AI-generated summary
The success of fintech startups has inspired the emergence of new sector-specific neologisms such as Insurtech (insurance), Proptech (real estate), Regtech (regulatory compliance), Legaltech (law), and Foodtech (food). Among these, EdTech has recently gained prominence, referring to innovations in education driven by new technologies. In a digital age, educators seek to broaden access and engagement, while companies aim to equip their workforce with future-ready skills. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the need for EdTech to support remote university learning.
Key technologies fueling the EdTech revolution include Artificial Intelligence, which aids both teaching and learning; the Internet of Things (IoT), which collects data to improve educational environments; and Big Data analytics, essential for personalized learning and effective pedagogical strategies. Extended reality (virtual, augmented, and mixed reality) enhances student motivation and engagement through immersive experiences. The rollout of 5G technology supports mobile education by handling high data traffic efficiently. Lastly, blockchain technology ensures secure, verifiable storage of student records and credentials. Future discussions will delve deeper into these technologies and emerging trends shaping the future of education.
We review the main technological trends that are revolutionizing education and that are being accelerated by the pandemic.
After the success of fintech (startups that are revolutionizing the financial market) and the general acceptance of the term, other derived neologisms have emerged to designate innovations in methods and models in different sectors. Thus, we find Insurtech (insurance sector), Proptech (real estate sector), Regtech (regulatory compliance), Legaltech (world of law) or Foodtech (food). One of the latest additions to this list of neologisms is EdTech. This name encompasses innovations in the world of education that come hand in hand with new technologies.
In an increasingly digital world, teachers are looking for ways to expand access to subjects and engage students more, while companies are looking to train their workforce with skills for the jobs of the future. In addition, the arrival of COVID-19 has made the development of these subjects more necessary than ever, to promote university teletraining.
Types of Edtech Technologies
Below, we highlight the most important new technologies involved in the Edtech revolution:
- Artificial Intelligence: There is a growing importance of artificial intelligence in education as a support tool for both teachers and students.
- IoT: As students and teachers interact with devices connected to the Internet, enormous amounts of data can be collected that help prevent certain behaviors, detect problems of coexistence or optimize schedules and uses of common facilities.
- BigData: This large amount of data collected by the IoT and its analysis is essential for personalized learning, determining the necessary interventions or deciding which pedagogical tools are most effective.
- Extended reality: Extended reality, including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, helps create different learning opportunities that can make students more motivated, more engaged, and learn better.
- 5G: Education is becoming increasingly mobile, and educational institutions are discovering ways to improve the student experience by implementing mobile technology solutions. This technology requires a network capable of handling the demands of data traffic in terms of volume and speed, and 5G technology is the answer that will provide the necessary requirements.
- Blockchain: Finally, blockchain or, more generically, distributed ledger technologies (DLT), offers educational institutions the possibility of storing, protecting and ensuring the veracity of student records. Not only the partial and total grades, but the entire history of each student and even the official degrees.
In the next news we will analyze and give examples of each of the technologies involved in Edtech , as well as the trends described. Don’t miss them!
