News Roundup - 3/21
- Heather Harman
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.
In an era where educational technology is rapidly transforming the learning environment, understanding its evolution and potential impact has never been more critical. This week's News Roundup covers various facets of EdTech, exploring insightful articles that highlight its benefits and challenges, the importance of mentorship in student success, and the need for future-ready classrooms. From addressing the digital divide to emphasizing the value of advanced education for entrepreneurial success, these articles provide a comprehensive look at how technology and education intersect to shape the future of learning.
A Guide to Educational Technology – This guide to educational technology outlines its evolution, key components, emerging trends, benefits, challenges, and best practices for integration in educational settings. EdTech has transformed education through tools like Learning Management Systems, AI, and immersive technologies, enhancing personalized learning and engagement while fostering collaboration. However, hurdles such as the digital divide, professional development needs, data privacy concerns, and funding issues persist. To address these challenges, the guide emphasizes starting with clear learning objectives, providing comprehensive training for educators, and ensuring equitable access to technology. Despite challenges, EdTech has the potential to revolutionize education and shape future learning experiences.
Can Colleges Do More to Help Students Succeed? – This article emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support for students transitioning from high school to college, especially as many struggle with academic and social skills post-pandemic. The National Assessment of Educational Progress indicates declining reading scores, highlighting the challenges faced by an increasingly diverse student body, particularly low-income and first-generation students. Edtech companies can play a crucial role in bridging these gaps by providing accessible online tutoring, AI-driven personalized learning tools, and resources that educate students on seeking help. Additionally, they can offer platforms for communication between students and instructors, fostering a sense of community and support. By equipping students with the necessary tools to navigate their educational journey, edtech can help ensure that all students, regardless of background, receive the quality education they deserve.
Future-ready classrooms for future-ready students – There is a pressing disconnect between traditional education and the demands of the modern workforce, as highlighted by a significant number of students who feel unprepared for their future careers. Dr. Romules Durant, CEO and Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, is pioneering a transformative approach to education by integrating real-world experiences into the classroom through community partnerships and work-based learning initiatives. Edtech and workforce tech companies can play a crucial role in this transformation by providing resources that facilitate career exploration, immersive learning environments, and industry collaborations. By creating programs that align with career pathways and fostering strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations, these companies can help schools develop future-ready classrooms that not only enhance student engagement but also prepare them effectively for the workforce, ultimately benefiting both students and their communities.
SETDA guide offers quality indicators for edtech evaluations – The education technology market is set to soar to $810.3 billion by 2033, up from $220.5 billion in 2023, driven by the demand for personalized learning tools and enhanced online experiences, particularly in North America, which accounted for 37.3% of 2023 revenues. In response to this growth, SETDA has released a guide to assist schools in evaluating technology purchases, titled "Easing the Burden on Schools: Integrating the Five EdTech Quality Indicators Into State Procurement Processes." This resource presents a framework of five quality indicators—Safe, Evidence-Based, Inclusive, Usable, and Interoperable—to streamline the procurement process and align tools with effective educational practices. By providing actionable insights and examples of successful implementations, the guide aims to empower school districts to make informed decisions that enhance educational outcomes, underscoring the critical role of strategic procurement in the rapidly evolving edtech landscape.
The Ed. Dept. Axed Its Office of Ed Tech. What That Means for Schools – The recent elimination of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology (OET) as part of a significant federal workforce reduction has raised concerns about the future of educational technology support for schools. The OET played a crucial role in developing a national ed-tech strategy, providing guidance on emerging technologies, and assisting states and districts in navigating challenges like digital equity and cybersecurity. Its absence may lead to increased duplication of efforts among states as they seek to implement technology in schools without centralized research and guidance, particularly affecting smaller districts that lack in-house expertise. While many organizations aim to fill the gap left by the OET, experts argue that they may not offer the same level of authority or comprehensive support, potentially hindering progress and innovation in the edtech industry. The impact on the edtech landscape could be significant, as districts may struggle to efficiently adopt and integrate new technologies without the resources and leadership that the OET provided.
The Unicorn Founder Myth: Why Education Actually Matters – Research by the Stanford Venture Capital Initiative on the educational backgrounds of founders from over 1,000 U.S. unicorn companies reveals that contrary to the myth of successful college dropouts, these founders are generally more educated than the average American. They are significantly more likely to hold advanced degrees, particularly from prestigious institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, which dominate unicorn founder production. Notably, fields like computer science and engineering account for a majority of founders, though diverse majors are also represented. The study highlights that while both public and private universities yield similar rates of unicorn founders, advanced education is a key factor in entrepreneurial success, suggesting that the narrative of the dropout billionaire is more of an exception than a rule.
As we continue to explore the complexities of integrating technology into education, it’s essential to remain informed and proactive about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By prioritizing mentorship, community partnerships, and strategic resource allocation, we can create a more equitable and effective educational landscape. EdTech and workforce tech companies need to harness the potential of technology to not only enhance learning experiences but also prepare students for the realities of a dynamic workforce.