For those of us working within the EdTech sector, we are only too aware of the endless possibilities and amazing opportunities that the industry brings. The future looks exciting and here we will share with you some of our key predictions for the future of EdTech.

In the initial midst of the COVID-19 restrictions, schools looked to technology experts for a quick and simple way to implement a virtual teaching strategy that would allow technology to be used widely within their school cohort. It was soon realised just how large a part EdTech platforms would play in helping schools to overcome the challenges that COVID-19 provided them with. 96% of teachers believe technology has had a positive impact in the way children participate and learn in lessons (source).

All schools opted for a video platform, be it Google Hangouts, Microsoft TEAMs, Skype or a bespoke platform, every school, college, university and academy trust across the nation were required to find a way to offer virtual learning to their students. Before long, technology was transforming the way students learnt and teachers taught. This uptake in the requirement for digital platforms will propel EdTech offerings to the top of Headteacher’s priority lists. In fact, three-quarters of educators believe digital content will replace textbooks within the next five years (source).

It isn’t a secret that the Education sector has been lacking in the way of technology for some time, some education professionals have described COVID-19 as the catalyst for change within the industry. A change that many are welcoming with open arms. Here are the changes we feel will come to the forefront over the coming years.

The future of education is likely to be a hybrid learning environment – a combination of in-person and online teaching. We are not suggesting that the role of a classroom teacher will be made redundant. In fact, the need for human connection and interaction is more important than ever. We are suggesting that EdTech will add to and enhance the classroom experience and educators agree, with over 86% stating that technology should be part of core learning (source).

A hybrid offering allows students to access the full benefits of both ways of working. For auditory learners, a teacher speaking through the curriculum may be perfect however, for those that are visual learners, a video or online game would be more interactive and better suited to their learning style. The use of technology will only add to the current classroom offering that schools provide.

On the topic of teachers, we also believe that EdTech will actually benefit the role of a teacher. One thing to keep in mind is the ability of technology to take on administration and assessment processes. Not only can EdTech aid with assisting in student’s learning, the increase of Artificial Intelligence can support teachers with basic cognitive functions, like marking, assessments and basic administrative duties. 

This allows teachers more time to focus on the real reason they moved into the sector, to teach! With 46% of teachers believing that there is a workload crisis within the Education sector (source), the addition of technology within the industry will reduce this. We hope this will bring a better work life balance for teachers and those working in education support roles. 

Student ownership is another interesting topic that EdTech brings to light, when the work is provided to a student via an online platform, the onus is on them to ensure work is completed by the set deadline and to the required standard. All EdTech companies have a different aim. At SaigolEd, we aim to open up the UK’s very best teaching to millions of GCSE students. Thus, allowing all students, regardless of their background, the area they live in or the school they attend access to achieve the best possible grades.

When you consider that students from the most advantaged households are 9.5 times more likely to get into the top 13 UK universities than students from the least advantaged households (source), you understand why EdTech and fair access to quality teaching is so important to us, teachers, educators and students themselves.

We also predict that schools who implement EdTech within their learning will see an increase in examination grades. This is because EdTech allows for individualised learning. The use of AI, VR and gamification all allow for high interaction and engagement from students, particularly those who do not perform best in a traditional classroom setting. 

Away from school settings, we also believe that there will be an increase in registrations Adult Learning, at all levels up to and including Higher Education. The ease of accessing courses via online platforms will allow mature students to fit learning in around their current commitments. This will prove useful for people wishing to accelerate their current career, move into a new sector, learn a language or study something they are passionate about further.