News Roundup - 3/14
- Heather Harman
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.
In today’s rapidly evolving educational environment, the intersection of technology, equity, and mental health is more critical than ever. This week's news roundup sheds light on the vital steps that schools, edtech companies, and educators can take to create inclusive and supportive learning experiences for all students. From ensuring accessibility for diverse learners to addressing the mental health needs of college students, these discussions highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the education sector as it embraces innovation while striving for equity.
The Steps Schools Should Take So All Students Can Use Ed Tech – Edtech companies can play a crucial role in creating accessible digital learning environments for all students, particularly those with disabilities and multilingual learners. As education increasingly shifts online, many existing digital tools fail to accommodate diverse needs—such as lacking captions or compatibility with screen readers. The U.S. Department of Education has emphasized the importance of digital accessibility, urging schools to ensure that all students can engage with online content equally. To address these challenges, edtech companies should collaborate with educators, special education experts, and school leadership to design inclusive technologies. This includes conducting assessments of existing tools, sharing best practices, and developing comprehensive plans that prioritize accessibility. By fostering community engagement and continuous improvement, edtech companies can significantly enhance educational equity and support the next generation of learners.
Are Entry-Level Jobs Going Away? The Hidden Workforce Shift – While entry-level jobs are not disappearing, they are evolving in ways that make them more challenging for new graduates to access. Many companies now require candidates for these positions to have years of experience and specific technical skills, often influenced by the rise of AI and automation that has transformed traditional roles. As a result, young professionals find themselves in a frustrating cycle of needing experience to get a job but unable to gain experience due to the high entry barriers. To address this issue, edtech and workforce companies can play a crucial role by developing targeted training programs, offering certifications that align with emerging job requirements, and advocating for employers to redefine entry-level roles to emphasize potential over experience. By fostering skill development and creating pathways for new talent, these organizations can help bridge the gap between job seekers and the evolving demands of the workforce.
10 things AI still struggles with in education–and beyond – Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming education by automating assessments and personalizing learning experiences, yet it has inherent limitations that educators must keep in mind. While AI tools can streamline administrative tasks and enhance digital learning, they often struggle with nuances of human intelligence, such as context comprehension, emotional intelligence, and creativity, which are critical for effective teaching and learning. For instance, AI fails to understand cultural nuances, retain knowledge like human learners, and effectively use humor, all of which are essential for fostering student engagement and critical thinking. As educators integrate AI into their teaching practices, they should view it as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for the irreplaceable qualities of human educators, such as empathy and adaptability, which are vital for nurturing student success.
New Research: School ‘Pairings’ Can Foster Racial, Socioeconomic Integration – This article highlights the successful pairing of two contrasting elementary schools in Charlotte, North Carolina as a strategy to foster greater racial and socioeconomic integration within public education. This approach not only diversified the student body but also improved academic outcomes. Edtech companies can play a pivotal role in facilitating similar initiatives by developing digital tools that assist in demographic analysis and community engagement, helping schools effectively communicate and prepare families for changes. Additionally, they can provide platforms for collaboration, resource sharing, and ongoing support to ensure that the benefits of integration, like access to advanced curricula, are maximized for all students. By leveraging technology, edtech companies can help create inclusive learning environments that reflect the diversity of society.
How Faculty and Staff Can Support College Student Mental Health – The ongoing mental health crisis among college students presents significant opportunities for edtech companies to drive meaningful change. As counseling centers face staffing shortages and burnout, faculty and staff are increasingly becoming the first line of support for students experiencing mental health challenges. Training programs and resources that equip educators with essential skills, such as motivational interviewing and reflective listening, can help facilitate effective conversations about mental well-being. By creating platforms that offer mental health training tailored for faculty, institutions can foster a supportive community that empowers educators to recognize when students need help and connect them to appropriate resources. Additionally, comprehensive wellness programs that extend to faculty and staff can enhance their own mental well-being, allowing them to better support students. This collaborative, technology-driven approach can help build a more resilient campus culture focused on holistic student health.
Career paths break down barriers for all students – The narrative that a college education is the sole path out of poverty has long marginalized alternative career pathways, particularly in underserved communities. As the value of traditional degrees wanes, especially post-pandemic, edtech and workforce tech companies can play a crucial role in reshaping this landscape. By developing platforms that facilitate access to career-connected learning, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment programs, these companies can empower students to explore diverse postsecondary options that align with their skills and local workforce needs. This approach not only supports equitable access to education but also fosters a more adaptable workforce that values both college and career training, ultimately paving the way for economic stability and success for all students.
As we navigate this transformative period, it is crucial for educators, policymakers, and technology developers to collaborate and address the pressing challenges outlined in this week's news roundup. By prioritizing accessibility, fostering career pathways, and supporting mental health, we can create a more inclusive educational ecosystem that empowers every student to thrive. Together, we can build a brighter future where technology enhances learning experiences and every student has the opportunity to succeed.