Possible futures of education in the digital age: a review of the literature

Technological advances continue to perpetuate an accelerated pace of change and transformation in all environments, including education, where evolution has been cautious, but its incursions are undeniable. For this reason, this research aimed to determine the possible futures of education in the digital era, focusing on the educational modality or mode of delivery. To this end, an environment analysis for future studies was conducted using a scoping review supported by the PRISMA protocol. Subsequently, signals were identified, patterns were detected and trends wer proposed. The main results were: (a) Modality concepts should be precise, as this allows specific actions addressing the challenges faced by each modality. (b) The e-learning concept that has been used will continue to be widely recognized as the primary modality for delivering technology-mediated distance education, but its meaning and scope have changed. (c) Universities have been preparing for educational changes but must transform the systems that facilitate their implementation. (d) Finally, the most widely accepted delivery experiences will be hybrid, allowing students to transit seamlessly between the face-to-face and virtual campuses. It is concluded that, according to the trend, the delivery experience likely to gain predominance will eliminate digital gaps, biases, and barriers related to time, learning, spaces, and language. Such experience should offer broader coverage, promote democratization and cultural diversity, and ensure inclusive, personal, flexible, and quality education.