At DLAC Ignite in Atlanta in February, I gave a short talk on “Seven Digital Learning Trends (that you should know).” I was asked about it a few times so I’m recapping the main points here for those who weren’t able to be there. The seven trends are:
1. Post-pandemic, digital learning is bigger than ever
Digital learning has experienced significant growth, which is best evaluated as before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic, digital learning was trending upward, albeit slowly and not explosively. However, during the pandemic, there was a substantial surge in emergency remote learning. Post-pandemic, while the numbers have decreased from their peak, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, with the upward trend resuming. The data indicates that digital learning is now bigger than ever, reflecting a lasting impact of the pandemic on educational practices.
2. More types of digital learning
The landscape of digital learning has expanded to include a broader range of options. “Traditional” formats such as online schools, hybrid schools, courses, and blended learning continue to be available. Additionally, new types of digital learning have emerged including Career and Technical Education (CTE), dual credit programs, independent study options, and the slow main streaming of hybrid models.
3. Shift from traditional districts
There is a noticeable shift as students increasingly explore educational options beyond the traditional district in their geographic areas. However, despite this trend, district schools remain the most popular choice by a significant margin, which means that if we believe in digital learning options for all students, we must include traditional districts in our outreach and efforts. Despite the desire for innovation in districts, deep-rooted challenges persist, such as funding models that do not align with student preferences and hinder the ability of schools to adapt and innovate effectively.
I then shifted into discussing several areas that I believe are either over-hyped or under-hyped.
4. Overhyped: microschools
Microschools, while offering excellent educational opportunities for very small groups of students, are unlikely to achieve large-scale adoption in their current form. They are often unsustainably supported by foundation funding, which can create challenges for long-term financial viability. They are also very often built on heroic efforts by one or two founders. As a result, I don’t expect microschools to become a widespread educational model in their present form.
5. Under hyped: the role of IS, IUs, alt ed
The role of Independent Study (IS), Intermediate Units (such as BOCES, ESCs, and Regionals), and various forms of alternative education is often under appreciated. In California, Independent Study provides a flexible educational option for students who choose not to attend traditional classrooms, offering personalized learning and flexible scheduling. Intermediate Units, found in most states although using different names, play a crucial role in supporting local educational needs by providing shared services and resources. Increasingly they are providing online schools and courses to their regional districts, especially in states with a large number of relatively small-enrollment districts. Alternative education settings, which often incorporate hybrid models, serve a significant number of students, though exact figures are not well-documented. These hybrid models are increasingly important as they cater to diverse student needs and represent a substantial portion of educational offerings.
6. Properly hyped: ESAs and private schools
Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) and private schools are receiving the attention they deserve, with ESAs reaching scale in some states and poised for expansion in others. However, their growth is not without challenges, including significant budget implications and potential obstacles that could impact their sustainability. A major concern is how these programs will fare during the next economic recession, as their long-term viability remains uncertain.
7. Under- AND over-hyped: AI in education
The role of AI in education is both over-hyped and under-hyped, depending on the context. Currently, AI’s reach in traditional schools is often over-hyped, as its adoption and integration into everyday teaching practices are still in the early stages and lag other fields. However, AI’s potential impact over the next three years is under-hyped. As AI technology advances, it is likely to have a major impact in the digital learning sector, particularly because innovative schools can adapt and adopt these technologies more flexibly than schools in traditional settings.
Did I miss a key trend? Let me know!