In the world of education, it is safe to say that the industry has been historically traditional in its methods and models. Now, however, we are seeing the beginnings of technological disruption make their way into the sector. Known fondly as EdTech (or, education technology) this branch of tech and consequential digitalisation refers to any technological means or methods that have a hand in education or academics. Education is one of the most traditional industries in the world, and so the inclusion and positive embracement of technological infiltration is something that took some time for the industry – and its dedicated professionals – time to get used to.

Today, however, EdTech has proven its value tenfold, time and again. Whether it is students creating a writing services review after using an assessment help program, or educators setting up assessment feedback loops through automated uploads, or even the very nature of education in this modern age itself – the introduction of online education into the mix – there is something decidedly different about education these days. And EdTech is powering that different ideology. Education technology is not without its controversy, either. In fact, when whispers were first heard about the merits or downfalls of EdTech disrupting the academic sector, there was massive kickback from the industry. But that has all changed. And here are three reasons why.

Embracing the future of education

As with the rest of the world, the future of education is decidedly digital. Driven by technological advancement and further progression, education is going online. With the introduction of online education, EdTech has given life to an industry that previously was riddled with constraints. Through online education, students are no longer limited by geographical proximity or even financial strain – they can study from wherever, and whenever, they like.

Giving educators more time to focus

One of the most exciting parts about EdTech is that it presents educators with the opportunity and the means to make their jobs easier in some respects, allowing for them to spend more time on the part of their jobs that matters the most – the students. Automation of some of the most time-consuming and tedious tasks in an educator’s job gives room for them to spend more time focusing on the progression and wellbeing of their students. The tedious parts of the job may be just that, but they are also necessary. In allowing automation to take them off the hands of educators, EdTech has made their jobs infinitely easier.

Creating a united front

EdTech was unfamiliar to people when it first came to fruition. This unfamiliarity made industry professionals feel uncomfortable and unsure, even aggressively apprehensive about its inclusion in their chosen career field. There was the belief that EdTech would cause sever disruptions, even fracturing the parts of education that gave them their jobs, that established them as key contributors to education’s success. Over time, however, it became exceedingly apparent that EdTech is designed not to alienate and take over, but to work in collaboration and to strengthen the field. Automation of tedious tasks and the introduction of global inclusivity via online education are just a few of the ways that EdTech has positively revolutionised the academic industry.