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Digital technology for studying improves with each generation, and the latest technological advancements are already here to enhance learning environments. Â
With the rise of AI technologies and the high popularity of online education, more companies are looking towards educational technology solutions.
Educational technology represents the next big leap in how our current and future generations learn new information. But is it as good as everyone says, or is it just another buzzword? Let’s find out if educational technology is actually helpful.
What is educational technology?
Educational technology (EdTech) is a set of tools that combine information and communication technologies with educational theory. Simply put, it uses the advantages of computers, AI, and the Internet to teach people new skills.
Types of EdTech
Educational technology comes in different forms that ultimately aim to create accessible and engaging student learning experiences. Some of them are:
- Learning management systems (LMS) that serve as a centralised hub for students and teachers to communicate and share course materials;
- Virtual Learning environments (VLEs) that work as online classrooms with interactive media content;
- Adaptive learning platforms aim to create a personalised learning experience for each student based on their personal progress;
- Assessment tools focus on testing student knowledge via quizzes or tests;
- E-learning platforms serve as a hub for learning resources and tools students can access;
- Student Information Systems (SIS) are used to manage students data, such as grades, attendance, and assignments;
- Online tutoring platforms that provide on-demand services to help students learn.
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Despite serving different purposes, today’s EdTech platforms can incorporate multiple functions of different types. For example, LMS can include online classrooms and assessment tools, while E-learning platforms can also be a place to find a tutor.
EdTech market assessment
Educational technology has gained a lot of traction over the last few years. Let’s talk numbers.
According to the statistics, the global EdTech market generated 142,3 billion USD in 2023 and is expected to reach 348,4 billion USD by 2030. There are a couple of factors behind its growth:Â
- In 2023, the U.S. Department of Education heavily invested in the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program in an attempt to make education more tech-friendly.Â
- Another factor at play is the rise in demand for a personalised approach to education. Dr Nishtha Tyagi believes that after successful implementation across industries, personalisation in education is the next big step. In her opinion, AI-powered personalised learning is the future of online learning. Â
While the market clearly shows interest in educational technology, its feasibility is still in the air. Can it really help students learn more efficiently? The short answer is yes, supported by evidence.Â
What EdTech brings to the table
Over the last few years, we have seen multiple success stories behind online platforms and learning management systems. Users clearly love online learning, but why?Â
There are two key aspects to successful learning: qualified teachers and in-depth sources of information.
However, traditional learning methods require students to be in physical classrooms, while EdTech allows them to study on their own terms. Let’s talk about what’s behind EdTech’s success.
A tailored approach to each student
The biggest drawback of traditional education programs is the lack of personalisation. While most of the population are visual learners, the lesser part is divided between verbal and experiential learners.
Classes don’t consider varying styles, resulting in worse student performance.Â
A personalised learning approach aims to solve this problem. The online platform can adapt to student’s learning styles and suggest topics of interest using artificial intelligence tools to analyse the user’s behaviour.Â
Additionally, a personalised learning approach enables students to study niche skills compared to a generalised approach.
It helps students learn relevant information regarding their future work and nurtures specialised talent for businesses. Â
The next level of immersion
One of the obvious strong sides of educational technology is incorporating digital resources and instructional technology into studying. Compared to the traditional learning method, EdTech expands on the variety of content students might use.Â
For example, instead of looking at pictures of different cities, students access interactive maps to explore them on their own terms.
Or imagine learning about complex chemical processes and seeing the reaction simulated on your device via cloud computing.
Integrating technology with interactive elements into virtual classrooms helps students learn and promotes engagement with the platform. Recently, we even saw examples of educational technology being used in physical classrooms.
Some schools have already started using digital displays in hallways to communicate, conduct surveys, and gather student feedback. This way, school management and students can communicate in real time without the hassle of paperwork or convoluted processes.
Gamified experience
A lot of educational technology solutions use gamification as a way to keep student engagement high. Features like statistics, learning streaks, and rewards for finished lessons encourage students to keep studying. Â
One of the well-known examples of gamified elements in EdTech comes from Duolingo. This mobile app is well-known for its unique approach to encouraging people to learn languages. Until recently, it relied mostly on streaks and notifications to make users interact with the app.
