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What do you like about your role?
Empowering the next generation in technology learning – I am blessed to be in a great position to interact and work closely with schools, educators, parents and students. This gives me a good ground knowledge on the demands and challenges that are faced daily. As the digital revolution progresses, learning coding is just like another language.
Share three predictions on the future of Edtech.
- The digital world will continue to grow. Textbooks, resources and even individual portfolios will be digitalised and stored in the cloud system. It also allows more collaboration between learners and educations.
- The rise of serious games (gamification) – learning through fun and allowing the learners to have a greater sense of achievements. It may also shift the design of e-learning materials from a linear approach to a nonlinear one, where the learning path is determined by the learner.
3. Traditional classroom methods will one day be replaced with blended learning approaches where lessons are delivered through an online medium. There will be more integration of technology into schools and perhaps even external enrichment courses. Similar to the flipped classroom approach, students can be expected to attend online courses prior to class while classroom time is used for projects and discussion.
What technologies do you believe have the potential to transform the education industry?
I believe virtual and augmented reality have huge potential for growth as it can bring learners out of their classroom and into places ranging from the microscopic world to the expanding universe! It is an immersive technology that is growing rapidly and will soon be low-cost due to economy of scale and accessibility. Machine learning is also another promising field where content and delivery can be customised and personalised to suit the needs of each learner.
Looking at the key trends over the past 5 years in edtech, what would you say have been the key areas of change that are impacting edtech today? Anything unexpected that surprised you? Trends that were overhyped and never met their expected potential?
Internet – while one may argue that this technology has already matured, we are only beginning to integrate harvest its capabilities such as through internet of things and massive open online courses (MOOCs). With MOOC, I can sign up for free courses created by top universities and pursue my interest when just a click of a button. Information and content are now readily available and accessible through the internet. The challenge now is on encouraging and allowing learners to find accurate information and digest them for better subject understanding.
Why is it important for all players in the edtech ecosystem to continuously connect, network and learn from each other?
The ecosystem is here to stay as technologies advance. By learning from each other, we can understand how to better use and apply these technologies and perhaps integrate them for novel practises. You’d be surprised to know that many collaboration opportunities and innovations are a product of networking! Ultimately, I believe that at the end of the day, all the players are working towards the same goal – a better education for a better future!
When you think about joining EdTechXAsia this year, what are you looking forward to? What makes you excited about our event in Singapore?
I am looking forward to hearing and learning more the EdTech initiatives and innovations by the participating organisations. It is a great platform to interact and share about our passion with members of the ecosystem all under one roof! It is heartening to see that Singapore is hosting EdTechXAsia as the nation works towards the Smart Nation goal!
Join Soon Keong Wee and our 150+ thought leader speakers at EdTechXAsia 2017 on 31st October-1st November 2017 - reserve your place now >>
