The year 2025 has seen many developments in the education sector, in which we at Scriptus Publications (our online course entitled “Learn Business English” is our flagship product) are involved.

We have had to grow accustomed to the increasing demand for online learning, the growth in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and their impact on the education sector.  Few sectors, (except for healthcare, perhaps), have been as heavily impacted by AI – and personalised learning.

New technologies have facilitated this. The expansion of hybrid models, and increased focus on student well-being and equity. That is, all students, regardless of their background, have access to resources and the opportunities that are needed to succeed. All barriers are removed, to create a level playing field.

Key trends

 (1) Technological trends

 The first trend in education that I want to write about is the growth of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies mean that passive information becomes an engaging, hands-on experience.

With the use of these technologies, it’s also possible to create virtual environments. This means that students can conduct virtual science experiments, take historical tours, or study 3D anatomical models, which enhance engagement and knowledge retention.

The education sector, which includes both students and teachers, has been the main beneficiary of AI, generative AI in particular.

In a blog I wrote early in 2025: “What do we mean by generative AI?” It’s AI that creates new content, such as text, images, videos, and music. This means that AI trawls through all the information on the internet to meet the requested demands.”

AI makes it easier for people to produce an online course, whether they know something about the content they are delivering or not, and whether they can discern if it is good content or bad. AI will produce the content, but you have to work out what is good and what is bad for the uninitiated or uneducated student

 The benefit of Learn Business English (see www.learnbusinessenglish.net) is that the founders and writers of the course know the sector without having to resort to AI to produce content.

(2) Personalised learning

Another trend is that AI has enhanced personalised learning, changing the approach to education. 

Hence, AI is not only used for administrative tasks, like marking, but can help educators create more tailored experiences to support the needs and pace of the learning of students.

In other words, AI has madeprogrammes more adaptive. AI platforms can analyse student performance, strengths, and weaknesses and adjust the content and pace of learning for each student. It is personalised learning taken to the “nth” degree.

One of the advantages of studying online is that students can take a “module” approach. This means that students can pick and choose their preferred modules and learn at their own pace.

(3) Skill-based learning

There is a strong shift towards skill-based learning, with an emphasis on job-specific skills over traditional skills, since the job market increasingly values the former. This shift is pushing institutions to focus on practical, real-world competencies. (This paragraph is not easy to follow).

There are also more “soft” skills– skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional intelligence–incorporated into the curriculum since these skills are considered to be essential in the modern workforce.

This trend towards skill-based learning reflects demographic changes. Higher education faces a significant decline in traditional 18-year-old enrollment as more skills-based learning is demanded. This means that more Institutions will increasingly use data analytics to track student behaviour, improve teaching strategies, and demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of education to the public. 

Online courses, like Learn Business English, tend to focus on practical, real-world competencies; hence, they are more likely to be geared towards the job market than traditional skills and certificates.

(4) Hybrid and flexible learning

There is a shift towards hybrid or flexible learning.  The “one-size-fits-all” model is less relevant now than before, as hybrid (blended) learning is a combination of online and teacher-focused learning, which combines in-person and online education, becoming mainstream.

Many of these models allow the use of micro and nano learning; that is learning in short bursts, allowing short-time focused content units (15 minutes, for example), offering flexibility and global access to education, often via smartphones. In this way, learning can be integrated into busy schedules. Job-specific skills are targeted.

(5) Other educational trends

These short or nano courses, which are often advertised online, also fulfil the requirements of another growing trend—that is, equality and accessibility. There is a growing focus on inclusive education, using technology and targeted support to ensure all students, regardless of background or ability, have equal opportunities.

There is also a stronger emphasis now on student mental health, counselling services, and social-emotional learning. These are being integrated into educational programs and support systems.

Of course, these are just some of the trends that we have seen in education. There are likely to be more. If so, I’d love to hear about them. Contact me at lucia@learnbusinessenglish.net