News Roundup - 3/28
- Heather Harman
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.
In today's rapidly evolving educational environment, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience is more crucial than ever. This week's News Roundup highlights several insightful articles and discussions that focus on the integration of practical learning, the importance of evidence-based practices in EdTech, and the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence in higher education. As we explore these topics, we’ll uncover how innovative strategies and technologies can better prepare students for the workforce, enhance learning experiences, and ensure that education remains relevant in the face of ongoing challenges.
Bridging the Experience Gap: Dana Stephenson on Work-Based Learning and Higher Ed – In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Dana Stephenson, co-founder and CEO of Riipen, discussing how the platform addresses the experience gap in higher education and workforce readiness. Riipen connects students with companies through project-based learning, enabling students to gain real-world experience, build portfolios, and establish professional networks. Key takeaways for edtech and workforce tech companies include the importance of integrating practical experiences into educational curricula to enhance student engagement and career readiness, while also providing employers access to emerging talent and insights into future workforce needs. The episode emphasizes the need for innovation in education to prepare individuals for the evolving job market, particularly in light of AI's impact on skills development.
Learning EdTech Impact Funds (LEIF) – The Learning EdTech Impact Funds (LEIF) program aims to enhance the EdTech ecosystem by promoting the use of evidence in investment and product development. Despite the rapid growth of EdTech, many innovations lack thorough evaluation, leading to ineffective technologies in classrooms. LEIF supports EdTech companies by investing CHF 40 million in venture capital firms that prioritize research standards and facilitating collaboration through the Connecting the EdTech Research Ecosystem (CERES) network. By bridging the gap between research and industry, LEIF encourages evidence-based decision-making in EdTech, which is crucial for companies looking to develop effective educational technologies and meet the needs of learners.
Not All Tech Is Created Equal: Transforming Classrooms with Purposeful Technology – The article emphasizes that while technology is rapidly evolving in education, the fundamental goals of fostering relationships, critical thinking, and personal growth in students remain unchanged. Edtech companies must understand that technology should enhance and support these educational objectives rather than replace the essential human elements of learning. It's crucial for educational tools to be designed with pedagogy in mind, focusing on active engagement rather than superficial interactions. Companies should prioritize creating intuitive, flexible solutions that empower teachers and facilitate meaningful social and emotional development among students. Ultimately, the effective use of technology hinges on its thoughtful integration into the classroom, aligning with current educational needs and goals to create impactful learning environments.
Work-based learning can better prepare college students for the workforce – In this episode of Work in Progress, Jane Swift, president of Education at Work, discusses the critical role of work-based learning in preparing college students for careers. Swift highlights how her organization bridges the gap between academia and the workforce by connecting students with employers for part-time roles that accommodate their academic schedules. This model not only provides students with valuable experience but also demonstrates to employers that college students can be effective workers, sometimes outperforming traditional contract workers. The focus is especially on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in developing essential skills for successful job placement post-graduation. Edtech and workforce tech companies can leverage these insights by developing platforms that facilitate work-based learning opportunities, enhance the matching process between students and employers, and provide analytics to demonstrate the effectiveness of student workers. Additionally, they can create tools that help students navigate their career transitions and build essential skills, ultimately fostering a more skilled and prepared workforce.
The State of Global Skills – This Workday report highlights a significant shift in organizational strategies within the edtech and workforce tech industries, driven by concerns over impending talent shortages and the evolving skill needs of the future workforce. With 51% of business leaders worried about a future talent shortfall and only 32% confident in their current skill sets aligning with future demands, a growing emphasis on skills-based strategies is evident, with 55% of organizations already transitioning and 23% planning to do so within a year. Key motivations for this shift include improved productivity, innovation, and organizational agility, particularly in digital, operational, and specialist skills. However, challenges such as resistance to change, the time required for reskilling, and data integration remain hurdles. Importantly, AI is seen as a crucial enabler in this transition, offering benefits like enhanced productivity through automation and personalized learning experiences, thereby reinforcing the necessity for edtech solutions that facilitate these skills-based transformations.
AI Ethics in Higher Education: How Schools Are Proceeding – Colleges and universities are at the forefront of addressing the ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), as they actively incorporate AI into various aspects of academia while fostering discussions about its responsible use. Institutions like Miami University and UC Irvine emphasize the need for an ethical and conceptual foundation for students to navigate the complexities of AI, addressing concerns such as democratization of access, privacy, bias, and academic integrity. Educational institutions are challenged to establish guardrails to prevent misuse of AI, maintaining human oversight in critical areas and ensuring ethical standards in AI development and application. Edtech companies can play a crucial role by providing tools and resources that promote ethical AI practices, facilitate critical thinking, and support institutions in implementing AI solutions that prioritize privacy and fairness, ultimately preparing students for a future where they can engage with AI responsibly.
It's clear that the future of education hinges on the thoughtful integration of technology, practical experiences, and ethical considerations. By embracing these principles, we can empower students to thrive in a dynamic job market while fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility in higher education.