The educational landscape has been consistently shifting as the years tick by, with new studies, curriculums, and entire fields popping in and out – this has never been truer than today. The educational landscape is going through a significant shift with the rise of technological advancements an evolving work environment, and an increased educational lifespan. To learn more about these topics, as well as the future of the educational landscape, we spoke with Daniel Hill, Managing Director, EMEA of Instructure.
How the educational landscape is evolving
The educational landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, shaped by increasing life expectancy, technological advancements, and evolving work environments.
A pivotal aspect of this evolution is the rise of skills-based learning, emphasising the development of practical skills directly applicable to real-world scenarios and current workforce needs. Given the swift pace of change, it’s increasingly likely that the skills someone has trained for may not align with the evolving demands of the labour market. AI is the most recent example of this – there has been a staggering 1848% increase in demand for Gen AI skills in job postings since 2022 according to Lightcast.
As such, lifelong learning is gaining increased prominence, with a growing number of learners looking to continually upskill and reskill to stay abreast of changing job market requirements. The Learning and Work Institute highlight a notable rise in adult learning. According to their 2023 Adult Participation in Learning Survey, 49% of UK adults have engaged in learning activities in the last three years – an 8% increase from 2022 and the highest recorded since the survey started in 1996.
In response to this, the UK government has introduced the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), establishing a unified funding system to support individuals in affording college or university courses. This initiative provides flexible learning opportunities, enabling individuals to upskill, retrain, and gain new qualifications at their own pace, whether through full-time degrees, individual modules, or other courses.
Consequently, educational institutions are adapting their offerings to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of this expanding learner demographic, with technology such as Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) playing a pivotal role in helping institutions adjust and provide the flexible learning opportunities demanded by today’s learners.
Encouraging ‘non-traditional learners’
Non-traditional learners refer to individuals who don’t necessarily fit the conventional profile of a university student. They may be older than the typical university age, juggling work or family responsibilities, and opting for part-time or short courses that can fit around their other commitments. They may also be pursuing learning opportunities to upskill or reskill for career advancement or to prepare for an encore career.
What’s more, support for non-traditional learning is evident on multiple fronts. In tandem with government-led initiatives like the LLE, we have universities providing greater flexibility through short courses, micro-credentials, and various online and blended learning options.
We’ve seen some really innovative programmes from our customers specifically designed for non-traditional learners, for example, Cranfield University’s stackable programmes. This unique structure allows learners to engage with individual modules entirely online, which can accumulate towards earning a comprehensive qualification like an MBA. This modular approach caters to the needs and time constraints of non-traditional learners.
Findings from our 2023 State of Higher Education (SoHE) in the UK report reflects the growing importance of flexible learning for today’s learners. The data reveals that 59% of respondents prefer online access to course materials, while 44% find value in hybrid or fully online course formats. These insights emphasise the necessity for educational institutions to adapt their course designs to align with the preferences and needs of on-the-go learners, particularly those falling within the category of non-traditional students.
The use of AI within the education sector
Our SoHE research provides interesting insights into the gradual integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Currently, only 21% of UK respondents are actively using AI in their courses, with 41% having the knowledge but not yet implementing it. One notable challenge is the lack of guidance or training on Generative AI, as reported by 36% of respondents.
Educators also shared concerns about AI’s impact on classrooms, particularly regarding issues like cheating (66%) and decreased creativity and critical thinking (60%). But, whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay, and we need to shift our focus from preventing students from using AI tools to empowering educators to use it ethically and effectively.
By focusing on professional development for educators in the use of generative AI tools, we can save educators time by allowing the AI to perform mundane and time-consuming tasks, and to support students with tools that support their learning efforts. Generative AI tools, in particular, have the potential to revolutionise education in areas such as:
- Personalised learning: Generative AI tools can help scale the efforts of an educator in large classes by providing students with interactive, personalised learning experiences that can help them understand and retain information better, based on what the AI has learned about them.
- Intelligent Tutoring: Generative AI tools can act as intelligent tutors providing students with feedback and support as they work through problems and concepts, again scaling the efforts of an educator and supporting students directly in the moment of need.
- Content Generation: Generative AI tools can be used by educators to tackle some of the more time-consuming aspects of content generation such as lesson plans and multiple choice quiz answers, saving the educator time and delivering more engaging and interactive content for students.
At Instructure, we have developed a set of guiding principles which we believe are really important when we consider using these tools – their use must be intentional, safe and equitable. We are focused on serving teachers and students and being intentional about using AI. We must also ensure we are safe and protect student and institutional data. And finally, we must ensure that our use of AI tools is equitable – that everyone has access, and that they’re used to improve and extend the educational experience.
The growing prominence of skill-based learning
Skill-based learning opportunities refer to educational programmes that prioritise the acquisition of practical skills over theoretical knowledge, with a focus on skills directly applicable to real-world scenarios and specific professions. The growing popularity of these opportunities can be attributed to several factors, primarily driven by the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
One key reason for the rise in popularity is the necessity for individuals to continuously upskill and reskill to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. As technology continues to reshape industries, workers need to acquire new, relevant skills to remain competitive and adaptable in their careers.
Today’s students are also more savvy and looking for a return on their educational investments. Our research indicates that 60% of UK students view skills-based learning as a strategic approach to advancing their careers. Specifically, 52% considered apprenticeships, 47% certificates, and 14% micro-credentials and badges as valuable avenues for skill development.
Government data from the Department for Education (DfE) supports the growth trajectory of skills-based learning, with a notable surge in degree apprenticeships. Enrolments in this category have seen a 12% increase compared to the previous year, reaching 17,500 starts in the 2022/23 academic year.
This shift in perspective aligns with the changing landscape of education, where learners increasingly value practical, job-ready skills that enhance their employability.
Looking forward
Looking ahead, I believe several of the areas we’ve already discussed will continue to shape the education sector. Skills-based learning will persist as a vital component, addressing the need for practical, job-ready skills. Lifelong learning will remain essential in the face of rapid technological advancements, necessitating continuous upskilling and reskilling. I believe we’ll also see the education sector embrace and adapt to the potential of generative AI in the coming years.
In addition, the integration of technology, particularly online learning platforms and digital resources, will evolve, transforming teaching methods and enhancing accessibility. Alternative methods of assessment and credentialing, such as competency-based assessments and digital badges, will gain traction, providing more accurate representations of individuals’ capabilities.
Finally, inclusive and equitable education will be a key focus, addressing disparities in access and ensuring education is available to all. The education sector’s adaptability in these areas will be crucial for staying aligned with the changing needs of learners and the broader societal goals of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
The advent of data and analytics
Underscoring a lot of the other things discussed, is the power of data and analytics. Universities will increasingly rely on data and analytics provided by their technology to both enhance the learning experience for students and make well-informed decisions about their academic offerings.
Data and analytics provided by tools like virtual learning environments can offer valuable insights into student performance and engagement, allowing educators to tailor educational experiences, increase student engagement and improve comprehension of key concepts.
The increased use of technology will also empower colleges and universities with the data they need to make well-informed decisions about their programme and course offerings. By analysing student outcomes and market trends, universities can assess the effectiveness of their programmes and align offerings with current industry needs. This proactive stance ensures that academic portfolios remain relevant and competitive, enhancing the future educational landscape.
