Worth over USD 340 billion, the EdTech market is making waves as digital learning tops corporate skill-building trends. With interactive whiteboards and online platforms, technology is revolutionizing education and work, unlocking limitless potential.
September 23 is celebrated annually as the ‘Education Technology Day.’ Given that telecommunications contributes to the vital success and operation of EdTech tools, Telecom Review conducted an analysis of the industry’s mutualistic relationship, appreciating how far educational technology has come and how it continues to shape societies and businesses.
EdTech's Continued Impact and Evolution
During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital learning tools and platforms played a crucial role in ensuring that education remained accessible as schools worldwide closed. To mitigate the pandemic's impact, UNESCO launched the Global Education Coalition, engaging international organizations, civil society, and enterprises like Huawei to ensure that "Learning Never Stops."
Today, colleges and universities increasingly rely on technology for online and remote education. Computers and mobile devices have taken a central role, with fast broadband connectivity becoming essential.
From virtual labs to augmented reality, the adoption of educational technologies has accelerated in recent years, transforming lesson planning, communication, access to resources, research, and teaching practices. Alongside this, educators have had to adapt to keep pace with technological advancements since technology evolves faster than educational environments.
To meet the demands of diverse industries, the success of current and future generations hinges on educational technology.
EdTech Redefines Learning
EdTech encompasses the integration of technology with education to enhance learning and teaching experiences. It includes the use of hardware, software, and digital resources designed to facilitate educational processes and improve educational outcomes.
In 2021, Etisalat launched its first-ever virtual ‘Digital Summer Camp’ which was designed to equip the children of Etisalat employees with necessary skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.
Moreover, technology has made education accessible globally via online courses and virtual classrooms. This accessibility benefits individuals in remote areas or with disabilities, offering quality education from home, or anywhere, and presenting opportunities that were previously unavailable.
A 2023 UNESCO report highlighted the digital learning gap between wealthy and developing nations. Users in wealthy countries consumed 35 times more mobile data on average than those in developing countries, highlighting the disparities in EdTech experiences among students worldwide.
Bearing this in mind, quality digital content often incorporates data-heavy features like videos, graphics, interactive lessons, live sessions, and games. That is why universal meaningful connectivity (UMC) and affordable data usage would help unlock EdTech's full potential to deliver interactive, engaging education for all.
To achieve this, Zain partnered with Baims, a leading Kuwait-based e-learning platform to empower the digitalization of the local education sector, expand the youth’s digital upskilling and literacy and provide students with the academic content and competencies needed to thrive in today’s market.
Digital Literacy in Today's Tech-Driven World
Educational technology not only familiarizes students, and even employees, with diverse tech tools but also readies them for careers that heavily depend upon technological skills. Therefore, integrating technology into education ensures that the essential skills vital for future success are gained.
PLAYBOOK is a professional network and an EdTech solution for women in business. CEO, Wafa Al Obaidat, noted that their aim is to develop “accomplished women who have successfully navigated fundraising, ascended to CEO positions, served as ministers, or ventured into space, to reverse engineer the soft skills they acquired.”
EdTech is a phenomenal industry that has proven to be effective for people to upskill at the workplace, at their own pace, with entertaining content that is practical and relatable.
Quoting Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Ooredoo Group, “Staying ahead demands a commitment to continuous learning and upskilling. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into every aspect of our lives, digital literacy is no longer an option but a necessity.”
Impact on Society
From a social perspective, EdTech has removed geographical barriers in education. This newfound access extends to lifelong learning, empowering individuals to continually enhance their skills and knowledge regardless of their age or location.
iQ Iraq continues to support the education sector by creating an informed and capable generation. They believe that education is an important pillar that influences the progress of people and societies.
Huawei and the Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) have agreed to jointly promote the use of technology to raise literacy statistics and enhance educators' use of technology in developing countries.
Oman has also made significant investments in educational platforms such as the Oman Educational Portal (OEP), which offers accessible digital resources and tools to students, teachers, and parents.
As per a Kaspersky survey, more than half of the surveyed employees in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region expressed a deficiency in digital skills when working with computers and other digital devices. The respondents believe that by enhancing their digital skills, they could potentially increase their earnings by an average of 41%.
Personalized learning has become a reality, thanks to adaptive learning systems that cater to individual needs by strengthening their weaknesses while nurturing their strengths. This flexibility allows learners to progress at their own pace, ensuring a more effective educational journey.
The UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, emphasized that as generative artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the significance of cultivating digital skills has grown. There is a need to ensure the agility of talents to adapt to new technologies and keep pace with global changes.
He also highlighted the success the UAE has demonstrated following the introduction of AI into educational curricula. This encompasses teaching students programming methods and the ethics regarding artificial intelligence.
Interestingly, engagement in learning has reached new heights following the introduction of interactive content. Students are no longer passive recipients of information but active participants, making learning both enjoyable and effective. Multimedia resources, such as videos and podcasts, cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring that every student finds a method that resonates with them.
Without a doubt, the digital era demands new skills, making digital literacy a fundamental skill in navigating modern life.
Impact on B2B
In the B2B realm, EdTech is revolutionizing workforce training and development. Companies are leveraging digital platforms for continuous professional development, ensuring their employees remain at the cutting edge of their fields.
Despite COVID-19 related challenges and social distancing requirements, stc Kuwait has continued to implement its sustainable learning environment, elevating the level of knowledge and expertise possessed by its existing skilled workforce through advanced digital platforms such as LinkedIn Learning.
du also plays an important role in engaging and equipping the future workforce with dynamic skill sets that are valuable when working at various companies, organizations and within communities. In July 2024, the telco launched its Future X graduate program, which is designed to facilitate the creation of Emirati talent through digital-focused trainings and tailored programs that reflect the innovative world and the market’s demands.
Promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration is crucial in today’s dynamic business landscape. The 'du Business Entrepreneurship Programme' aims to enhance digital literacy among SMEs by offering practical training in communication, marketing, and cybersecurity, thereby boosting productivity and fostering innovation.
Furthermore, employees can keep abreast of industry trends through online courses and certifications, bringing new ideas and perspectives to their roles. Providing IT professionals with adequate resources and learning platforms is essential in the quest to address the tech talent shortage and prevent outdated ICT skills due to limited educational resources.
Customer education is another area in which EdTech is making a substantial impact. Companies are educating their customers about their products and services through online training modules, webinars, and workshops, thus, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Overall Digital Transformation Impact
Forming one of the pillars of digital transformation, for any organization to digitally transform, education should be the first priority. Without this, companies can’t successfully implement digital transformation and digital culture initiatives.
Having said that, a cultural shift towards a digital mindset is becoming evident as EdTech fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. This cultural change promotes collaboration and innovation—essential components of a successful digital transformation.
Scalability is another significant benefit. Digital platforms can expand education and training programs globally, reaching a larger audience without the constraints of physical infrastructure. This scalability ensures that the benefits of EdTech are accessible to a broad and diverse population.
Finally, EdTech contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing the physical footprint associated with traditional education and training. Digital resources minimize the need for physical materials, supporting environmentally friendly practices.
Conclusion
EdTech is a powerful catalyst for digital transformation. It enhances access to education, personalizes learning experiences, improves workforce skills, fosters innovation, and promotes a digital-first mindset across society and businesses. As we navigate the digital era, EdTech will continue to play a crucial role in shaping a more connected, informed, and innovative world.
