The EdTech industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, thanks to a combination of technological innovation and the rise of remote education. Distance learning centres and EdTech were already experiencing growing popularity before COVID-19, but there’s no doubt that the pandemic has accelerated the sector’s development.
However, EdTech is not just about remote teaching. Teachers and students, from preschool to higher education, are enjoying the benefits of digital education tools for both online and in-person learning. These tools range from virtual learning platforms to programmes that allow students to access virtual resources and take notes digitally in class.
With such powerful EdTech impact in recent years, let’s take a look at what’s new in this influential industry.
What is EdTech?
EdTech covers all kinds of hardware and software tools designed to help people learn. Using the latest technology, EdTech aims to help students overcome learning barriers, make education more accessible, and improve learning outcomes.
This is big business. According to Grand View Research, the educational technology industry was worth $106.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a rate of 16.5% between 2022 and 2030.
Social media and technology have become an integral part of our lives. Technology not only plays an important role at home and at work, but it’s also an essential part of education at all levels.
The Important Role of Technology in the Education Industry
E-Learning
E-learning has been around for quite some time. However, it’s become increasingly mainstream since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced teachers and students to embrace virtual learning platforms.
E-learning offers many benefits. It allows students to access high-quality education regardless of their geographical location. It also lets students study in their own way and at their own pace, to match their own learning style as well as balance their studies with other commitments, such as work.
E-learning can also be much more cost-effective than studying in-person, as it eliminates transportation and accommodation expenses.
Extended Reality will Dominate the EdTech Industry
Extended Reality (XR) includes virtual reality, augmented reality, and related technologies. This is the biggest trend we’ve seen in the education sector. As virtual headsets and AR tools become more cost-effective and accessible, more educational institutions are adopting this technology.
Through virtual education tools, students can visit landmarks and historical sites. Extended reality technology and Interplay Learning can also allow students to practice their skills, from conducting surgery and landing a plane to HVAC maintenance, in a virtual setting.
Extended Reality also improves educational access for people with disabilities. For example, children with autism can practice social interactions and daily tasks to prepare them for the real world.
Individualized Learning and Teaching Experience
AI-driven education has become a hot topic recently, as artificial intelligence can be used to personalize learning experiences. This can be invaluable for improving learning outcomes and helping students on an individual level. Everyone learns in a different way, and so different people respond better to various teaching methods.
For example, some students may take information in aurally, while others learn best through practical repetition. Artificial intelligence can be used to tailor learning experiences to each student’s individual learning style. AI-driven education has the potential to change the landscape of education, making learning easier and helping to boost student confidence.
Social Learning
EdTech can also be highly beneficial for social learning. The social learning approach recognises that students learn best in a social context, and digital tools can be very effective in supporting this kind of learning. In addition to the lectures, classes and other types of formal learning, EdTech can facilitate a range of social learning opportunities.
For example, online forums can be a very effective social learning tool. Students can ask questions and receive answers from their own student cohort, or from a wider online community. EdTech also makes it easier than ever for students to form work groups and collaborate on team projects, whether studying on-campus or online.
How You Can Make the Most of EdTech by Studying Online
The EdTech industry is developing rapidly. Some EdTech impact trends are a result of technological advancements, while others develop as a response to changing student needs. In essence, the goal of EdTech is to improve learning outcomes.
At EDHEC, we use the latest education technologies to help students from a range of backgrounds and geographical locations develop their skills, build their knowledge, and earn valuable qualifications. Thanks to the power of EdTech, you can study online with a recognised institution and as part of a diverse student cohort, from anywhere in the world.