Recently, the developers announced a new gamified feature to engage students — Adventures. In it, users have an option to interact with Duolingo’s mascots to practice their language skills. Practice comes in the form of tasks like ordering coffee, shopping, or asking for directions.Â
When asked about this feature, CEO Luis von Ahn said: “Some of the lessons are now going to be this thing we call an “adventure,” which is really just one of those video games where you move characters around. What’s cool about it is that you’re learning how to solve real-world situations on Duolingo.”Â
Accessible anywhere, anytime
Traditional education methods rely on the presence of students in the physical classrooms. With educational technology, however, students can access all learning materials and teachers via online classes. Zoom meetings, online courses, or virtual classrooms enable students to study at their own pace.Â
Needless to say, this significantly improves everyone’s access to education and promotes knowledge exchange between field experts and students.
An expert from Monash University believes that online learning benefits mental health as well.
Students are more resilient, motivated, and more productive, which leads to improved academic performance and overall satisfaction with their learning journey.
Subscribing to an online education program gives students access to all needed materials for a monthly fee.
Insights into the learning process
Traditional learning relies on exams to determine the student’s progress. This method clearly shows results but might not be as reliable as it seems.
The main drawback comes from the lack of sufficient intermediate variables.
EdTech, on the other hand, allows for frequent monitoring of student performance, which helps identify learning trends. Based on the data, students can clearly see areas for improvement, make informed decisions, and set goals accordingly.
Flexible and convenient
In traditional schools, once the subject is cleared, it’s done. Teachers usually don’t go back to revise the information they already taught to the class, assuming that everybody understood the subject at the same level.
It is understandable since teachers work under time constraints and can’t put one student’s needs over the whole class. EdTech fixes this inconvenience.
A big advantage of online education is that students can revisit topics they don’t understand. Such flexibility enables students to learn information at their own pace without feeling the pressure of traditional learning methods.
The future of educational technologyÂ
While EdTech keeps the momentum going, we can only wonder what the future will hold for educational technology. However, based on the industry trends, we can make an educated guess about what online education might look like. Â
More AI involvement
At this time, artificial intelligence plays more of a supportive role, being responsible for personalisation and serving mostly as platform chatbots. With AI development, we can expect to see the rise of AI tutors. The first signs are already here — tutors such as Socratic or Khan Academy AI tutors show a lot of potential.Â
AI tutors can answer questions, explain topics, and assist with homework in real time. They can prepare students for exams and create and grade assignments, ensuring their future academic success.
Blockchain integration
Since more companies recognise online diplomas, the potential risks of forgery or digital thefts rise. Educational platforms might integrate blockchain technologies for credential verification to prevent security concerns.
For example, after finishing a course, a student’s diploma gets stored on the blockchain, where it can be verified by potential employers or educational institutions.
More Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)Â
MOOCs are open online courses that everyone can access at any time. Such courses already exist. However, it’s safe to assume we will see even more MOOCs in the future.
Having accessibility as their strong side, they offer learning opportunities for everyone, everywhere. The main drawback is they aren’t as interactive as their paid counterparts, and that’s the exact point MOOCs are expected to evolve in the future.Â
Final words
The value of integrating technology in education cannot be overstated. From high accessibility to personalised learning — EdTech covers all the gaps in modern education.
Online education is one of the perfect tools for anyone interested in learning new skills.Â
EdTech aims to address the shortcomings of traditional education. Its focus on a personalised approach and interactivity, combined with the latest artificial intelligence advancements and gamification elements, creates a new way to learn.
How Altamira can help
Creating your own EdTech solution or platform is a tricky task. Luckily, you don’t have to do it on your own! Altamira gathered a team of experts with experience and expertise in developing educational technology solutions. On top of that, here’s what we offer.
A comprehensive database of ready-to-use components
We have an extensive database of pre-built components at our disposal. This allows us to rapidly assemble and customise solutions, as well as tailor them to your business needs.
This gives us a development advantage since it reduces development time and positively influences prices without losing quality.
A rich repository of prototypes
A wide range of prototypes enables us to create working models of your app quickly. Having a working model helps you visualise the end product and make informed decisions about its development.
Expertise in non-functional and security requirements
Our team has a deep understanding and experience in addressing non-functional requirements like performance, scalability, and maintainability.
We pay close attention to ensuring your software runs smoothly and efficiently under any conditions.Â
Accelerated time to market and time to revenue
We can ensure fast time to market thanks to our compressed SDLC toolkits, ready-to-use components, and prototypes. Faster time to market translates into faster return on investment due to faster revenue generation.Â
Get in touch to get a free expert consultation on your EdTech project.
