January 2024: Edtech stories that caught my eye

Each month, I share my favourite stories that showcase something new, something great, or something innovative in edtech as it relates to international education and global education.?

Long-time LinkedIn connections would remember my previous focus - the BC tech and innovation community - which has since pivoted to international education and education technologies that change the way we work, recruit, and support international students.?

Here are edtech stories from January that caught my eye.?

Is a steep rise in number of study abroad students and competition a reason behind mounting loss of ed-tech firms??

The story: The number of Indian students studying abroad has seen a significant increase, with approximately 1.5 million students pursuing education abroad as of January CY23, marking an 11.11% rise from CY22. The growing awareness of foreign education, along with improved access to capital, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, has contributed to this surge.?

The study abroad sector is also projected to further expand, with expectations of up to 2 million students studying abroad by 2025. As the number of students seeking international education rises, so does the business opportunity for edtech companies operating in the study abroad segment. However, the competitive nature of the market, coupled with the increased number of students, may be a reason behind the mounting losses of some edtech firms.

Why this matters: The surge in the number of Indian students opting for international education is a clear signal of immense business potential for edtech companies. The competitive landscape, however, poses a challenge as firms may experience financial setbacks, evident in the struggles faced by some key players. This underscores the importance of devising a strategic approach to navigate the intense competition within the study abroad market while maintaining financial sustainability.

Having a firsthand perspective on the industry, it's noteworthy that despite financial losses, edtech firms specializing in study abroad programs continue to attract substantial investments. The resilience amid financial challenges highlights the strategic significance of these firms in shaping the future of international education and cites the need for adaptability and strategic foresight in the dynamic landscape.

The emerging educational technology landscape of Africa: analysis

The story: African countries are progressively embracing technology in education, spurred by the increasing internet penetration and mobile connectivity. The Eduverse in Africa is characterized by diverse applications: from basic e-learning platforms to advanced technologies like AI and virtual reality, which offer immersive learning experiences. Key players in this landscape include both local startups and international tech giants, each contributing uniquely to educational transformation.

The adoption of e-learning platforms has been notable, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote learning. Similar innovation occurred during Sierra Leone’s 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, where radio facilitated education.

Partnerships also herald high-tech collaboration:?

• Tertiary Education Trust Fund has partnered with US-based Edtech company Anthology to advance online education for Nigerian students.?
• Platforms like uLesson and Eneza Education have gained popularity by offering tailored educational content that aligns with national curriculums.?
• Rwanda and Kenya have implemented policies to promote technology in education, including investments in digital infrastructure and teacher training programs.

Why this matters: Africa’s headways in edtech and digital education deserve recognition, and what better way to do this than a (g)local summit that tackles the challenges and opportunities in one venue. The Eduverse Summit 2024, ahead of its events in Nigeria, Brazil, and Canada, introduces a series of global webinars. Aimed at uniting higher education authorities, edtech pioneers, and educators, these webinars will foster crucial discussions and joint efforts to revolutionize education. The first summit is on February 15 at Marriott Lagos Ikeja, Lagos. Register here.?

Edtech and its evolution: How would it affect the pedagogy of learning and teaching from now on?

The story: Edtech is making education in India more accessible and personalized, democratizing learning and enabling students from remote areas to access educational resources. It promotes continuous learning and upskilling, aligning education with dynamic market needs. Collaborative features connect learners with experts and peers, fostering a sense of community. Real-world applications in Edtech bridge the gap between theory and practice, making learning more meaningful. Additionally, it empowers teachers by streamlining tasks and providing a resilient infrastructure, creating a more interactive and productive classroom.?

Why this matters: Edtech addresses key needs in the education sector not just in India but elsewhere in the world, making it more adaptable, inclusive, and relevant to the evolving needs of students and the job market.? It enhances accessibility, personalized learning, and addresses gaps in traditional education. The focus on continuous learning and upskilling aligns education with market demands. With its ever-evolving uses in pedagogy, the admissions process (particularly in international recruitment), and the overall student experience, edtech can set forth a transformation never seen in the sector before.?

7 edtech trends set to transform education in 2024

The story: The education landscape is evolving with transformative trends in educational technology in 2024.?

• Immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are revolutionizing learning by providing interactive and engaging content, making complex concepts tangible.?
• Personalized learning powered by artificial intelligence (AI) tailors educational content to individual needs, fostering inclusivity.?
• Blockchain is helping streamline academic credentialing, ensuring secure and transparent verification of qualifications.?
• Predictive analytics adapts learning pathways in real-time, offering a dynamic and individualized educational experience.?
• Real-time collaborative learning spaces break down geographical barriers, paving the way for global collaboration.?
• Microlearning delivers content in small segments, enhancing flexibility and accessibility.?
• The focus on mental health integrates mindfulness and stress management tools into learning platforms, creating a holistic educational experience.

Why this matters: Edtech holds great promise in addressing challenges related to credentialing, optimizing learning pathways, promoting global collaboration, and prioritizing the mental health of learners, ultimately shaping a more effective and comprehensive educational landscape. These trends not only enhance the efficiency and accessibility of education but also empower learners to navigate an ever-evolving digital landscape, fostering a sense of adaptability and resilience in the face of future challenges.

How AI can help create assessments that enhance opportunities for all students

The story: The evolution of K-12 education, particularly in student assessments, is undergoing significant transformations driven by advancements in AI tools. Developers are integrating AI in assessment design, scoring, and reporting to provide real-time feedback, enhance instructional efficiency, and address issues of educational inequities. However, challenges such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the need for a broader, more inclusive approach to assessment are being recognized. The shift prompts a reevaluation of personalized learning, outcomes prioritization, test security, and the importance of human relationships in the context of AI-driven assessments.

Why this matters: The infusion of AI into student assessments marks a pivotal shift. AI brings real-time feedback and efficiency but the transition is not without challenges, including algorithmic bias and privacy concerns. Prioritizing a whole-child perspective and personalized assessment tasks addresses longstanding issues. The redefined concept of proficiency in the era of AI-related skills underscores the need for adaptability. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensure a balanced integration of AI while upholding the human-centric essence of education, emphasizing the holistic development of each student.

Thanks for reading, dear friends, and I look forward to further conversations on #edtech, #intled, #highereducation, #educationleadership and more on LinkedIn!