With parents fixated on setting their kids up for success, it's never too soon for children to start learning. But early learners need special care to ensure the best outcomes. Unfortunately, our educational system is not yet tailored to the needs of our youngest students, and that is a problem.

In the era of online education, technology is bridging the gap between students and teachers. Educational systems today rely on e-learning technology to learn and grow. At the same time, technological advancements that support progressive learning and useful data-driven feedback support online pedagogical improvements.

That technology is having a tremendous impact on modern education and teaching cannot be understated. Going forward, the creation of robust technology infrastructure will be essential to revolutionize the higher education industry by offering skill-based education and learning. Experts agree that the future of education lies in the new tech areas of data science, cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), as well as applicable skill-based tools. Edtech is becoming a platform where coming generations can pursue not only their higher education targets but also pick up new industry skills.

The next stage of change in the education sector will depend on a massive influx of funds, macroeconomic factors, and rapid progress in technology. As these and many other forthcoming technologies have the potential to transform how we live and work, there is a strong drive towards specialization in advanced technologies, right from data science and cyber security to AI, ML, and beyond.

The education sector is one of the top three promising markets for the advancement of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology, according to the "2019 Augmented and Virtual Reality Survey Report" by XR Association. The classrooms of the future will not resemble those of the past, all thanks to the power of AR. Furthermore, other emerging technologies like geolocation, VR, 5G, the Internet of Things (loT), and AI will add heft to the latest generation of online learning environments and courses.

In particular, the advent of AR is likely to make education more interesting through the gamification of learning and by creating new-age study material for kids and professionals. By adopting AR techniques, teachers would be able to convert abstract concepts into lessons that encourage students to learn in effective and efficient ways.

Even professions and institutes that were slow to adopt technology for educational purposes are now pivoting to cope with the changes. In some sectors, there is a major focus on critical thinking development, complex problem-solving, and collaboration. With so many changes in the education sector, learners—not just children but even employees—can benefit by imbibing new abilities and upskilling with the help of technology. Growing at a projected CAGR of 39.77 per cent, the Indian edtech market, which was valued at $750 million in 2020, will be worth $4 billion by 2025.

AR makes the education system interesting by making virtual things seem real and creating interactive experiences. The technology works by layering digital content onto a graphical representation of the subject at hand. For example, small children can learn new words simply by moving around the classroom, finding the right letters, and using them to spell out a word. This is PokemonGo but adapted to a classroom setting.

It is easy to adopt AR as an educational tool and visualize the real world by using a smartphone or tablet, and sometimes a headset. This is a considerable improvement over 2D learning because objects can be seen and experienced much like in real life. Learners can even experience how objects change over time. In an augmented classroom, AR could turn the ordinary textbook into an engaging 3D experience.

That boring history lesson could easily be transformed into a tactile experience. Imagine taking students on an AR tour of the Taj Mahal. Digital projections would help students to notice and retain details more effectively. AR is already revolutionizing medical studies as well. The human anatomy feels more real when viewed through an AR lens. The technology facilitates a deeper and more life-like learning experience for doctors of the future.

The development and spread of AR are important for learners, especially as the technology does not necessitate the use of specialized equipment. Anybody can access AR learning tools through a smartphone or tablet, and it is ideal for remote classes as well. However, the popularity of AR in education will depend on its early introduction to children. AR-based training and learning programmes must target young learners so that the technology reaches its full potential.

Author:

Sajid Shamim, Co-founder, Genions, India's first AR (Augmented Reality) based integrated learning program for kids.