3 trends shaping the IT education industry in 2024

New D,UPDATED: Jun 27, 2024 14:28 IST

Our definition of new-age technologies has changed tremendously in the last couple of years. Once dubbed as the most significant technological evolution in the history of mankind, we have become habituated to the internet, and it has paved the way for newer technologies to come through. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of innovation.

Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Machine Learning, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have taken centre stage in the latest technological transformation globally. The worldwide IT industry has witnessed significant traction as a result of this, as the increasing reliance on new-age technologies by millions has led to significant research & development as well as supportive services. A global operation in IT has highlighted the importance of a skilled workforce, and training them in the most trending skills has led to a paradigm shift in IT education.

This paradigm shift has been driven by demand for the latest skills. From coding in different programming languages to data analysis, the requirements of the IT industry have changed significantly in the past decade.

For example, when Power BI was launched in 2015, it completely transformed the way interactive data visualisation software was perceived. Similar things have happened numerous times, with the most recent focus being on the likes of AI, Machine Learning etc. As the demand for professionals skilled in this software persists, trends in the IT education industry will reflect these skills in various learning modules.

These latest trends in the IT education industry are not only empowering millions of learners by bridging skill gaps but also embracing technological norms, enhancing job opportunities and enabling the IT workforce.

1. Immersive Learning with AR/VR

One of the most innovative techniques adopted by global IT education is the deployment of immersive learning techniques through the usage of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). This technique uses the innovative power of AR and VR to engage the learners' focus, which is often not captured by a conventional lecture inside a classroom. Immersive learning in IT education adds engaging aspects to the learning processes by creating a virtual experience where new-age technologies like coding, data science etc., are visualised in front of the students and facilitating meaningful interactions.

Through the usage of VR in immersive learning techniques, students can enter a digital environment where any aspect can be viewed with great magnification. For example, Google Maps uses VR technology in its street view feature, allowing users to check particular details in a simplified way. Additionally, AR allows students to generate digital images in a real-world setting through the computing power of their smartphones.

This technology has been widely used in popular games, the most notable being Pokémon Go.

This technique helps IT professionals to become well-versed with contemporary technologies such as AR and VR through an interactive learning experience and has been one of the most trending aspects of IT education in the past couple of years.

2. Robotic Process Automation

Widely known as software robotics, Robotic Process Automation has been one of the most trending queries for IT professionals looking to upskill their portfolio of knowledge. RPA undertakes menial repetitive tasks like data entries, moving information and extraction of large quantities of data through highly reactive automation technologies. Through a combination of APIs and UI interactions, RPA software can incorporate and undertake repetitive tasks through scripts mimicking human intervention, thus executing successful interactions between various software systems.

RPA tools can be defined as error-free automation technologies that can perform high-volume repetitive menial tasks and reduce the need for human interventions. These tools also allow an enhanced digital transformation journey for companies, with a significant return on investment from their workforces. As per the latest studies, more than 30% of the deployment of RPA software has been recorded in the finance industry, specifically by banks and NBFCs. These organisations deploy automated bots, which are managed by IT professionals, including developers, thus creating a niche for it in the IT education domain.

3. Future-proofing jobs through upskilling

While learning the likes of C, C++ or Java was once considered enough to create an IT career, the industry has transformed since then. Presently, the introduction and adoption of evergreen technologies, including Python, PowerBI, Data Science, .NET, SolidWorks, SQL, Angular, GenAI and others have made it critical for IT professionals to upskill to remain ahead of the competition.

IT companies are increasingly looking for trained professionals in these domains, and many have begun to upskill their employees as well. Through enhanced demand, upskilling has become one of the most significant trends in the IT education domain, which is driving students and professionals to learn new skills to stay ahead of the rest of the workforce.

Apart from the aforementioned skills, knowledge of other critical technologies like electronic prototyping, Azure, Dalle, Dart, Docket, Ethical Hacking, Node.js and Cloud technologies have emerged as front-runners in the race to upskill professionals.