or improve what you already have, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced developers is always ready to help you improve your existing healthcare software or create a new, innovative one.