Digital transformation in education: top trends, benefits, and challenges

Digital transformation in education happens on four levels: technologies, individuals, educational institutions, and regional. The technology level implies a technology-driven approach embraced by all the participants in the process, the individual level comprises students and teachers who apply these tools, educational institutions are the driving force behind the changes, and, at the regional level, we find the legislative force that governs the transformation and the funding that enables it. All four levels are interconnected and a transformation at one level entails modifications to the other three.

A key characteristic of digital transformation in education is that it involves the constant modernization and modification of educational methods and administrative procedures. This contrasts with the traditional approach whereby educational institutions adopt a program or a strategy and stick with it.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

This technology is used to produce machines that can understand language, recognize pictures, learn, and solve problems. AI is rapidly occupying a valuable place in our day-to-day lives, supporting, augmenting, and automating human activities.

The solutions enabled by AI will change the education sector as well, enhancing the learning and teaching experience. According to a survey by the Capgemini Research Institute, more than half of school teachers in Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States believe that AI tools will improve their work by automating administrative tasks and supporting teaching practices. Here are some use cases for AI in education.

Customized lessons

AI-powered solutions allow educational institutions to adapt programs and develop personalized lessons and automated curriculums, based on an analysis of students’ progress, knowledge, and skill level.

AI-enabled assessments

AI tools can assess students’ work, determine their weak points, and highlight topics that need more attention, as well as identify students who may be at risk of dropping out so that teachers can help them keep up with the program.

Student advisory

AI can be used to power student advisory services that manage common or simple inquiries, allowing teachers, guidance counselors, and administrative personnel to focus on the more complex issues.

Machine learning (ML)

ML is a subset of AI that enables machines to use algorithms to learn from patterns in data, imitating the way humans learn. Since many educational processes are based on information, ML algorithms and advanced analytics can help use this information to solve numerous burning issues, e.g., efficiently use the accumulated data, accurately assess student performance, and automate repetitive processes. ML can be used in education in the following ways.

Teaching assistance

Educational institutions can employ ML to provide students and teachers with study guides, lecture notes, practical activities, and solutions, increasing the effectiveness of the learning process.

Prediction

Institutions can forecast enrollment numbers, identify students who are most likely to succeed, and those most at risk of expulsion who will require extra support, all using ML algorithms.

Automation

Many repetitive administrative activities can be easily automated with the help of ML, providing educators and other personnel with valuable time to attend to other tasks.

Engagement

A digital environment helps teachers engage students in the learning process and motivate them to deliver better results. A simple whiteboard may not be enough to keep learners interested, whereas various technical solutions impact their attitudes and make them more invested in discussions, interactions, collaboration, research, and learning. Educational games and other digital materials and tools inspire students to solve problems, spend more time on their studies, and improve their comprehension of the material.

Progress tracking

It is sometimes difficult for teachers to see the reasons why a certain student is unable to keep up with the curriculum. This issue is addressed by tools that can track and analyze student performance in real time. Advanced solutions help identify the areas in which a student is struggling, their strengths and weaknesses, and if they are at risk of dropping out. This information allows educators to adjust the learning program and spend more time with learners who are finding the course difficult.

Accessibility and inclusion

Education is a basic human right that is yet to become accessible in every part of the world. However, with the development of digital technologies, more and more students will have the opportunity to learn and receive education, not only those with specific needs, but also those who encounter political, economic, or socio-spatial barriers. Online learning platforms, speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies, and other digital solutions facilitate the learning experience.

To increase inclusion in the learning process, teachers and institutions need to examine the educational conditions and individual capabilities of the students and select the digital tools most suitable for the environment provided.

Personalization

While the traditional teaching model requires students to follow one curriculum, which may result in some of them lagging behind or getting ahead of their peers, technology makes it possible for everyone to learn in a way that is most suitable for them and at a comfortable pace. Using digital tools, educators can develop personalized programs for students who are having trouble with a certain subject, who are running into obstacles, or who are particularly gifted. Digital technology can also help students adapt and gain control over certain aspects of their studies.

This does not necessarily mean the individualization of learning, but rather a cooperation between teacher and student where the student takes more responsibility over time, managing their own learning process with the help of digital tools.

Future-proofing

Digital skills are essential for nearly all professions, and educational institutions should prepare students for entering the workforce. The Capgemini Research Institute conducted research in secondary schools across nine countries (Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and discovered that students aged 16-18 are most confident with basic digital skills, such as using computer apps and finding information online. However, fewer of them believe they have the digital communication and data literacy skills required to succeed in the workplace. The necessary skills are developed by constantly working with the digital technologies and using them both in and outside the classroom.

In any industry, digital transformation relies on leaders, the talented and skilled individuals who act as guides into the digital world. They help prepare an educational institution for the transformation, set goals, distribute roles and responsibilities, and select and integrate the necessary digital tools and methods into the teaching and learning processes.

It’s also important to choose the right partners, with experience in digital transformation in the educational domain, to deliver the solutions in accordance with the goals and values of the organization and ensure that the incorporation of the implemented tools goes smoothly.

Digital leaders or partners can also train staff on how to use the new tools, why they are important, and how these tools enhance teaching and other activities. While some tech-savvy educators may feel comfortable with digital technology, others need support in practicing their digital skills and adapting their course delivery accordingly.

A good practice that empowers a successful digital transformation in educational institutions is constantly upgrading the adopted tools and integrating new ones. Gradually, educational organizations will embrace the new solutions and let go of old ineffective methods.

Finally, it is important to develop a way of measuring success. In education, the impact of technology can be assessed by student engagement and accomplishment, tool usage, and instructors’ satisfaction with these tools. This assessment can also help develop new strategies on integrating other technology solutions.