By Gunjan Lalchandani, Head of Growth and Strategy, Hero Vired
Across industries, every era has seen the emergence of new trends and technologies. In the education segment, personalised learning curated for Generation Z cohorts is now the norm. Typically, Gen Z denotes people born between 1995-97 and 2010-12. This generation has seen the rapid rise of smart devices, social networks and allied technology-related trends alongside 24×7 connectivity.
Therefore, these elements have influenced how Gen Z views educational learning opportunities. As the present generation has different needs (e.g., wanting faster results), attracting and retaining their attention requires an engaging teaching style. Being used to on-the-go learning via apps and mobiles, they also seek personalized educational content.
Recognizing the paramount importance of personalisation in education, it becomes imperative to acknowledge and address the myriad learning styles that characterise the diverse student population. Spatial-visual learners thrive with visual aids like diagrams, while aural learners excel in discussions. Logical learners require hands-on projects and visual aids for effective learning.
Kinesthetic, social, and solitary learners benefit from personalised approaches that incorporate tactile activities, collaborative group environments, or self-paced study methods, respectively. In essence, the comprehensive integration of these personalized approaches not only accommodates diverse learning styles but also cultivates a rich educational landscape that values individuality and promotes a holistic understanding of subjects. This commitment to personalisation is a fundamental recognition of the unique strengths and preferences that shape each student’s learning journey.
Herein, gamification of learning through elements such as leaderboards, points and badges, rewards and incentives, role-playing, etc. make e-learning more motivating and engaging. If learning content is infused with competitive and interactive features, Gen Zs are more inclined to stay committed to these educational pathways.
Personalised versus traditional learning
Coming to personalised learning, this teaching methodology helps educators discover learners’ unique needs, abilities and interests. Teachers then curate customised learning modules to optimise students’ educational journey. As no two students possess the same skills, learning gaps and future goals, a range of personalised learning methods is necessary. This includes adaptive and blended learning, together with student-directed and project-based learning. Thereby, students imbibe lessons more speedily and effectively while retaining them longer. Conversely, traditional learning is based on physical classroom learning and standard curricula. It’s also time-consuming and cumbersome, with a one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks individual needs. Given the numerous mandatory textbooks and reading material, it’s expensive, unlike the more cost-effective e-learning modules.
Additionally, technology facilitates the delivery of customized content via small videos and other bite-sized content more suitable for tech-savvy Gen Zs. With instant access to information that facilitates shopping, travel and more, these youthful groups hold the same expectations regarding learning. As a result, Gen Zs like consuming information via videos, podcasts or personalised learning modules that may be accessed later. As customized content gains popularity, the use of micro-learning modules is rising. Such modules have brief, focused, engaging lessons tailored to Gen Z’s preference for concise content that can be viewed online or offline, across devices, 24/7.
Since micro-learning modules focus on one key skill or concept at a time, they also improve recall and retention by avoiding cognitive overload. Moreover, being interactive and customized as per needs, they boost learners’ motivation and engagement levels. Best of all, micro-learning modules require minimal resources, development and maintenance, reducing time and expenses.
How AI facilitates lifelong learning
Meanwhile, like in other domains, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a game-changer in education. AI algorithms facilitate a faster understanding of students’ strengths and weaknesses so the learning process is adapted accordingly. Consequently, AI offers tutors immense help in focusing on students’ unique needs and skills.
With AI-powered assessment tools, teachers can review students’ assignments quickly and provide immediate feedback, improving assessments. This helps better understand the areas where learners must improve. In a nation like India with huge disparities in accessing quality education, AI also aids in identifying and bridging learning gaps. This is done by analyzing cross-country data to know where students require more resources and scholastic support. Such insights help policymakers, as well as private and public players, ensure efficient allocation of academic resources so each student receives equal opportunity to learn and advance in life.
Becoming Future-ready with Generative AI
Today, the ongoing trend of using generative AI is revolutionizing e-learning. By integrating AI in learning modules, hyper-personalized learning paths are being built based on learners’ goals and performance. Hyper-personalisation enhances engagement and optimizes users’ skill acquisition and knowledge retention.
For instance, generative AI-enabled chatbots simulate human-like conversations, offering on demand explanations and support to address learners’ queries. Complex learning journeys are also streamlined via easier access to relevant resources, goal setting and tracking of students’ progress. Efficient integration of generative AI in the learning landscape helps build an extremely dynamic, hyper-personalised learning ecosystem, empowering students to become future-ready. Emerging technologies and current trends in personalised learning are poised to establish an era of responsive, real-time learning. This will be achieved by complementing and augmenting the evolving needs of learners through constant improvement and more productive learning outcomes.
Considering the supportive elements, personalized learning via customized content will transform
the pedagogic ecosystem, making the learning experience more engaging, exciting and rewarding.