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The EdTech software sector is booming, with 65K companies on board and numerous startups competing to raise a unicorn round. From higher education to corporate training, the field is broad and diverse. In such a crowded market, standing out requires sharp analytical skills and a keen sense for identifying overlooked opportunities.
Success in education technology is no longer defined by simply chasing the next big idea. Instead, it keeps the ground on integrating advanced technologies like AI, VR, and AR. These innovations call for radical new approaches to personalized learning experiences that set companies apart in a dynamic market.
In fact, more than 67% of recent EdTech unicorns have already incorporated AI into their products or services. This trend highlights that success in EdTech more often relies on advanced technologies that enable personalized learning, improve student engagement, and streamline administrative burdens.
At the same time, HolonIQ’s Global Education Expectations report highlights key strategic priorities across various education sectors: higher education and lifelong learning sectors are leading in innovation, with a strong focus on new products, new markets, and new technologies.
How higher education institutions use AI: Educational technology examples
At the Georgia Institute of Technology, many students didn’t realise that one of their teaching assistants, Jill Watson, was actually an AI. However, even the name was a hint, referencing IBM’s Watson.
With around 300 students, the class posted about 10,000 messages to an online forum each semester. However, this amount of inquiries is too much even for the most professional assistant.
Professor Ashok Goel pointed out that as the number of students grows, the total number of questions goes up, but the types of questions being asked don’t vary much.
So, he and his team developed a system to handle the frequently asked questions, deploying Jill to manage the message board. They trained her with tens of thousands of past questions and their corresponding answers.
Most students never suspected that Jill was a virtual assistant. In fact, she turned out to be one of the most effective teaching assistants the class had ever had, answering questions with almost a 100% success rate. Jill could understand the context of the queries and respond accurately, making her an asset to the class.
How can personalised instruction meet students’ needs? Educational technology tools
Universities today face the dual challenge of declining enrollment and rising dropout rates. Today’s college students expect learning to be more engaging and tailored to their needs. Technology, particularly AI, can help address both challenges.
According to AI expert Lasse Rouhiainen, AI powered by Big Data can create a personalised learning experience. It gives professors valuable insights into how different students learn, allowing them to adjust their teaching methods to suit each student’s needs.
They say AI could soon analyse students’ facial expressions to gauge their understanding of lessons. But even now, AI is already enhancing the learning experience in every way possible.
For example, IBM has teamed up with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to create an innovative Mandarin teaching method. Their solution pairs an AI-powered assistant with an immersive classroom environment, making students feel like they’re in different settings, such as a restaurant in China, a garden, or a class. Students can practice speaking Mandarin with an AI chat agent in these environments.
What are the key categories of EdTech solutions?
Learning knows no boundaries, and neither does technology. Let’s explore the key categories of education technology solutions shaping the future of education.
Immersive technology tools
Immersive technology stands out as one of the most exciting categories in EdTech, blending the physical and virtual worlds to deliver groundbreaking learning process.
Technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality form the backbone of these apps, transforming the way students engage with educational content.
Immersive technology brings distant places and events to life, offering learners experiences they might never have access to otherwise. It also enhances communication and teamwork, encouraging students to collaborate in brand-new ways.
For example, 3DBear has become a key player in immersive EdTech since 2017, boasting over 500K downloads on Google Play.
3DBear enables users to create AR scenes using a vast library of 3D models. The app also offers a specialised “3DBear Teacher Plan,” designed to support educators in bringing interactive, AR-based learning into the classroom.
Technology
Digitalisation continues to shape every aspect of our lives. EdTech apps that focus on teaching technology and niche domains provide young learners with engaging, interactive environments to develop essential skills early on.
These apps not only help children excel in multiple areas but also allow them to track their progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
One standout example is the quiz app solution – Aviation Study Guide, delivered by Altamira in response to students’ need to memorise the basics of aviation. The mobile app offers a range of useful features, including a PDF Reader, flashcards, online forums, and 3D touch.
I was very happy with the workflow between myself and their team. Responses were addressed quickly, especially considering the time zone differences.
What I found most impressive was their willingness to correct any shortcomings. If something needed to be addressed, it was immediately corrected."
Learning Management System
The learning management systems category is tailored for companies and organisations that provide educational services. These apps streamline the management of learning-related data by organising content, automating processes, generating reports, and tracking learners’ progress.
They help centralise online learning materials, reduce paperwork, and minimise the risk of human error. Additionally, learning management systems monitor student performance and improvement, offering valuable insights for educators.
TalentLMS is the most popular example in this category, supporting organisations of all sizes in managing student learning processes. With over 4M active users, it offers a reliable platform that caters to diverse educational needs.
