News Roundup – 4/19

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

ASU+GSV 2024: Secrets to Success in the Ed-Tech Market – During a webinar at ASU+GSV this week, several ed-tech leaders (including Noodle‘s CEO John Katzman) got together to discuss the global ed-tech market’s significant projected growth, reaching nearly $550 billion by 2033, even though they anticipate increased market saturation and competition. For companies to succeed, they should focus on solving real-world problems, partnering with clients, and staying mission-driven. They must also prepare for market changes and maintain morale amidst challenges. Additionally, C-suite executives should seek trusted confidants to support their decision-making and navigate the ups and downs of leading an ed-tech enterprise. By staying focused on their mission and partnering with trusted advisors, ed-tech companies can continue to drive innovation and improve student outcomes.

It’s Time to Ditch the Idea of Edtech Disruption. But What Comes Next? – Despite COVID-19 highlighting the potential of edtech, its use has been hindered by underutilization, equity gaps, and teacher burnout. The resurgence of generative AI has revived the belief that technology is a solution to educational challenges, but this “technocentric” view does not take into consideration the complex interplay between humans and technology in learning. Instead, an “ecological” perspective should be taken, whick views technology as a dynamic force within a learning environment, influenced by contextual factors. To move away from technocentrism, edtech research needs to broaden its focus, embrace theory, and adopt new methods that account for the situational nature of learning. Developers and schools should prioritize tools that support classroom culture and well-being, while funders should reconsider their investment expectations. An ecological approach can foster thriving classroom cultures and unlock the true potential of technology in education.

Smashing the paper ceiling: Why employers are dropping college degree requirements – Tradition has dictated that college will lead to prosperity, but a recent report from The Burning Glass Institute and Strada reveals that only half of graduates secure college-level jobs within a year of graduation. Additionally, those without college-level jobs earn only 25% more than high school graduates, even though they have taken on additional student loan debt. Increasingly, companies are dropping college degree requirements, particularly in the tech industry, due to a talent shortage. This shift towards skills-based hiring is opening up opportunities for individuals without traditional education, promoting equity and addressing the growing demand for tech workers. Alternative pathways, such as tech training platforms, provide accessible upskilling opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups like women in tech.

Our portfolio is packed with companies that provide tech training, upskilling opportunities, and alternative pathways to education.

Internships matter more than ever — but not everyone can get one – Internships have become increasingly important for college students, but traditional internships often exclude students from underrepresented groups due to financial barriers. To address this issue, organizations like The Washington Center and Virtual Internships have created programs that offer paid or flexible internships to a broader pool of learners. These programs prioritize diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for students who may not have access to traditional internships. Additionally, micro-internships and career development courses offered by organizations like Parker Dewey and Braven provide short-term projects and mentorship to help students build skills and gain experience. While these programs are crucial, the ultimate solution is for employers to offer more paid internships, ensuring that all students have equal access to valuable work experience.

The Divergent Roads to Post-Secondary Success – Traditionally, high school graduates have faced a binary choice after graduation: pursue higher education or enter the workforce. However, with rising college costs and stagnant entry-level wages, apprenticeships have emerged as a viable alternative. These programs provide apprentices with paid work experience while meeting employers’ demand for skilled workers. Policymakers are now faced with a dilemma: should they invest in expanding apprenticeships and divert public funds to support them? Or should they prioritize the benefits of higher education and steer students towards traditional academic paths? In this debate, Ryan Craig advocates for the expansion of apprenticeships, arguing that they offer a valuable alternative to college and can create a more equitable and prosperous workforce. Ben Wildavsky, on the other hand, emphasizes the enduring value of a college education, highlighting its role in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Corporate Learning Is Boring — But It Doesn’t Have to Be – Despite the high demand for upskilling programs, many employees are dissatisfied with traditional corporate learning programs due to their lack of creativity. To tackle this problem, organizations should integrate creative training methods and innovative upskilling tools to make professional development more engaging and enjoyable. By encouraging “What if?” and “How else?” thinking, fostering playfulness, and incorporating gaming and virtual reality into training, organizations can transform upskilling from a mundane task into an exciting journey. With this approach, not only will employees become equipped with with new skills but the company fosters a culture of continuous growth and innovation, where employees are intrinsically motivated and excited to learn.

Our portfolio company, Mursion, is one company that offers immersive learning simulations to support employees from the frontline to the C-suite to develop skills that matter to them.

How Data Drives Strategies for Improved Student Outcomes – Data-driven decision-making is crucial in K-12 education to help improve student learning and school effectiveness. Unfortunately, implementing it effectively requires data literacy, supportive tools, and professional development for educators – all resources many schools lack. Becky Mathison of Winnetka Public Schools highlights the importance of merging quantitative and qualitative data, making it accessible to teachers. She also emphasizes community education around data literacy and a tiered process for monitoring the effectiveness of data-driven practices. Despite challenges, Mathison argues that data-driven decision-making, when implemented effectively, can empower educators to make informed choices that directly impact student outcomes.

#NewsRoundup