When pandemics strike, the world changes.
COVID 19’s entrance into the world didn’t bring about a zombie apocalypse, but it did dramatically alter how society, governments, and businesses operate. From work and education to international travel and public health, everything was significantly changed by the pandemic.
As COVID 19 continues to impact our daily lives, so will other trends taking place right now. We identified five key trends in education technology that will continue to affect how business is done throughout the world, even after the pandemic subsidies:
1. Online Learning Will Be Crucial
Online learning ensures that students have access to resources at all times – even during a pandemic. Many edtech companies have taken up the responsibility of developing online learning platforms for this very reason. A look at brighterly.com or other math websites for kids can help parents and educators bridge the educational gaps left by COVID 19 and other pandemics that may occur in the future.
With unprecedented breaks from the curriculum occasioned by pandemics, students may have trouble keeping up with classwork. The shift from traditional learning to a mixed online and offline learning model due to the COVID 19 pandemic will continue to change how education is conducted. Blended learning is now the norm – even in the most traditional educational institutions.
2. EdTech Companies That Focus on Communication and Collaboration Will be Key for Organizational Sustainability
In a pandemic, survival depends on operational sustainability – that is, keeping people safe by ensuring food supply, water supply, and sanitation. Manpower will be lost from hospitals and other medical facilities in a pandemic because sick people stop going to work.
The primary concern for the health sector is the need for communications technology that keeps these essential services running despite a lack of human resources.
For example, what if a pandemic strikes during flu season, further taxing an already stressed healthcare system? How will hospitals communicate with other medical facilities to provide necessary resources if employees (including doctors and nurses) are not showing up for work?
In the past, pandemics have strained communication infrastructure. A post-pandemic world will need robust communication technology that keeps government buildings, business centers, and hospitals connected.
The uptake of videoconferencing technology in healthcare demonstrates this need for communication technology to facilitate vibrant teamwork among disparate locations.
3. Educational Games Will be a Necessary Component of Every Curriculum
Games can be a tool for learning and entertainment at the same time – a win/win situation. With schools closed for an entire year in 2020, it became clear to educators that another approach was necessary.
Kids needed access to technology in the classroom so they could keep up with most students who were homeschooled or studying on their own at libraries and other educational facilities.
Learning games are already being incorporated into schools, evident by STEM courses being taught through Minecraft, for example. EdTech companies are focusing on kids’ math games that are fun and engaging. The focus on math for kids is understandable since kids start finding math challenging as early as the fourth grade.
4. EdTech Startup Companies that Focus on Sustainability Will be Crucial for Resiliency
In a post-pandemic world, the shift to sustainable living becomes a priority. New infrastructure will be necessary for basic needs such as water, food, and energy. With limited resources at the government’s disposal, it is critical that edtech startup companies focus on developing sustainable technologies to improve efficiencies in these areas.
Everything will change from water conservation to focusing on green technologies like wind and solar power. We’ve already seen significant steps towards sustainability in action. The government will likely incentivize the development of edtech startups that keep these initiatives afloat – and sustainable.
5. Integrating Humanitarian Aid Will Be Needed for Sustainability
With many countries ravaged by the pandemic, there has been a tremendous push to deliver humanitarian aid. Vaccine shortages in developing countries mean there’s a need for global cooperation to ensure that vaccines are distributed to the right places. A pandemic could further decimate these areas if there is an interruption in vaccine distribution.
Vaccine apathy is an issue in certain communities. Education is critical to increasing vaccine uptake rates – education delivered through edtech companies that take up humanitarian aid initiatives. The more people understand the need for vaccines, the better chance of avoiding another pandemic altogether.
The next few years will be a defining moment for the human race as we re-establish our way of life after COVID 19. Through edtech companies, we will continue to innovate – even in the direst of circumstances. Education is essential for building a better world post-pandemic. Through technology, students will have the tools they need to create this future together.
