A different way of teaching and learning: the EdTech revolution is here

The digital revolution we've been experiencing since the turn of the century has transformed almost every aspect of our lives. From finance to the way we interact with our friends and family. However, it's true that not all sectors have advanced or transformed at the same rate. Education is one such sector. Although during the pandemic new technologies have notably influenced how students access academic content and communicate with their teachers, there is still much to be done. 

This is where educational technology or EdTech comes in. It refers to the tools and solutions that allow for studying and reviewing learning processes from a technological perspective. Students and teachers increasingly have access to a broader range of technological resources and processes for learning and teaching.

In practice, EdTech involves the use of various digital applications, software, and other technological resources to enhance learning by making it more personalized. This means broadening the array of resources available through new technologies so that students can tailor them to their own intelligence type, personality, and personal circumstances. This approach includes diverse methods such as webinars, artificial intelligence, virtual games, and big data analysis to track student progress and identify the most effective strategies for them.

EdTech, as is evident, offers numerous advantages, particularly in light of the current context. One of the most notable is the ability to tailor content to a variety of learning styles.

In addition, experts point to further strengths of EdTech: enhanced interaction between teachers and students as well as among students, cultivation of technological skills, a personalized educational experience, accessibility, and the automation of processes.

According to information published by PitchBook, annual venture capital investment in EdTech startups has significantly increased since 2019. That year, the sector received $5.4 billion in funding. This figure nearly tripled in 2020, reaching $14 billion, and in 2021, a record $16.8 billion was invested.

In fact, the interest in investing in these platforms is also evident from the rise in market value. According to the global research report E-Learning Market Trends 2020-2026, market capitalization surpassed $144 billion in 2019, with anticipated annual growth exceeding 8% through 2026.

Switzerland is at the forefront in the field of EdTech, having initiated the Swiss National EdTech Pilot Program in the fall of 2022. This program allows public schools to test a selection of eight EdTech solutions tailored to their specific interests and needs, with the roster being regularly updated with new options. It functions as a real-world laboratory, instrumental in gauging the outcomes and influence of these technologies. Indeed, this pioneering effort could yield insightful findings that propel the ongoing advancement of educational technology.

The vanguards of this learning revolution are a handful of standout companies, including Coursera, BlackBoard, Chegg, EdX, Platzi, and Coderhouse. Each of these companies has bet on revolutionary formulas that could completely change the education sector. BlackBoard, for example, not only offers online courses, but has also opted to create communities among students so that they can interact with each other and open discussion forums to enhance their learning.

Another disruptive example is Chegg, which offers a tool specifically for exam preparation that is not only dynamic but also simplifies complex concepts. The goal is for students to not just memorize but truly understand what they are learning. EdX, meanwhile, provides courses from prestigious universities like Harvard, accessible to students worldwide. Platzi, also highly disruptive, has created a large community for sharing knowledge, blending audiovisual content with practical tools to apply what has been learned.

All of them are easily accessible platforms for all educational levels, with a wide variety of courses and different resources to make learning easier. Features include webinars, chats with peers, and direct communication channels with instructors. Additionally, they offer live classes, more engaging and straightforward exam preparation, and specialized services to assist companies in training their employees. A notable advantage is that most courses provide certifications from some of the world's most prestigious educational institutions.