Transformed Permanently: Edtech, Shaped Beyond COVID-19 Impacts
In the realm of education, a significant transformation has taken place over the past few decades. This shift, often attributed to the pandemic, was also driven by a series of critical school-friendly developments that began long before 2020.
Handheld iPads in 2010, cheap Chromebooks in 2011, and improved WiFi standards paved the way for gigabit internet speeds, all contributing to the gradual integration of technology into the classroom. These advancements, combined with the growing need for digital literacy, propelled edtech from a niche sector to ubiquity in K-12 and higher education.
The author's journey into edtech began in 1995, transplanted from the consumer and B2B computing world. As the years passed, buyers in all roles became more adept at evaluating edtech devices and software, demanding higher quality and more efficient solutions.
However, the rapid expansion of edtech also brought new challenges. With its ubiquity came a new responsibility for cybersecurity and privacy protections, many of which vendors had not seriously considered. The pandemic forced the integration of edtech at scale, often with poor results due to inadequate remote learning environments and unprepared educators.
Post-pandemic teaching requires remembering five key things: flexibility, inclusivity, student-centredness, teacher support, and data privacy. As edtech becomes embedded into and synonymous with education, it's essential to address these concerns to ensure a successful and secure learning experience for all.
The adoption of edtech has not been limited to the United States. Countries like China and India have embraced these technologies, and European companies have made U.S. inroads in the edtech industry. In recent years, companies based outside of the U.S., such as Byju's from India, have acquired U.S. firms like Epic!, Osmo, and Tynker.
Google for Education has identified three new education trends: personalised learning, social-emotional learning, and digital citizenship. These trends reflect a growing recognition of the importance of tailoring educational experiences to individual students and fostering a supportive and responsible digital environment.
Despite the progress made, there is still a decade delay in the adoption of consumer technologies in the classroom due to the risk-averse and sluggish nature of educational institutions. The definition of edtech to the public may increasingly lie outside of the U.S., with a focus on online tutoring rather than the potential breadth and richness of what products have to offer.
It's worth noting that the five different edtech sectors - early education, K-12, higher ed, workforce learning, and adult enrichment - are hugely different in approach, despite often being mushed and muttered together as the same six-character word.
In the past, edtech was considered a "get rich slow" business, with selective venture capital, limited private equity interest, and long sales cycles with traditional educational buyers. However, as the industry continues to evolve and mature, it's clear that edtech's impact on education will only grow in the years to come.
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