Education Technology (also known as “EdTech”) refers to an area of digital technology devoted to the development and application of tools (including software, hardware, and appropriate technological processes) intended to promote education.
Put another way, “EdTech is a study and ethical practice for facilitating student learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.”
Although this developing field may sound like a specialized niche, its potential implications are far-reaching and affect many segments of the population. Read on to find out if you’re among those most likely to benefit from the advancement of EdTech, and how you can contribute to its growth.
For Educators and Educational Institutions…
Caleb Clark, an educator and EdTech expert, summarizes the importance of EdTech as follows: “Geeks can’t teach, and teachers can’t geek.” What does he mean by that?
Tech experts who create data-driven teaching-learning processes and learning applications understand solution implementation, but they can’t replace educational leaders in disseminating knowledge.
On the other hand, skilled educators may not have the expertise or inclination to utilize and apply all the available tech tools in their discipline. They already face enough challenges in their day-to-day work without having to become IT experts.
Services like Alma and Engrade offer comprehensive solutions for educational leaders and schools, showcasing the potential of EdTech. If developed and implemented correctly, educational technology can revolutionize the industry by streamlining time-consuming tasks like lesson planning, reporting, and record-keeping, as well as simplifying communication. This has far-reaching implications for educational institutions themselves.
EdTech Magazine highlights the capacity of this emerging technology to provide institutions with a clear understanding of various points of reference, including student progress, budget performance, and alumni data. The possibilities and insights are truly limitless.
Therefore, the future of education depends on an ongoing dialogue between educators, educational institutions, and professionals in the tech world.
For Technologists and Designers…
Tech professionals need continuous development to keep up with the rapid growth of devices and emerging technology, which leads to increased avenues for information delivery.
EdTech development is progressing quickly, creating gaps in the system. The 2014 K-20 vision survey by the Software & Information Industry Association revealed a strong desire for more technology integration and support across all educational levels.
The survey, conducted annually and involving nearly 1,000 educators from K-20 education, showed that the desired level of technology integration exceeds the current levels. Pain points highlighted in the report include:
- The majority of K–12 respondents feel unprepared for online summative assessments, lacking adequate bandwidth (42%) and devices/hardware for students (36%).
- Three-quarters of K–12 respondents recognize the high importance of technology integration, but only 22% claim their schools are already highly integrated.
These findings signal a need for technological and professional development on every level of EdTech, and the presence of unique career development opportunities.
For Career Seekers…
While a number of job-seekers wish to find work that is simultaneously fulfilling and profitable, the two don’t always seem to go hand in hand (just ask a teacher). However, the dramatic increase of venture capital investment in Education Technology promises just that.
Forbes remarks, “Whereas teachers generally top out at around $80,000 (and only if they get masters/doctoral degrees), education entrepreneurs have shown that making money and doing good are not always misaligned.”
Whether you’re embarking on a new career or seeking career guidance, the promise of the growing educational technology field delivers enticing opportunities to apply your skills in an educational setting with true global impact.
For Everyone Else…
The successful development of these tools will impact our future in every aspect. Accessible, effective solutions empower students and teachers in the classroom, enhancing learning. Improved instructional technology enables them to do more, enhancing the learning process and global education quality for young people.
Emerging EdTech tools help educators organize curricula and engage students in both classroom and blended learning. This sets young people up for success beyond the classroom, providing all necessary materials.
These future leaders—engineers, architects, doctors—require the best instructional materials to excel. Ensuring their preparation secures a brighter future for all and addresses the challenges the next generation faces.
Prepare for a career in educational technology with our 12-week Software Engineering Immersive.