Five educational trends for 2023

The exceptional situation experienced since 2020 acted as an accelerator of innovation in the educational system. Now the challenge is to consolidate the progress achieved while responding to the new challenges, beyond those derived from the health situation.

Innovation in higher education must respond to a series of challenges, coordinating educational methodologies and technologies and the educational system itself. In this sense, it is interesting to observe trends such as those detailed below:

• 1) Individualized and flexible learning as a necessity for more diverse students, who wish to adapt their learning process to their availability, physical residence, needs or learning styles. In this sense, data is essential to be able to design alert systems and individualized learning paths.
• 2) The integration of ICT is another of the challenges of the educational system. Beyond the use of technology as a solution to problems linked to face-to-face, the educational environment must develop digital skills in students, integrating technology with new teaching methodologies. Special attention is demanded by the digital divide that may affect certain groups based on their condition or situation, implementing solutions that are more inclusive and accessible.
• 3) Another of the challenges in higher education is providing a set of competencies and credentials valued by employers. In this sense, the industry-recognized micro-credential systems, their modularity and progressivity, and the development of transversal skills, such as the ability to learn, teamwork, creativity and innovation, and thinking are of interest. critical.
• 4) Related to the above, evaluation (assesment) is another of the great challenges and sources of innovation in higher education. Reliable systems are required that guarantee security and identity and prevent fraud in online assessments, while respecting the privacy of students. In addition, it is necessary to advance in evaluation systems that are capable of certifying competencies linked to professional performance, and that these are a source for continuous learning.
• 5) We must not forget the methodological innovations that include the most important trends at the moment, such as gamification, collaborative learning, the flipped classroom, problem-based learning (PBL) or projects, among others. In this sense, more and more, the student will demand pills or micro-learning with high added value and very focused on the acquisition of skills valued in the environment.

From the School of Business and Management and the Miguel de Cervantes European University we are aware of these trends to which we respond with the academic programs that are currently offered.

*The author is a collaborator of the Miguel de Cervantes European University.