What Is EdTech? The Ultimate Guide for Educational Organizations

EdTech is an acronym that refers to various types of educational technology, including hardware and applications.

The primary goal of implementing EdTech solutions, whether in the classroom or for remote education, is to improve the learning process while shifting the role of a teacher from that of a lecturer whose words are taken as absolute truth to that of a mentor. 

The uses of educational technology thus seek to foster critical thinking in students by creating engaging, often immersive learning environments and adjusting the learning process to student needs and capabilities.
In this article, Aimeice, an IT company that offers robust education software development services, will define EdTech, delve into its rich history, assess the importance of technology in education, and examine the key benefits that EdTech solutions bring to the table.

What Is EdTech Exactly?

Using technology in education is not a new concept.

In the 1950s, renowned psychologist B.F. Skinner of Harvard University thought of applying the same principles used for training pigeons and rats to human students. His research led to the development of the Skinner teaching machine, a wooden box containing paper discs with various questions and answers written along their radii. As simple as it was, the machine facilitated the division of learning materials into subtopics and provided immediate feedback while allowing students to progress at their own pace.

A decade later, the University of Illinois introduced the Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO) system. PLATO was a computer-assisted instruction system made up of graphic display-based computers linked to a central hub. The EdTech solution supported multiple users, offered a wide range of educational applications and games, and provided real-time feedback. Despite being geared toward higher education institutions rather than the general public, PLATO became the first solution to demonstrate the benefits of technology in education on a larger scale.

The true revolution in consumer EdTech began in the 1980s, when personal computers became available to a larger audience. From desktop dictionary applications that functioned in offline mode to game-based learning programs, such as The Oregon Trail and Carmen Sandiego, educational technology became mainstream.

So, what is EdTech today—and what does its landscape look like?

Examples of Modern Educational Technology Solutions

In 2023, the global education technology market topped $142 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% for the next three years. It is primarily driven by established educational technology companies such as Coursera, Adobe, and Amplify, as well as emerging technology startups like Sana Labs and Littera. 

Examples of educational technology solutions available to institutions and individual learners today include the following:

  1. Learning management systems (LMSs). Designed primarily for online education, learning management platforms are web applications that allow educational organizations and independent tutors to create and manage courses. Other important functions of an LMS solutions include adding new students to the system, tracking progress, assigning and checking homework, and granting access to educational materials. Some prominent examples of EdTech companies specializing in LMS development include Eloomi, Hollihop, LearnDash, Moodle, and TalentLMS. It should be noted that LMS systems are frequently used by human resources departments in large organizations that invest in ongoing employee education.
  2. Language-learning applications. The next step in our “What is EdTech?” guide is mobile applications for mastering foreign languages. Popular applications like Duolingo, Babbel, and iTalki offer differentiated level-based learning, flexibility, 24/7 educational content availability, in-depth reports, and gamification. These apps often use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), to adjust the learning path to the needs of individual users and help language amateurs practice pronunciation. Language-learning apps generated a staggering $2.92 billion in revenue in 2021, representing a 65% increase year on year. On a side note, we’re tempted to include platforms similar to Edvibe in this category. This software allows independent language tutors to create courses, upload educational content, and communicate with students via chat, comments, and notifications.
  3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) apps. What is educational technology, if not classroom solutions? Today, users of all ages, from kindergarteners to pensioners, can learn complex concepts in a gamified format. Engineering problem-solving apps, virtual science labs, astronomy guides, and interactive puzzles make up the current STEM market. Perhaps the best-known titles in this category include Star Walk, LightBot, Bridge Constructor, and Photomath, among others.
  4. Social-emotional learning (SEL) apps. One of the key benefits of using technology in education is that it gives users an opportunity to hone both their hard and soft skills. With mental health issues affecting 20% of Americans (and even higher among young people), EdTech applications such as Flip, Mightifier, Peppy Pals, and Inner Explorer appear to be a silver bullet solution to modern society's problems. Such apps help users identify and interpret their emotions, manage stress, develop respect for themselves and others, practice communication, and learn to make ethical choices. Given that emotional intelligence (EL) is four times more important in achieving professional and social success than IQ levels, it’s safe to assume the role of SEl technology in education will become even more prominent.
  5. Online learning platforms. One of the fastest-growing EdTech segments, online learning platforms are on track to become a $58.45 billion market in 2024. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer a range of courses catering to diverse learning needs and styles. They often collaborate with universities and other technology companies to deliver flexible learning opportunities globally​​ and provide affordable or free education for students from developing countries. 
  6. EdTech tools for classroom management and communication. Some education technology examples from this category include Labster, a virtual laboratory for STEM students; No Isolation’s AV1 telepresence robot for students who miss classes due to illness or disability; and the Remind platform that helps teachers engage parents in the learning process, among others. The importance of such technology in education skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools, colleges, and universities massively shifted to remote and hybrid learning arrangements.
  7. Video conferencing applications. We could not help but include video conferencing tools in our "What is EdTech?" guide for the same reason: when the pandemic struck, software such as Google Meets, Skype, and Zoom became the only way for students and teachers to stay connected. Since then, several dedicated EdTech video conferencing tools, such as Blackboard’s Class Collaborate, have emerged on the market.
  8. Student information systems (SISs). Also known as student management systems, SIS solutions are targeted at secondary and tertiary education institutions. Modern cloud-based student information systems like PowerSchool, Skyward, and SAP for Higher Education and Research empower colleges and universities to facilitate student enrollment, manage academic records, schedule classes, process payments, and communicate with students and their families. SIS products are frequently integrated with other EdTech instruments, such as learning management systems, which unlocks one of the primary advantages of technology in education—i.e., automating tedious tasks and reducing operating costs.