Language Learning
These apps offer flexibility, allowing users to learn at their own pace and choose from a wide range of languages. Many also provide opportunities to practice with native speakers, enhancing the learning experience.
A prime example is Duolingo, the world’s most recognised language learning app. Launched in 2011, Duolingo offers interactive lessons in speaking, reading, listening, and writing, with over 10.1 M daily active users.
It provides access to more than 40 languages; all courses are free. By incorporating game-like elements into its lessons, Duolingo ensures learning remains engaging and enjoyable for users.
Childhood Learning
Educational apps keep introducing young learners to new technologies in an engaging way, using colourful visuals to capture their attention and keep them interested. They also help identify a child’s interests, fostering a more personalised approach to learning.
One example is early childhood learning solution – Khan Academy Kids. It helps children grasp basic learning concepts such as reading, writing, language, and math while encouraging creativity.
Khan Academy Kids offers a wealth of resources, including videos, songs, and tasks aimed at early childhood education. It is designed for kids between the ages of 2 and 7, and its integration of games makes it even more appealing to young learners.
Social-emotional learning
The modern world is changing fast, and these transformations impact our mental health. In response, more and more EdTech solutions target developing soft skills.
They aim to help students build five core competencies: self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.
These apps also effectively assess and track student progress in ways that offer more accurate insights. Additionally, SEL apps help identify the unique needs of students, enabling more targeted support.
A good example is Uluru, an AI-powered solution for children’s academic success delivered by Altamira. This transformative solution reimagines the traditional approach to diagnosing and monitoring cognitive, mood, and personality disorders in children.
The solution offers neuropsych testing and coaching alongside a myriad of adapted learning strategies and AI-assisted learning support.
Being deeply invested in the education sector, it was quite a challenge to find a software development partner capable of understanding and delivering on our vision. Altamira rose to the occasion, meeting our expectations with the development of our educational solution.
Online courses
The benefits of online course apps are clear. Learners can access courses anytime, anywhere, giving them flexibility. These apps also provide a wide array of learning materials, and many courses are free, with premium options available at affordable prices.
Udemy stands out as one of the best platforms for offers courses online. Founded in 2010, the app has grown to serve over 52 million users.
Udemy offers courses in 65 different languages and boasts an impressive collection of nearly 196,000 courses. The platform provides a comprehensive educational experience with videos, lectures, assignments, and even certificates upon completion.
Another example is the educational web platform – CourseRooms, delivered by Altamira. This solution allows the instructors to share their experiences, gain money, and help students learn new skills. Among others, key features include a messaging system, forum, quizzes, etc.
Really enjoyed working with Altamira. All the project has been divided into sections and deadlines. We had the full access to the team anytime, which was really good.
The final words
When preparing to launch your EdTech solution, it’s important to take the time to explore the latest tech trends in the field. Of course, artificial intelligence is one of the most promising technologies in education today. While some argue that AI could stifle creativity in education, this concern is far from accurate. In reality, AI has a chance to enrich the learning environment by making it more inclusive and adaptable to diverse needs.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have the potential to transform how we handle content and process information completely. ML-powered tools can greatly reduce the amount of repetitive work for teachers, making the education process more efficient and focused on results. These tools can be integrated into various solutions, addressing a wide range of tasks and challenges.
How can Altamira help you?
If you are looking for a reliable partner, not just a vendor, to help you bring your idea to life and guide long the process, we’d love to help you. Altamira brings over 10 years of hands-on experience in delivering value-added software development and consulting services. We build custom software solutions that match your business goals and exceed expectations
On top of that, we offer
Complex database of ready-to-use components
Our vast database of pre-built components allows us to create and customise solutions tailored to your needs faster. As a result, we reduce the development time and costs while still maintaining high quality.
Rich repository of prototypes
We have an extensive library of prototypes at our disposal, so we quickly deliver working application prototypes. We will visualise your end product early in the development process to help us make informed decisions.
Expertise in non-functional and security requirements
Our team has deep expertise in addressing non-functional requirements such as performance, scalability, and maintainability. We ensure your software runs smoothly and efficiently, even under heavy loads.
Accelerated time to market and time to revenue
Our compressed SDLC toolkits and use of ready-to-use components and prototypes enable us to deliver solutions faster, getting your product to market quickly.
We deliver commercially viable and feature-rich EdTech solutions that resonate with user needs and address the following challenges:
- Outdated educational methods
- Broken collaboration between peers and educators
- Passive learning models
- Lack of personalisation
- Cost inefficiency in educational delivery
- Data breaches and unauthorised access
- Vague learning experience
Contact us for a free consultation with one of our experts regarding your project.