The Future of Learning: Higher Education Trends to Watch in 2024

The learning experience never stops. There’s always something new to know or another skill to master. Students today should always have one eye on the future and that includes understanding what the current trends are. 

Trends are trends for a reason — they are popular topics or processes that allow you to do something either more efficiently, more successfully, or both. Whether you are beginning your courses this year, planning to graduate, or are somewhere in between, the more you can prepare for tomorrow today, the more well-prepared you’ll be for your career.

Here are some (some, not all) of the top higher education trends you should watch out for in 2024:

Emerging Technologies

Every generation has access to technologies that can elevate the learning experience in new and exciting ways. For students completing coursework in the 2020s and those entering a technology-focused field, there are plenty of technologies worth highlighting, including:

• Online and mobile learning platforms to deliver coursework, manage assignments and facilitate collaboration between students.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (AR/VR) technologies that create more immersive experiences and allow students to engage more interactively even across long distances.
• Gamification which can incorporate game elements into the educational experience and allow students to cooperate, exchange ideas and work together or in competition to solve problems.
• Cloud computing that enables the storage and easy access of data, greater collaboration, and the broad sharing of online resources.
• Predictive modeling that can help schools use data to track performance, identify trends, and create much-needed processes to support student success earlier than ever before.

Students who are more adept at utilizing technology like these will be able to avoid the potential hiccups of an online or hybrid learning environment. As career fields like healthcare and IT thrive with the adaptation of new tech, you can get a competitive advantage in the job market by showing an interest and proven skill in its use.

Artificial Intelligence and Education

In today’s tech-savvy world, there’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and then there’s everything else. AI provides an array of known and yet unknown potential across higher education. From personalized learning paths and performance analysis to the compelling opportunities it can provide as a research tool or brainstorming aid, AI could be the most impactful technology to how students learn in the next decade.

At the same time, students should be aware of the current concerns surrounding the technology and be mindful of how it is used within academia. AI-driven platforms create concerns around data and information privacy and those in and around fields like healthcare need to know how sharing sensitive personal data puts it out there for everyone. Also, as AI is used more, effective digital literacy skills should be a focal point of future education and training while ethical considerations made in other areas of education must now also be expanded to encompass this new growing technology.

Other Trends to Watch

Higher education practitioners should also be mindful of other trends that will influence the overall learning experience today and into the future. These can be trends directly impacting how we learn but also trends that expand learning opportunities to more people and consider the environment in which we learn.

• Hybrid Learning: This more flexible learning model allows for more individuals to access the training needed to pursue careers in healthcare, business, and IT. Understand that this creates a more well-rounded talent pool while helping employers solve existing and future talent shortages. Students can develop proficiency in digital platforms and accelerate their learning experience without the restrictions provided by a 100% in-person classroom model.
• Equity and Inclusion: Inclusivity and greater cultural awareness are essential for today’s working world. Especially in fields like healthcare, nursing or behavioral health, knowledge of unique backgrounds can help facilitate more trust with patients and those you serve. Many universities have on-campus student organizations you can participate in to help guide your understanding of other people and their cultures.
• Mental Health: The idea of self-care has become a leading talking point and educators have a responsibility to effectively support the mental health of their students and faculty. Consider incorporating self-care practices into your routine, including exercise, mindfulness, and effective sleep. Herzing has a variety of mental health resources and counseling services available to those in need and you are always encouraged to speak openly about your needs and any challenges you face.

At Herzing University, we work to incorporate our proven training methods with new and compelling trends to ensure our students and graduates remain competitive in their fields of study. From new technologies to the ways we teach and the environments we develop to support each individual, the more you can build effective techniques that thrive in today’s professional world, the greater career success — and personal satisfaction — you will have. If you’re ready to get started, connect with a Herzing representative today.