While this rundown of educational technology products is far from complete, it should provide you with a better understanding of what EdTech is and the market's recent trajectory.

Types of Educational Technology Solutions

Based on the examples of educational technology tools and their use cases cited in the previous section, EdTech solutions can be loosely classified into four categories:

  1. Synchronous learning, an approach that aims to foster direct interactions between students and teachers, largely mimicking traditional classroom environments
  2. Asynchronous learning, an education method that does not require participants to be online at the same time, allowing students to access educational content at their convenience
  3. Linear learning, which is commonly referred to as computer-based training, is an approach where a student consumes neatly organized educational content via a desktop or web application—typically, during formal knowledge transfers and compliance training
  4. Collaborative learning, where the role of technology in education shifts toward enabling real-time interactions between students—either in a shared digital workspace or through discussion boards and live chats.

Before we proceed to assess the importance of technology education, it’s also worth mentioning that one could also differentiate between EdTech solutions based on their implementation approach. In this classification, we’d single out the following EdTech products:

  • Commercially available applications that can be used “as is” for a fixed fee. These EdTech tools typically help master a specific skill, such as a new language or mental math principles, or facilitate specific tasks in the learning process—for example, checking assignments or broadcasting lectures.
  • Enterprise-grade EdTech solutions for large educational organizations and corporations invested in employee training. Examples of such educational technology tools include student admission and enrollment platforms like Full Fabric and the aforementioned SAP for Higher Education and Research solution. One distinguishing feature of such tools is that your institution can collaborate with the vendor or seek assistance from third-party EdTech companies to customize or integrate the tool with other applications in your IT infrastructure.
  • Bespoke EdTech solutions are created by either your in-house IT department or a software development company with relevant experience. Despite significant initial investments, this approach has proven to be more efficient for larger companies with changing student enrollment and management requirements.

The choice of a specific solution and its implementation strategy are determined by your organization's goals, which should be assessed individually with the assistance of skilled business analysts and EdTech consultants.

How Important Is Technology in Education in 2024?

Our "What Is Educational Technology?" article would be incomplete without an examination of the factors driving EdTech adoption in recent years, as well as a glimpse of EdTech trends to watch for in the future.  We have already identified the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the primary drivers of the education sector's increasing digitalization. Here are some statistics that back up this claim:

  • By 2021, the use of various EdTech tools, such as videoconferencing platforms, accessibility technology, and virtual labs, increased by 16%, 9%, and 17%, respectively, compared to 2019
  • The percentage of educational organizations using EdTech tools still varies greatly across countries and continents. On a global scale, however, the number of educational institutions using LMS and SIS solutions currently stands at 98% and 57%, which indicates a significant increase from the pre-pandemic levels.
  • While the initial sentiment toward EdTech was rather lukewarm, educators’ perception of technology has begun to change. For example, 42% of educators polled by the EdWeek Research Center said they found EdTech tools useful.

To accurately assess the importance of technology in education in 2024 and beyond, it is critical to emphasize the benefits of incorporating technology into your educational process.

Top 5 Benefits of Using Technology in Education

As a company with numerous EdTech projects under our belt, Aimeice identifies the benefits of technology in education as follows:

  1. Enhanced learning experiences. 96% of teachers believe technology positively impacts students' perception, engagement, and learning abilities. Additionally, 54% of educators claim EdTech helps them better plan lessons and brings excitement back into the learning process.
  2. Accessibility and inclusivity. To fully understand why technology is important in education, consider how rigid educational processes were in the past. Previously, students with disabilities and various developmental disorders were largely banned from ordinary educational institutions—mostly due to the lack of appropriate facilities, inadequate staff training, and other students' attitudes toward disability. Thanks to different uses of technology in education, from speech-to-text software to immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), we can now create more inclusive and accessible learning environments.
  3. Efficient staff and resource management. This summary of the benefits of education technology would be incomplete if it did not include the efficient use of human and educational resources. Digital textbooks, online resource libraries, and cloud-based learning systems do not require physical storage spaces, are easier to keep track of, and can be updated as the need arises. What's more, EdTech tools help teachers plan their workload effectively and do more with less. This can be a considerable advantage, given that up to 10% of teaching jobs in the United States are either unfilled or occupied by under-qualified candidates.
  4. Preparation for the digital future. As the world becomes increasingly digital, integrating technology into education processes prepares students for future careers in such fields as information technology, finance, insurance, healthcare, and supply chain management. As of now, nearly half of businesses offering tech jobs claim younger candidates are lacking core technology skills.
  5. Improved decision-making. Integrated EdTech solutions, such as university-wide learning and student information management systems, offer robust analytics tools that allow education professionals to interpret heaps of structured and unstructured data and derive meaningful insights from it. A better understanding of the student recruitment, enrollment, and tuition processes enables organizations to fine-tune teaching strategies and personalize curriculums, resulting in improved student performance and well-being. 

To reap the full benefits of technology education, however, schools and colleges must ensure equitable access to EdTech solutions for all students, top-notch quality of educational content, and adequate protection of sensitive data stored in various technology systems. 

These challenges set a perfect scene for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)—and, specifically, generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI)—in elementary, secondary, and higher education. 

AI-based EdTech tools hold the potential to automate even more tasks and processes, such as student monitoring during exams, home assignment checks, performance analysis, and learning path customization. Additionally, artificial intelligence can further democratize access to analytics tools through conversational interfaces. 

Not surprisingly, AI is on track to become one of the hottest EdTech trends in 2024. We’ll cover the topic in a separate article, so stay tuned! 

And if you have any questions about what EdTech is and how it can transform your organization, drop us a line! Aimeice will be happy to consult you on the potent uses of education technology and help you implement commercially available or bespoke EdTech solutions in your organization!

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