EdTech is the future of education, and already, the education sector has undergone a lot of digital transformation. The digital transformation witnessed in the education sector has resulted in EdTech startups.
The education technology market is experiencing steep growth, with a projected value of $218 billion by 2027. EdTech startups will continue to grow across the globe, bringing about the benefits of modern learning. Through a wide range of online tools and applications, new learning methods have been adopted to enrich the experience for students. For instance, educators can create personalized programs to learn mathematics for kids to support them unlock their potential.
As EdTech startups continue to gain popularity, education continues to benefit in many ways. EdTech startups fall in a myriad of categories ranging from early childhood education, tech learning, test prep, and school analytics to school administration, to mention a few.
Impact Of EdTech Startups on Education
1. Creation of diverse learning experiences
EdTech startups have been very instrumental in breaking existing barriers to knowledge. Without education technologies, learners would mostly share their experiences with other students within their geographical location. This is limiting as the learners have the same experience, meaning their perspectives are mostly similar.
Thanks to educational tools created by EdTech startups and high-performing web applications, knowledge barriers have been broken through increased collaboration and distribution of learning materials Geographical barriers have been broken, and learners can interact with students from anywhere in the world, have discussions through video conferencing tools and discussion boards, and share their perspectives on different topics.
There are training programs, efficient learning materials, and personalized tutoring allowing learners to access knowledge in diverse ways. More so, learners now can enjoy flexibility during learning, something missing in the traditional class. They can choose in-class training, hybrid training, and online programs depending on what works best for them.
The language barrier has also been significantly minimized as with the support of the tools, and educators can deliver multilingual programs.
2. Gamification
Gamification has transformed the classroom environment. Teachers are, for instance, incorporating kids math games in mathematics to enhance students’ understanding of the subject.
Gamification in learning utilizes game-like environments with digital games such as board games, role-playing, and team-based games for teaching. The role of gamification is enhancing students’ engagement and focus during learning.
A good example is pulse, a digital game used by healthcare students to simulate different medical scenarios for learners to practice. Apart from enhancing engagement, gamification has helped learners enhance various skills and optimize learning.
Gamification also creates opportunities for social connection in the class environment allowing students to learn from and through each other. It fosters a sense of motivation, which collectively enhances the learners’ overall academic achievement.
3. Knowledge in different disciplines and arts
Unlike the traditional classroom, the modern classroom environment, which EdTech companies have enabled, allows learners to be all-rounded by allowing access to information in different disciplines.
They don’t have to stay in arts or music class on top of their business class to learn about art and music. Apart from academic education, they can develop skills and build confidence around other fields.
Thanks to the readily available eLearning materials, this is possible, where interested learners can gain knowledge. The online courses help them also build strong foundations if they are considering taking up artistic courses in the future.
4. Flexibility
One of the most significant impacts of EdTech startups in the education sector is flexibility. Students can now learn the best way they want. This has also lifted the access to education barrier, seen in students who had commitments like jobs and families. Flexibility also has, in several ways, eliminated geographical barriers to education.
Since the emergence of EdTech startups, the education sector has seen more enrollment in academic institutions. Students can access teaching at their most convenient time. This has made it possible for more people to get professional training and access post-graduate training.
Learners can also choose learning materials that allow them an opportunity for more efficient learning. It includes a lot of parts, starting from the textbooks and online courses and up to the possibility to have dinner on time. The latter one is very important for the students timetable. An online ordering system for college dining halls can make things much easier for the students, which can place orders in minutes and find out exactly when their food will be delivered. This is helpful in planning learning and leisure time, which is crucial for students. And one more element to the flexibility aspect will be realized in such a way. Students who find audio-visual presentations more effective can now use them for learning. Learners who find books more beneficial are also free to use them. Collectively, learners can access the same knowledge in a different medium.
5. Cost savings
EdTech startups have played a critical role in making education more affordable. EdTech tools are helping students and their families overcome the financial burden of accessing education. Some tools and sites, for instance, allow students to post their financial needs and seek donations, whether it is in the form of learning materials or funds.
The availability of eLearning materials has eliminated the need for parents to buy many textbooks, which are expensive in the long run. More so, the introduction of the modern classroom that features a blended learning approach has cut most of the costs linked to accessing education.
For instance, learners don’t need to incur boarding costs, and transportation costs have been reduced. More so, education institutions register fewer overhead costs and, in turn, lower tuition fees.
Take Away
EdTech startups have been instrumental in transforming education. Access to knowledge has become more affordable, flexible, diverse, and engaging through different educational tools. Gamification tools have enhanced participation and effectiveness of learning by making the process more practical. Due to eliminating geographical boundaries, learning has become diverse through interaction with learners holding different perspectives.
Flexibility in learning, thanks to video conferencing tools, online discussion tools, and the availability of various learning materials, have enhanced participation and allowed students to learn in ways they find most meaningful.