1.4. Digital transformation as tool for ‘oneness’ and smartness’

UNESCO (2017) identifies trends in digital transformation that impact student learning:

• Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality/Mixed Reality: Examples of transformative technology that enhance teacher instruction while simultaneously creating immersive lessons, fun and engaging for the student. • Classroom Set of Devices: As students no longer need a technology lab to access a computer or laptop and today’s pervasive online environment poses exciting possibilities, students must be properly educated on cyber safety and individual responsibility. • Redesigned Learning Spaces: Today’s educational realm includes collaborative-friendly spaces to facilitate student learning where SMARTboards replace chalkboards and SMARTdesk pods replace individual seating.

Colleges and universities are creating informal campus learning spaces because they understand the importance of 24/7 collaboration, beyond the limits of class sessions. • Artificial Intelligence: The use of AI in higher education has already proven useful in creating a virtual student advisory service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. AI aspects include chatsbots and other applications of personalised learning, evaluating the quality of curriculum and content, and facilitating one-on-one tutoring with the use of Intelligent Tutoring Systems. • Personalised Learning: Blended learning, for example, grants more responsibility to the student as it involves less direct instruction from the teacher and more discovery-based learning. Adaptive learning is similar to blended learning in that it, too, allows students to make decisions about factors like timeframes and their learning path. • Gamification: Gamification makes difficult subject matter more exciting and interactive. As the technology progresses, it is quickly used to enhance educational games in every discipline, games designed to provide immediate feedback. Students are intrinsically motivated to continue playing, honing their skills.