What is EdTech in Corporate Learning?

EdTech, an abbreviation of the term educational technology, refers to the practice of incorporating technology into education and using it to enhance the learning process. Specifically, it includes digital learning tools and media used to teach or interact with content.

The EdTech industry is proliferating around the world as demand for flexible, accessible, and personalized learning increases. In 2023, the educational technology market was worth more than $142 billion, according to data from Grand View Research [1]. By the end of the decade, the global market will likely exceed $160 billion [1]. Whether you're an EdTech consumer or someone who wants to leverage digital tools in corporate training programs, understanding the basics of EdTech can help you choose a solution that works for your teams.

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Understanding EdTech: What is EdTech used for?

The term EdTech encompasses various forms of technology used in a learning environment. This includes traditional K-12 and college classrooms as well as corporate learning programs. Education technology increases opportunities to upskill workers and measure outcomes to determine which methods are most effective.

The flexibility of digital learning tools allows for an enhanced and personalized learning experience and makes it easier for employees to maintain a positive work-life balance as they expand their knowledge and skills. Providing your employees with pathways to build skills can help you attract and retain talent. 

Types of EdTech

EdTech includes a range of tools and resources facilitators can use to enhance the learning experience. These can be divided into three main categories: devices, platforms, and software, each playing a crucial role in the modern educational landscape.

Devices

In EdTech, a device is the piece of equipment you use to access or display the learning platform or teaching materials. Depending on your budget and the needs of the learners, you may provide these devices or ask them to purchase their own. Devices include laptops, projectors, smartboards, smartphones, and tablets.

Platforms

Platforms generally refer to the method used to share course content with learners. Think of it as the infrastructure that connects the software to the device. Examples of platforms include websites, apps, games, learning management systems (LMSs), Massive open online courses (MOOCs), podcasts, video conferencing, and virtual laboratories.

Software

Software is the specific program you use to create learning opportunities for your staff. Sometimes, the platform and software are the same EdTech tool. Popular EdTech software includes Blackboard, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom.

Who uses EdTech?

EdTech end users include teachers, learners, and administrators who utilize EdTech platforms and tools to share, consume, and monitor learning. You can find EdTech in private and public schools, businesses, non-profit organizations, private businesses, the military, and more.

Jobs related to EdTech span multiple roles, including people who create software and develop content for programs, to those who help organizations implement and troubleshoot platforms. As part of your plan to incorporate EdTech in your company's training program, you may need to hire people to design courses, facilitate training, or guide you through the implementation process.

Pros and Cons of using EdTech

As you develop your plan to incorporate EdTech in your training programs, consider the benefits and advantages of using technology. By understanding how technology can enhance learning and potential challenges such as system limitations, you can create a more effective and inclusive training program that maximizes the potential of educational technology.

Pros

EdTech can enhance and transform the learning experience by making content more accessible to a range of users. Consider the benefits of incorporating EdTech in your training programs: 

• Engagement: EdTech platforms often incorporate gamification to make the interactions more interesting and fun for users. Users tend to be more engaged when they have features like leaderboards and video or chat access for communicating and collaborating with others. 

• Flexibility: EdTech makes it possible for learning to take place in each learner's and trainer's preferred environment. Depending on the structure of the training program, participants can access materials at different times and from different locations.

• Technological literacy: As learners use EdTech, they have opportunities to learn how to use technology, a skill they can apply to other experiences. This includes the devices they use to access the resources and navigate the platforms and apps.

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Cons

Technology enhances learning by providing flexible access to resources and teaching tools. However, users must be able to access and navigate the platforms. Understanding some of the challenges users may face when implementing EdTech can help you design a roadmap to incorporate technology in your training plans.

• Connectivity: People who live in areas with slow internet speeds or limited access to internet service may not be able to use EdTech platforms. Even if they can log in to a system, they may deal with video and audio distortion and slow download and upload times that interfere with learning.

• Systems: Older systems may lack the capacity to run or update apps, restricting access to the most current programs. This can affect the user experience and decrease efficiency and productivity.

How to get started in EdTech

The first step to getting started in EdTech is learning about the different tools and resources used in the industry. In doing so, you'll be able to familiarize yourself with what's available and determine which parts of the industry appeal most to your team. For example, individuals who like creating presentations on PowerPoint or games on Kahoot may enjoy working as teachers, trainers, or content creators. Similarly, acquiring programming or information technology skills can be beneficial if your goal includes developing and implementing custom EdTech solutions for your organization.

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