News Roundup – 7/12
- Heather Harman
- Jul 12, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.
Edtech’s new frontier can’t be all about the kids – There has been a shift towards investing in more democratic and “for the masses” forms of edtech, as highlighted by a recent study conducted by the Central Square Foundation and the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. The study focused on improving student usage of educational apps through a system of nudges sent to students and parents. Results showed that involving teachers in the nudging process led to a significant increase in app usage, while income, parental education, and gender also impacted engagement levels. The study suggests that sustaining student interest in edtech requires ongoing efforts to understand user preferences and adapt accordingly, rather than simply focusing on selling the product. It seems like a village is needed even with edtech to ensure children use it to its full potential.
Renowned Tech Analyst Urges Higher Ed Leadership in AI – Universities need to embrace a “mindset change” to adapt to the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, according to tech analyst Mary Meeker. She emphasizes the need for universities to take a leadership role in AI in partnership with government and tech firms. Meeker believes that universities must differentiate themselves to attract students and remain relevant in a changing world. While some experts support Meeker’s views on using AI to enhance education, others are skeptical about the impact of AI on communication skills. Overall, Meeker urges universities to leverage AI for tasks like course development and grading, while staying current with AI trends to drive innovation in education.
Higher education futures at the intersection of justice, hope, and educational technology – The challenges facing higher education stem from economic, demographic, political, ecological, and social changes, as well as the role of technology in shaping the future of education. This article emphasizes the importance of imagining alternative higher education futures that are more hopeful, equitable, and just. The need for edtech investors to consider speculative methods, Indigenous, Black, Queer, and (Dis)ability issues, reimagining technology in higher education, co-creation with learners, and community, among other topics is highlighted. It also delves into questions surrounding the intersection of hope, justice, and educational technology, the transformation of education systems, and the role of technology in desirable higher education futures. Further research that utilizes speculative methods and aligns with justice-oriented perspectives in order to envision innovative and generative higher education futures is needed. Edtech investors should be interested in exploring creative and justice-oriented approaches to technology and education, as well as considering the diverse perspectives and voices that shape the future of education.
DC high school immerses students in rigorous, hands-on career education – Students at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School in Washington, D.C. are gaining valuable hands-on experience in STEM fields through projects and lessons related to civil and mechanical engineering. These opportunities have expanded their awareness of how modern career and technical education studies can relate to family members’ traditional professions, inspiring them to pursue careers in areas like blacksmithing, construction, and HVAC systems. The school’s CTE program helps students explore various career paths and connect with local employers, ultimately preparing them for success in college and future careers. Edtech investors should take note of the growing demand for online learning and educational technology tools. Companies that provide online learning platforms, educational apps, and other edtech solutions could capitalize on this trend and potentially see increased adoption and usage of their products.
Is College Worth It? Poll Finds Only 36% of Americans Have Confidence in Higher Education – Results from the Gallup and Lumina Foundation poll indicate that Americans are losing confidence in the higher education system due to concerns about rising costs, student debt, and a perceived lack of job preparation. This sentiment remains the same across all demographics, with declining confidence in colleges and universities observed among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. As fewer people pursue college degrees, there is a growing worry about labor shortages and lower lifetime earnings for those without higher education. These findings highlight the need for innovative solutions to address the changing landscape of education and workforce development.
Rural Innovation: Advancing Education and Workforce Systems – The article from JFF highlights the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities and showcases examples of successful education-to-career pathways initiatives in rural areas. The webinars and projects discussed in the article demonstrate the potential for innovation in rural communities. Strategies such as building on local strengths, inclusive economic development, and embedding remote opportunities are shown to be effective in creating pathways for rural residents. Partnerships between organizations, industry partners, and community colleges are essential in developing programs like green career pathways, rural apprenticeships, and online dual enrollment courses with social-emotional learning. Edtech and workforce tech investors should take note of the opportunities for innovation and collaboration in rural areas such as the use of virtual reality technology in job readiness and safety training as a way to scale job opportunities in rural areas. The article emphasizes the need to celebrate and replicate these successful models while recognizing the diversity and potential of rural communities in transforming education and workforce development.
Bridging the Gap Between K-12 Classrooms and Real-World Success – This upcoming webinar furthers a mission close to our heart – bridging the gap between education and employment. Presented by K-12 Dive and Pathway2Careers, this webinar will share what connecting classroom learning with students’ future careers looks like in practice including:
Why fully researching new initiatives and measuring its effectiveness are so important
How career-connected learning works in a traditional education environment
How academic lessons can enlarge students’ social networks for future opportunities
Find out why investing resources with this new approach could pay off on July 31st.
Learn more about New Markets’ impact and investing strategy.