How the Pandemic Has Launched Edtech on a 2000% Growth Trajectory
Back to school shopping looked really different this past September- when about half of US elementary and high school students were learning virtually. Many students are still learning in their Spiderman PJs, teachers are still smashing that mute button, and bullies nationwide face massive layoffs. The education market has gone suddenly digital; and both parents and teachers have to pay for it.
Global edtech investments reached US$18.66 billion in 2019 and with the increase in remote learning, they’re expected to reach $350 billion by 2025. “School” now uses online platforms, and requires more screens, supplies, and equipment. Schools are struggling to get digital learning devices for their students and their teachers, and this scramble has created a huge demand.
While I begged my parents for locker mirrors and Lisa Frank folders, today’s parents have had to create entire classrooms in their homes. One parent interviewed said he had spent over $1,300 in new supplies and equipment for his first grade daughter.
While some students are now transitioning back to in-person instruction, there is still a huge demand for items to help the students and teachers who are still remote. Parents are frantically buying products like dry erase boards, blue light glasses, and educational manipulatives to try to trick their child into thinking that learning fractions is more interesting than sticking his hand in the toaster. But let’s face it, we all know that kid, and his hand doesn’t stand a pop tart’s chance.
Notoriously underpaid teachers have also had to purchase the things they need to teach from home. Second screens, document cameras, and copious amounts of wine. How else can teachers get through a day of listening to Sophia P’s smoke alarm beep while they force students to learn “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally?” (Teachers definitely deserve more than a mug this year, folks; again I say – WINE.)
Remote learning has been hard on everyone; so while we throw money at this problem, please know you all have our thoughts and prayers. Except the bullies.
