Edtech has revolutionized the education sector, and no doubt the skill set required to join education is no longer centred on academic knowledge only; professionals need to be much more than that. So, here’s the guide you’ll need to understand the key competencies and skill sets required in the field of edtech.
First Things First: What’s EdTech All About?
Till two decades ago, education was surrounded by some games or pre-fed programmes on TV, VCRs and all. But now that the scenario has changed, we can’t expect our children to learn from some basic books or some TV programs; it’s much more. It includes a wide range of tools and applications, such as online learning platforms, educational software, interactive whiteboards, virtual reality (VR) learning environments, and mobile learning applications. That is why jobs in the education industry are no simpler, they require more skills than ever before.
Skills You’ll Need (Don’t panic)
Joining the EdTech industry not only offers a rewarding career but also the chance to make a significant difference in the way education is delivered and experienced across the globe. Now, before you start hyperventilating about needing to be some kind of tech wizard, take a deep breath. Here are certain points you must consider:
- Tech Savviness: Since EdTech is all about education + technology, one needs to be tech-savvy. With zero background in technology, it isn’t easy to understand the basics. You don’t need to be the next Steve Jobs, but knowing your way around basic tech is a must. Most of the platforms are in app form, or a basic learning management system (LMS) is used, so understanding these is a‘must’.
- Learning Design Skills: Design skills are something you can’t ignore in any field, especially in Edtech sector, as they allow you to create some engaging experiences. It’s a long journey to learn the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) framework, a systematic approach to instructional design that guides effective learning programs.
- Communication Skills: Teaching might sound very easy to some people, but it’s a roller-coaster journey where communication is the key. Children are inquisitive plus they’ve a lot of emotions so to make them understand anything with technology needs strong skill communication skills.
- Problem-Solving Skills: EdTech is all about solving educational problems with tech solutions. It’s like being a superhero, but instead of fighting crime, you’re battling ineffective learning methods.
Resources to Get You Started
So, we have talked about the most in-demand skills for joining the edtech industry but let’s talk about where we can get access these resources
- Flexible Online Courses: Numerous platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer courses in everything from instructional design to coding. The ease of access has been a hit among the learners.
- Read and listen to EdTech Blogs and Podcasts: If you’re entering the industry, you must stay up-to-date with the latest trends, it helps to understand the dynamic nature of the industry. “EdTech Insiders”—it’s like gossip but for nerds like us.
- Conferences and webinars: If you have some experience and connections, use it. The conferences give ample opportunities to engage, learn, network, and open a wide job market.
- Higher Hire: This platform is a goldmine for EdTech job opportunities. It’s like a dating app, but instead of finding love, you find your dream job. Much less awkward, trust me.
- Open-Source Platforms: Use your knowledge, contribute to EdTech projects, and build your portfolio. It’s like showing off, but in a socially acceptable way.
Building Your EdTech Portfolio
While preparing for a job in any industry, it’s imperative to make an excellent portfolio to represent your journey in a proper manner. There are some points you should include in your portfolio, apart from a good resume
- Projects you’ve worked on (even if they’re just personal experiments)
- Blog posts or articles you’ve written about EdTech
- Any courses or certifications you’ve completed
- Testimonials from people who think you’re awesome
Preparing for a career in EdTech is an exciting journey. It’s a field where you can make a real difference while playing with cool tech. What’s not to love?
Remember, the EdTech world is always evolving, so stay curious and keep learning. Who knows? Maybe you’ll invent the next big thing in education. Virtual reality field trips to ancient Rome, anyone?
