White Paper: The future of learning


Table of Contents

  1. Executive summary
  2. Introduction
  3. Different ways of learning
  4. How teaching changes in order to support the future of learning
  5. Generation Z’s way of learning
  6. Cost of online education vs physical education
  7. Real-life vs online


1. Executive summary

In this White paper we connect corporate research to vessels, fleets and management companies by establishing connections in different industries and applying knowledge concerning the yacht industry. Using the experience from corporate life for the vessels, fleets and management companies we can look at trends like Generation Z way of learning, cost of online education vs traditional education and establish how teaching will change in order to support the future of learning. With more and more online tools present in our lives adapting to technology is essential.


2. Introduction

The Future of Learning focuses on the role of learning technologies in both online and face-to-face learning, the issues and solutions associated with learning, the value that technology adds to learning, and the future of learning beyond the current challenges. The education industry must adapt to this transformation and reflect the reality that the critical, in-demand talents of the future will be very different from those previously taught. In other words, the way we educate must evolve. Additionally, the way we educate must alter to accommodate the increasing digitalization occurring across all sectors, not just education. In this paper, we will go from ways of learning to how the newest generation learns and what the future trends are in the sector.


3. What are the different ways of learning?

According to S. Team (2020) visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic are the four primary modes of learning. Here is a summary of the four distinct learning styles.

Visual

Visual learners remember knowledge better when it is given in a visual style, such as arrows, charts, diagrams, or symbols. Similar to how designers use visual hierarchy to draw attention to certain design components, visual learners flourish when presented with clear representations of knowledge hierarchy.

Auditory

Occasionally referred to as “aural” learners, auditory learners prefer to receive information verbally. These people do well in group situations that include vocal participation and may even like reading aloud to themselves.

Reading & Writing

By focusing on the written word, reading, and writing people excel when they are presented with written knowledge through worksheets, presentations, and other text-heavy resources. These people take copious notes and do very well when they can refer to written material.

Kinesthetic

Kinesthetic learners are hands-on and flourish when all of their senses are engaged. Due to different courses and hands-on lab components, these people often do well in scientific research.

A blended approach to learning is the process of designing a course that combines face-to-face and online learning activities to improve the teaching and learning experiences for everyone involved. The process of “blending” often results in improved learner experiences and outcomes, as well as more efficient teaching and course administration procedures. It may include a variety of delivery formats, instructional strategies, and learning styles. Technological advancements provide new chances for learners to study in a variety of settings and for courses to be developed and delivered in ways that complement the tutor’s function (Lincoln University, 2019).

Blending the learning environment can: 

– Increase the number of available spaces and opportunities for learning; 

– Aid in course management activities for example – communication, assessment submission, marking, and feedback; 

– Increase the availability and richness of information and resources for participants; 

– Increase participants’ engagement and motivation through increased opportunities for interactivity and collaboration.


4. How will teaching change in order to support the future of learning?

People are expected to change careers more often in the future, and they will not stay in the job longer as a result of demographic shifts and increased life expectancy. According to experts, all individuals – whether they are at the start or end of their professions, whether they are highly trained or lack necessary credentials – will be required to regularly refresh their abilities. Professional jobs will become more dynamic and adaptable, and all individuals, regardless of their level of education, will be required to actively create and promote their careers by taking advantage of appropriate training opportunities. ICT will play a critical role in promoting chances for lifelong learning, since a variety of sophisticated and adaptable learning tools and programs will become accessible in the future, making it simple for individuals to improve their abilities and advance their professional careers (Christine R., et. al, 2011). In the graph below we see a conceptual map of the future of learning. The image shows a generalization of the drivers in blue of the labor market trends and demands and what those are expected to become in the future. In green are the resulting trends and in gray are the expected skills and learning ways.

The Future of Learning: Preparing for Change. (2011)

