IN South Fayette Fall 2017 | Page 40

5 ONLINE EDUCATION TRENDS FOR COLLEGE
PRESCHOOL TRENDS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING

5 ONLINE EDUCATION TRENDS FOR COLLEGE

Online education allows non-traditional students the opportunity to earn a degree without leaving the comfort of their own home . This educational approach has opened doors for individuals with circumstances prohibiting them from participating in on-campus education . Whether they are working full time , raising families , or they live in a different state , online education provides the opportunity to earn a degree remotely . According to U . S . News and World Report , the number of online students is continuing to grow and experts are predicting a number of trends within the next year for online learning .
1 . Adoption of “ Microcredentials ” – As non-traditional students are on the rise , universities are developing multiple program levels since not everyone is looking to complete a four-year degree . Microcredentials offer certificate programs , digital “ badges ” of completion , and other types of credentials to prove successful completion of continued education coursework .
2 . Tailored Curriculums from Data Insights – Since students complete all of their work online , universities are receiving data that is not typically available in a traditional classroom setting . Analytics teams are using this data to predict student success , and in turn , teachers are enhancing their curriculum to meet the needs of their students .
3 . Artificial Intelligence – Universities are investing in artificial intelligence , such as virtual assistants , to provide an additional layer of support on top of that which students receive from their professors .
4 . Nonprofit Programs – Experts are continuing to see a drop in for-profit programs as more nonprofits are ramping up their online education offerings . Nonprofit institutions are working to keep up with the demand for more online programs .
5 . Ranging Disciplines – As online programs continue to grow , they are offering an increasing number of focus areas that may not have been thought of until recent years . Some students who already have degrees are looking for specialized programs to learn new technology in their field and to increase their knowledge and credibility . doing their students a disservice if they choose to ignore the fact that technology has become woven into our daily lives , but they are taking cautious steps to ensure that they are using and teaching technology in a beneficial way . Doing so provides students with a fundamental approach to utilizing technology to increase productivity , access resources and to lay the groundwork for use in their future careers . Teachers continue to learn and grow through continuing education courses that allow them to integrate new methods for incorporating technology in the classroom to ultimately guide our students to a successful future . Providing students with access to technology in a structured setting provides them with the freedom to individually learn and discover solutions to real-world problems and prepare them for the future . Students have a paved path to achieve success with the help of cooperative , communal workspaces , online portals that encourage crosscollaboration , and support from their teachers , peers and parents .

PRESCHOOL TRENDS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING

Education
Early childhood learning has been studied by educators , lawmakers and researchers for years to identify the importance of learning at a young age . Research has confirmed that when educators provide a valuable education to early learners , the benefits last a lifetime . According to Educa , preschool stakeholders across the U . S . are addressing the need for a standard in consistency and quality in early education . States are taking a look at child care centers , daycares and preschools to develop an accreditation program that ensures quality in a number of areas including learning environment , increased parent engagement , teacher experience and quality center management .
Along with quality standardization , there are other trends to keep an eye on for early learners :
• Student Assessment – The achievement gap is often used to assess the output of students in different socioeconomic groups , measuring grade point averages , test scores and dropout rates . Since preschoolers aren ’ t likely dropping out of school , early learning centers focus on the importance of providing ongoing education and supporting students from a young age . This includes reading to children , engaging them in everyday conversations , establishing routines and using positive reinforcement .
• Classroom Technology – Although use of technology in early learning is still heavily debated , it is proving to be a valuable resource to students who may not as easily have access to learning materials . According to the Pew Research Center , 73 percent of households have a computer with internet accessibility , providing a platform for early learners to participate in effective online education from their homes .
• ECSEL Skills – Teachers are encouraged to incorporate Emotional Cognitive Social Early Learning ( ECSEL ) into lesson plans for preschoolers . At a young age , emotions are the tool of choice for children to express themselves . Encouraging early learners to be confident and understanding at a young age provides an important platform for growth into adolescence . ■
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