Teachers will be able to wave goodbye to textbooks and paper activity sheets by 2030, as technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, 5G, blockchain, and the metaverse, transform the classroom into fully digital learning spaces, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Virtual classrooms to become the norm to support hybrid learning

The edtech market will provide the products and services needed to run the digital classroom of the future, which will also support hybrid learning for a highly connected and growing student population. The need to support hybrid learning will be a key driver of the edtech market, which GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Tech in 2030 – Thematic Intelligence’, reveals will grow by over 130% from $226.4 billion in 2022 to $538.5 billion by 2030.

Rory Gopsill, Thematic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The learning environment will shift from a physical classroom to a virtual one, as hybrid learning becomes the norm. Access to 5G, 6G, and cloud computing in the classroom will not only expand the access and use of these learning systems in the population, but also enable real-time teacher-student and student-student collaboration, with digital libraries and materials becoming entirely customizable.”

Virtual and augmented realty lessons to improve student engagement

There has been a shift in education from lessons taught on a black or white board to those on laptops and virtual learning environments. GlobalData’s report predicts that, in order to improve student engagement, the next step on this journey will be the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets in classrooms.

Gopsill continues: “These technologies allow users to experience theoretical concepts that are harder to teach with photos and training videos alone. VR and AR can improve an individual’s understanding and ability to recall information, and AI assistants can monitor a students understanding and progress offering support in real-time.”

AI-enabled, personalised learning with digital qualification certificates

Individual students will receive a more tailored and personal learning experience, which will include adaptations of the curriculum from the use of these technologies in the classroom.

Gopsill adds: “Course management and administration will be fully digitalized to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the learning process. Thanks to AI, education will be personalized according to a student’s strengths and weaknesses, and blockchain will enable the digital certification of academic qualifications.”