As more integrated, adaptive, and adaptable technology solutions develop, new abilities become apparent. Interpersonal skills — communication, cooperation, negotiation, and networking – will become more vital as a result of altered communication and interaction patterns. Simultaneously, the pervasiveness and amount of information will need people to enhance their metacognitive abilities — reflection, critical thinking, problem-solving, managing and organizing. This will be vital for individuals to take an active role in managing their personal and professional life and navigating their way around. In a linked labyrinth of interactions, preparing for change will need determination, resilience, experimentation, risk-taking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. However, ICT has an impact on not just what individuals need to learn, but also on how they learn. Due to the pervasiveness of technology and its capacity to create highly dynamic, flexible, and engaging virtual learning environments, tailored chances for lifelong learning will become possible. According to experts, a wide range of learning modules, courses, and packages will become accessible in the future. That will provide focused and tailor-made training possibilities for all learning and training requirements, at all phases of life, and all certification levels. Numerous forms and combinations thereof will be accessible, including adaptive learning systems, self and peer evaluation tools, serious games, virtual reality, immersion, and simulation. As a result, learning programs will be tailored to each student’s unique learning style, learning goals, requirements, and preferences. Individuals will benefit from virtual learning networks, communities, and organizations that provide (peer) support and leverage individual development via online cooperation. Learning will become more seamlessly incorporated into daily life, joining people everywhere they go and doing whatever they do, enabling them to learn more efficiently and effectively (Christine R., et. al, 2011). In the graph underneath we observe the role of ICT for future learning strategies. The figure illustrates that ICT is expected to change society, improve formal E&T (Education and Training), create new LLL (Logistics/Lesson/Learned) opportunities and to give rise to new skills. There is a detailed elaboration on each of these 4 factors.

The Future of Learning: Preparing for Change. (2011)


5. How does generation Z learn?

Students of Generation Z are everything but passive learners. According to a new survey from Barnes & Noble College (2020), Gen Z favors dynamic learning settings. Their generation flourishes when provided with a rigorous, completely immersed educational experience that requires them to solve issues and put their knowledge to the test. Additionally, they are highly motivated to direct their own unique learning experiences and to incorporate knowledge from a range of websites and materials (S., 2020). The figure underneath shows that 51% of gen Z learn by doing, 38% of gen Z learn by seeing and 12% of gen Z learn by listening.

Rethinking Training And Development For Generation Z. (2020)


6. Cost of online education vs physical education

While some traditional institutions may offer significantly cheaper tuition, traditional students must consider the cost of transportation and potential parking against the savings. Otherwise, online students will often incur lower educational expenditures. Both online and conventional education programs require students to pay for books and course materials in addition to tuition, and both online and traditional education programs charge an application fee (Learn.Org., 2022). The following figure compares online versus in-person instructions. It shows that online instruction has increased individual responsibility and it is more accessible, while in-person instruction offers more social interaction and academic growth.

Cost of Online Education vs. Traditional Education. (2022)


7. Real-life vs online

The prevalent belief is that online existence has its own unique manner of being. It is a dimension of existence—a unique location. The Internet world is in a league of its own. It is self-contained. It is envisioned as both underground and cloud-based, both of which are sporadically but constantly inhabited by people. Human people are omnipresent online (Zach, 2021). As technology and social media evolve, it’s critical to maintain a clear difference between our online and offline lives. Recognize if our behavior is changing as a consequence of it and whether this is having an effect on us in real life (Willis L., 2018). Vessels combine technological advances with real-life experiences in ways that make the industry successful.


References

Getting to Know Gen Z – Exploring Middle and High Schoolers’ Expectations for Higher Education. (2020). Barnes & Noble College.

Hanson, M. (2022, February 25). Cost of Online Education vs. Traditional Education. Education Data Initiative. https://educationdata.org/cost-of-online-education-vs-traditional-education#:%7E:text=Report%20Highlights.,for%20an%20in%2Dperson%20degree 

Learn.Org. (2022). What Is the Cost of Online Education Vs. Traditional Education? https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Cost_of_Online_Education_vs_Traditional_Education.html 

Lincoln University. (2019, June 19). A blended approach to Learning – blended learning. Te Whare Pūrākau | Learning, Teaching and Library. https://ltl.lincoln.ac.nz/teaching/a-blended-approach-to-learning-blended-learning/#:%7E:text=A%20blended%20approach%20to%20learning%20is%20about%20the%20design%20of,activities%20with%20online%20learning%20components

S. (2020, July 22). Rethinking Training And Development For Generation Z. Panopto Video Platform. https://www.panopto.com/blog/rethinking-training-and-development-for-generation-z/ 

Team, S. (2020, December 8). 4 Types of Learning Styles: Explaining the VARK Model. Sphero. https://sphero.com/blogs/news/learning-styles-for-kids#:%7E:text=The%20four%20core%20learning%20styles%20include%20visual%2C%20auditory,reading%20and%20writing%2C%20and%20kinesthetic

The Future of Learning: Preparing for Change. (2011). Christine Redecker, Miriam Leis, Matthijs Leendertse, Yves Punie, Govert Gijsbers, Paul Kirschner, Slavi Stoyanov and Bert Hoogveld.

Willis, L. (2018, November 29). Is your online life more satisfying than your real life? The Drum. https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2018/11/29/your-online-life-more-satisfying-your-real-life 

Zach, V. A. P. B. (2021, January 27). On the Distinction between Online Life and Real Life. WordPress.Com. https://thevimblog.com/2018/07/24/online-life-and-real-life/