APAC Education Summit was held on the 26th and 27th of September 2018 at Zoom and focused on transforming the future of education in the region. It was the intention of the event to provide the APAC education community with an opportunity to gain inspiration through customer panels, keynote speakers, and a technology showcase regarding how technology can enhance accessibility and equity as well as reshape educational models so that students, educators, and administrators can work together in a more cohesive and collaborative manner.

As a key takeaway from the event, it was very interesting to note that many educational institutions were still figuring out how to embrace a digital-first mindset; this is a relatively new concept for most. A change in tools is just one part of the equation. In order to achieve the best possible educational experience for all students, a digital mindset seeks to change the way we think about education, curriculum, and pedagogy with the goal of creating a technology ecosystem based on these pillars.

Zoom’s APAC Education Summit led to a number of lessons that can be applied anywhere.

Designing ‘bite-sized’ curricula

IBRS has invited Dr. Joseph Sweeny, one of its advisors on the future of work for the education sector, as the keynote speaker at the APAC Education Summit. A study on the future of education was commissioned by Zoom by IBRS as part of a research project. In his keynote address, “Lessons Driving the Future of Education,” Dr. Sweeny outlined some of the report’s findings along with some of the implications.

Adapting curricula for hybrid success

It is important for educators to remember that a hybrid approach to teaching and learning does not simply translate a preexisting curriculum into digital content, but rather breaks down that curriculum into granular pieces of content that are easily shareable and digestible across a variety of digital platforms. With this approach, collaboration becomes a natural part of an individual’s day to day activities, making hybrid settings a great place for learning and innovation. The concept of curriculum going bite-sized is referred to by Dr. Sweeny as “curriculum going bite-sized” which stresses the importance of focusing on one topic at a time so both educators and students can be successful in this new world of learning and teaching that is transforming.

Rethinking education in a hybrid future

In a conversation with Ricky Kapur, Zoom’s Head of Asia Pacific, after his keynote, Dr. Sweeney addressed the future of education trends by discussing where the industry is headed. Our discussion focused on how we can utilize the latest technological tools to ensure that our students and teachers are provided with a safe, engaging, and equitable learning environment. Check out the highlights of their conversation by reading on.

Hybrid learning is about where everybody is 

In order to think about hybrid learning, one must take into account the fact that both students and teachers can be located in the same place. In order for educational institutions to facilitate equitable learning, they must ensure that an integrated technology ecosystem is built and maintained with teachers and students in mind. Rather than adopting a fragmented approach, institutions may be able to grow more resilient and agile if they adopt an ecosystem approach, making it easier to pivot and adapt to unforeseen circumstances without disrupting education in the meantime.

Simple, consistent tools are the future of edtech

The best way to sustain hybrid learning is to provide tools that are easy to use and can integrate easily with learning management systems. An IBRS study found that the more simple the process, the more likely it is to be adopted quickly, and the more likely you are to integrate your hybrid learning system the more likely it is to be effective and equitable.

Using technology to enrich the education experience 

In a recent interview with Matt Baker, Zoom’s Global Education Lead, and Marshall Roslyn, principal at LingoAce, Christy Flis discussed how companies like Class Technologies and LingoAce use technology to enrich the educational experience to improve student outcomes.

Creating online experiences that unlock opportunities for students of all ages 

LingoAce, an online tutoring company that provides Chinese and English language online tutoring services, has seen firsthand how video and digitally-first tools can break down barriers to learning by adopting digital technology early in its development. Regardless of where they are in the world, LingoAce’s students have access to the best Chinese and English teachers all over the world, no matter where they are. As a result of the connection between teachers and students around the world, their learning is enhanced.

Developing the tools to help all types of learners succeed

It has been demonstrated that there are some students who, not only prefer but excel when learning outside the traditional classroom environment as demonstrated by the relatively rapid adoption of virtual learning. Thus, as a result, educators have been able to provide their students with an array of new experiences and have innovated upon traditional teaching and learning methods. Technology adoption is only one part of the puzzle – keeping students engaged is another important component of the solution. Utilizing the right tools has helped LingoAce and its students excel by making learning immersive and fun.

Positioning education institutions for success 

The Zoom team is proud to provide educational organisations from all around the world with comprehensive technology that will ensure students, educators, and institutions thrive regardless of their geographical location and preferred learning environment. Zoom Meetings, Webinars, Rooms, Whiteboards, and more of Zoom’s features power classrooms and provide students with the tools they need to succeed.

Check out the on-demand recordings of Zoom’s APAC Education Summit if you would like to get a better understanding of the event. Join our Zoom Education Community for the latest news and best practices regarding Zoom for education, or subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest news and best practices.

FAQs

Where do I find Zoom? Zoom is a video conferencing application that allows students and teachers to meet online in real time through the use of a personal computer, laptop, or mobile phone, with or without the use of video. Teachers are able to conduct online classes through the use of Zoom meetings, which can also be recorded and stored for students to access at a later time.