More than ever, technology is at the core of human communication, work and education. People maintain relationships with text, video chat and social media, businesses use tech to optimize hiring processes
In the world during and post COVID-19, technology in these areas has become even more important. Due to long periods of sheltering in place, many have turned to technology to keep their careers on track. From taking online classes to enable a career change to mastering groundbreaking software to add to their resume, the benefits of edtech for career growth has become undeniable. This article briefly breaks down what edtech is and how it can be used to boost skills and support long-term career goals.
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What is Edtech?
Edtech, or educational technology, is a combination of computer software, hardware and theory that is used in education or training to increase the engagement and success of students. Though the term is relatively new, using technology in education has always existed. Whether you grew up using an overhead projector in class or a smartboard, these innovations were designed to help students stay engaged and learn more efficiently.
In recent years, the benefits of using edtech have been noticed in training and career development. The flexibility, cost-effectiveness and efficiency that new hardware and software offer is undeniable. Instead of sitting through a week-long orientation from HR when starting a new job, new hires can use online training sessions to get up to speed faster and cheaper.
The Rise of Edtech
Due to the global pandemic, nearly 25% of workers aged 16 to 24 lost their jobs in the economic downturn. This massive impact left a gap in millions of resumes and took six months of experience away from many. To bridge the gaps, young professionals have taken advantage of edtech for their career advancement.
In the absence of classroom and work experience, new technology such as AR and VR training allows professionals to get valuable, hands-on lessons without leaving the house. These hardware revolutions paired with new teaching methods such as microlearning and gamification, professionals can learn efficiently and cheaply so that they can quickly excel in their careers despite setbacks caused by the pandemic.
5 Ways to Use Edtech to Propel Your Career
1. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Massive open online courses, or MOOCs, give learners access to countless courses from universities such as Harvard, Yale and MIT as well as Fortune 500 companies like Google and Microsoft. Whether professionals want to take Introduction to Financial Accounting from Wharton or Game Theory from Stanford, there is something for everyone. These courses are self-paced so professionals can learn soft-skills or technical skills to further their career at a cadence that works with their schedule. For professionals who are looking to climb the company ladder or switch industries altogether, these courses can provide an opportunity for growth without having to get a new job or go back to school.
The best way to find MOOCs is to search through sites that offer various courses. Each site features slightly different offerings so learners should look through multiple options before starting their next course.
2. Microlearning
3. Blended Learning
4. Multidirectional Training
5. Career Development
The Future of Edtech
Edtech tools like MOOCs and blended classrooms are only the tip of the iceberg in the wide ocean of opportunity for career advancements using technology. On the horizon, there are ground-breaking trends that could potentially revolutionize education and career development.
Gamification
Distance Learning
Immersive Tech
Additional Edtech Resources
- Tech for Learners
- Built In
- Edtech Center
- EdSurge
- Edtech Digest
- eLearning Industry