My ELT Vision

     Emerging Learning Technology, or ELT, encompasses technologies  currently in development or those expected to evolve with the next five to ten years. The momentum of ELT is unstoppable today, as we apply ELT in diverse domains, such as schools, job training and emergent drills. As ELT has been pivotal in developing our learning journeys, it not only enhances learning experiences, but also contributes to a better quality of learning. ELT is on a path to becoming more learner-advancing and occupationally-supportive. In this discussion, I will elaborate on my vision for ELT and its importance in my future academic pursuits.

     My initial vision centers on transforming it into a holistic training coach. While ELT undoubtedly enhances our learning journey, there is a growing concern that our reliance on ELT might lead to diminishing skills such as writing. This dependency could hinder us from sharpening our critical thinking ability, the most valuable of human beings. Instead of offering answers, it should provide instructions and guidance, empowering learners with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills and attitude. For example, after ChatGPT was born, many English learners use it as a tool. However, it cannot tell users the reasons why and without solid background knowledge. If learners are not allowed to use it, they might have difficulty creating.

    Furthermore, ELT is expected to assist professionals with more deeply structured analysis, such as doctors, psychologists, and instructors. Through ELT's progress and convenience, we can gain a deeper understanding by detecting individuals' physical signals or referencing from ELT's analyses to address on-site questions.  For instance, consider a counselor's attempt to shape their clients through verbal communication, body language and vocal tone. ELT has the potential to offer more insights during conversations, including physiological responses such as frontal lobe engagement. In brief, the advancement of ELT enables us to perform our jobs more comprehensively. Yet ELT does not replace human interactions, as face-to-face engagement holds a distinctive value in building up relationships.

     Undeniably, ELT holds significant importance for my forthcoming academic journey. My career goal is to become an instructional designer, creating more engaging and effective learning experiences for students and teaching strategies for educators. One of the instructional designers' responsibilities is designing content, which needs the ability to integrate ELT into their design process. Furthermore, they have to stay current. They must stay updated on the latest, cutting-edge ELT and educational theories to tailor learning to individual learners. Last but not least, facilitating learning innovation is something instructional designers might do in the future. Therefore, ELT offers instructional designers various resources and tools, like simulations, virtual reality, augmented reality and other technologies to achieve their profession.

     In conclusion, the promising future of ELT lies in its potential to promote learners' progress and facilitate career success. Just as ELT enables instructional designers to excel in their field, it envisions a future where learning and success are intertwined.