News Roundup – 10/4

Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.

In the rapidly evolving environment of education, recent reforms and innovations are reshaping the way students prepare for their future careers. A common theme across various initiatives—whether through experiential learning opportunities, the integration of technology, or the embrace of alternative educational pathways—highlights the urgent need for schools and educational companies to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. As the challenges presented by traditional educational models become more apparent, the push for dynamic, relevant, and accessible learning experiences is becoming essential.

Students at This High School Do Internships. It’s a Game Changer – The typical American high school experience is facing significant challenges, including student disengagement, high absenteeism, and a mismatch between academic curricula and post-graduation realities, issues that have only worsened since the pandemic. In response, states like Indiana are reforming graduation requirements to emphasize experiential, hands-on learning. One such school has taken proactive steps by introducing elective internships for seniors, resulting in a dramatic increase in participation—from just five students in 2019-20 to over 180 in the recent year, thanks to partnerships with more than 200 community organizations. This shift presents opportunities for edtech and workforce companies to develop tools and platforms that facilitate experiential learning, manage internship placements, and connect students with real-world experiences, ultimately bridging the gap between education and future career pathways.

What Skills Do Online-Only Students Need Before Entering the Workplace? – The transition to remote learning was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in significant growth in online college enrollment, with 15% of postsecondary learners now taking fully remote programs. While online education offers flexibility and can improve retention, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in developing essential soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. This shift presents opportunities for edtech and workforce companies to enhance online learning experiences through collaborative projects, networking platforms, and virtual internships that help bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness. Additionally, there is a need for companies to create tools and resources that enable online students to build relationships with peers and mentors, fostering leadership, teamwork, and networking skills essential for their future careers.

Selecting Effective Edtech in the Age of AI – The rise of AI offers promising solutions to long-standing educational challenges but also presents new issues such as privacy concerns, bias, and reliability. As educational districts navigate a burgeoning array of AI-powered tools, they must be discerning in their selections amid aggressive marketing tactics. Insights from the LEARN Network stress that effective edtech should enhance, not replace, human interactions in education, and must be grounded in a solid evidence base to ensure efficacy. Key considerations include understanding specific educational needs, assessing the product’s contextual relevance, examining the development process, and prioritizing equity to serve diverse learners. By focusing on these fundamental aspects and involving stakeholders, including students, in decision-making, educational leaders can identify effective AI-driven solutions that truly advance learning outcomes.

The Microcredential Generation – This article discusses Andrew McDonough and his peers, who represent a growing trend among high school graduates opting for hands-on vocational programs over traditional college degrees. Enrolled in a rural mechanized logging operations course at Northern Maine Community College, they appreciate the practicality and immediacy of microcredentialing—providing skills and qualifications to enter in-demand jobs quickly, without incurring student debt. This shift is significant for edtech and workforce companies, as it highlights an increasing demand for alternative education pathways that cater to diverse learning styles and career aspirations. The rise of microcredentials can help bridge workforce gaps, fostering collaboration between educators, employers, and technology providers to develop personalized, competency-based learning solutions that meet evolving market needs while enhancing individuals’ economic mobility.

Equity, Impact, Transparency: Rethinking Ed Vendor Contracts After ESSER – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allocated over $193 billion in aid to K-12 schools through the ESSER funding, which has expired as of September 30, 2024. Since most funds are now spent or obligated, school districts must seek new funding sources or reduce vendor contracts that were reliant on these federal resources. ESSER funding allowed schools to procure technology and services to adapt to remote learning needs; however, many contracts were enacted without sufficient oversight, leading to issues of equitable access and potential redundancy in resources. Moving forward, districts must critically evaluate vendor contracts for evidence of impact, ensure public input in contract decisions, and consider the hidden costs for low-income families affected by service cutbacks. This reassessment is crucial for educational equity and highlights the importance for edtech and workforce companies to prioritize accountability and equitable access in their offerings, especially in crisis scenarios.

Why EdTech Success Depends on Evidence and Usability: Tal Havivi of ASCD & ISTE Explains – In this episode of EdTech Insiders, Tal Havivi, Managing Director of R&D at ASCD and ISTE, discusses improving the health and effectiveness of the EdTech market. Tal emphasizes the evolving role of evidence-based practices in EdTech, highlighting the need for rigorous evaluation frameworks that assess tools based on five quality indicators: Usability, Interoperability, Accessibility, Data Privacy, and Research Basis. He underscores the importance of teacher usability and pedagogical design, which directly impacts learning outcomes. Tal further discusses initiatives aimed at bridging the research-practice gap, calling for better integration between educational research and practical application in EdTech. The episode suggests that increased demand from school systems for validated, high-quality EdTech solutions could drive innovation and impact, aligning vendor offerings with the genuine needs of educators.

As we move forward in reimagining education, it is crucial for educators, policymakers, and edtech providers to collaborate to create systems that prioritize practical skills, equity, and student engagement. By embracing innovative approaches and evidence-based practices, we can ensure that the educational journey aligns closely with the needs of a rapidly changing workforce.

#NewsRoundup