Is EdTech The Future of Education?

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) -There is no question that education, like many aspects of our lives today, has been transformed by technology. Over the course of the pandemic, educators have tried and tested new methods to keep instruction continuous for students.

A survey revealed that schooling options post-pandemic were in favor of retaining several practices currently being used. For instance, Bay View Analytics found that 32% of schools plan on offering full-time virtual options for classes post-COVID while 28% will continue providing supplemental online courses. And as more students have found studying from home to be a suitable arrangement, these developments point to the very real possibility that educational tech may, indeed, change the future of education as we know it.

What is Educational Technology?
Educational technology, or “EdTech,” is learning that is facilitated by software programs and computer hardware. It is often combined with educational theory and practice to deliver learning outcomes. EdTech also refers to the industry that focuses on creating educational technologies. While EdTech boomed in 2020 due to the consequences of the pandemic, there was already a high growth and adoption in previous years. In fact, the World Economic Forum reports that global EdTech investments reached $18.66 billion in 2019, leading the overall market to grow to $350 billion by 2025. Businesses producing language apps, video conferencing tools, and online learning software have all experienced a significant surge in usage that looks like it is here to stay.

The tremendous growth and promise of EdTech are not without challenges. One such challenge is accessibility — not everybody has access to personal computers or laptops that are necessary for remote learning. Those who do may also have a poor internet connection. Fortunately, many major investors like Bill Gates are backing up big tech companies, particularly those prioritizing EdTech efforts. Gates is also a major investor in the tech-reliant Bridge International Academies, which are low-cost, for-profit schools in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Andhra Pradesh. These institutions execute data-driven and evidence-based programs to re-engineer education, from lesson delivery, administration, and even construction. They strive to provide students in poor communities access to education through technology. When institutions and investors like Gates work together, education’s future can fare better and embrace tech advancements.

Another concern with online learning is its effectiveness. While face-to-face instruction has been the standard for decades, there may be evidence that students retain 25% to 60% more material through online learning compared to 8% to 10% in a classroom. While some institutions have struggled with the transition to online learning, other schools like the University of Johannesburg have successfully implemented Microsoft Teams for staff and learners to hold discussions. Several tertiary schools have also been found to use similar tools, including Zoom and Skype, while primary and secondary schools have taken to social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to live stream their classes. When tools are properly utilized this way, e-learning can be done more efficiently and students can review at their own pace, leading to better performance outcomes.

The Relevance of EdTech in the Future
The subject of online learning has been highly polarizing in academic communities. Some believe that the lack of social interaction, insufficient bandwidth, and little training will lead to poor growth for students. Others are convinced that the integration of technology in education will cater to more learning needs and cause a new hybrid educational structure to emerge. The latter seems more likely, considering there are already so many other schools that have transitioned successfully. So far, the benefits seem to outweigh the disadvantages, and barring the pandemic, online learning may actually become an even more effective option to deliver learning outcomes. Many educators believe that traditional offline learning and e-learning can work hand in hand, depending on the resources available and students’ needs.

As we start to see the decline of the Coronavirus, the new picture of what EdTech looks like becomes clearer. For many, it’s more a question of obtaining the resources required to adapt to an evolving world rather than rejecting the change. For more updates in tech, education, and economy in Africa, visit the latest posts on Capital Markets today.