EdTech Purchases to Surpass $250 Billion
The power of education technology continues to grow as global spending on education technology is expected to surpass $250 billion as early as next year, if not by the end of the decade. Mobile Ed apps, cloud technologies, new content, and collaborative/social spaces are driving the change.
Edtech can be broken into four categories, according to The Atlantic:
- Content (language arts and math)
- Instructional support (testing and productivity tools)
- Management (learning management systems, class-scheduling software)
- Online courses
EdTech Criticism
The edtech boom has brought criticism with it. Some say edtech doesn’t work, while others—particularly Silicon Valley stalwarts, tech fan boys and fan girls, and politicians—say tech is the key to competitiveness.
Regardless of efficiencies, preferred student media, and competitiveness, perhaps the real question about edtech revolves around pedagogy. Does tech help the teacher improve their students’ learning? Teaching effectiveness remains the North Star for educators and schools, and in that sense technology’s role needs to revolve around the mission.
That being said, technology presents educators incredible challenges. Even the most tech savvy educator finds themselves in a state of constant learning. There are entire businesses that help teachers engage in professional development and navigate new edtech for maximum effectiveness.
But is it really incumbent on the teachers to train and learn new technology? Or, should school districts invest in training? In its 2016 Tech Policy, the Department of Education (DoE) believes training should be provided for teachers. DoE prescribes ongoing training to empower teachers to become more effective.
Further, the tech industry plays a role in building more sustainable tech environments for teachers. Tech companies can help teachers embrace their tools with better training and by publishing best practices to show how their tech can positively impact pedagogy.
What do you think of the growing impact technology is making on education?