Colombia. Gamification and e-learning are significantly transforming education in the country. According to the Telefónica Foundation, 75% of teachers show an improvement in student engagement, motivation and information retention.
"Institutions that embrace these trends and adapt to new technologies are better positioned to attract and retain students," explained Luis Toro Dupouy, director and professor of Academic Programs at OBS Business School, belonging to Planeta Formación y Universidades, and author of the new "OBS Report: The power of perception, how students see online education and AI in 2024".
Regarding the growth of e-learning, 92% of Colombian students say they are satisfied with online learning, according to the Observatory of Educational Innovation. This modality makes it easier for students to balance their work, family and personal responsibilities with their studies. In addition, the hybrid teaching format continues to boom; for this reason, the Ministry of National Education points out that 80% of educational institutions in the country have adopted this format to meet the needs of students.
"Hybrid studios are essential because they combine the flexibility of online learning with the personal interaction of the face-to-face format. In addition, they integrate a wide range of technological resources and tools, enriching the educational experience, facilitating access to diverse materials and creating a more inclusive and effective environment," added Dr. Luis Toro.
In fact, the Higher Education in Colombia Report confirms that 50% of new academic program offerings in higher education institutions are designed under a hybrid model, reaffirming that the country is evolving satisfactorily and is following the example of international universities that have successfully adopted e-learning.
Perception of new technologies and organizational readiness for AI
Regarding new technologies such as Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality, these are identified as tools with a high potential to transform learning in the country, according to the Ministry of Education of Colombia, 78% of students believe that Virtual and Augmented Reality has a significant impact on the quality of learning.
"New technologies and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing learning, teaching and educational management, and institutions that involve students and staff in their adoption are often viewed positively. These approaches, such as surveys, pilot programs and feedback, help position entities as leaders in innovation and attract quality talent," said the Director of Academic Programs at OBS Business School.
The Ministry of Education also explains that 85% of students who use digital tools in their education say that they will continue to use them if they receive updates and continuous support. "Despite the clear benefits of AI, such as personalized learning and process optimization, its success depends on adequate organizational preparation, which includes infrastructure and staff training," said Dr. Luis Toro. "This preparation is now an important competitive advantage that students value and the openness to advanced technological tools suggests a desire to integrate innovations that can definitely enrich the educational experience."
Institutions that adopt AI not only offer education that is more aligned with students' goals, but also position themselves as leaders in educational vanguard, attracting high-quality students and teachers.
The key to the influence of institutional reputation
In making decisions about where to study, the reputation of the institution and the quality of the programs play a fundamental role, in fact, the Observatory of Higher Education of Latin America reports that 67% of students in Colombia mention the reputation of the institution as a determining factor in their choice of academic programs.
"Students value the combination of good academic content with innovative technologies and a focus on continuous improvement. This trend highlights the need to adapt to changing student expectations in order to deliver high-quality and relevant education," added Dr. Toro.
E-learning offers significant benefits for foreign students who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree abroad. Its flexibility allows students to access high-quality programs from any location, eliminating geographical and economic barriers. The ability to adjust learning to their personal schedules and commitments makes it easier to reconcile with their work and family responsibilities.
In addition, "e-learning provides access to innovative educational resources and a global network of professionals, enriching their academic experience and enhancing their opportunities for professional development in an international context. This approach not only expands access to quality education, but also fosters a more adaptable and personalized learning experience," concluded Dr. Luis Toro, Director and Professor of Academic Programs at OBS Business School.
