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Find out moreSeveral years ago, successful examples of implementing EdTech solutions in general school education were rare. However, in 2020, under the forced transition to distance learning, teachers and students had to quickly master online tools. Today, school education has largely returned to its usual format, but the transition to distance learning methods has initiated a trend toward digitalization of the educational process and blended learning. This process continues to evolve, and educational institutions are actively integrating technology into their practices, improving the quality of education and increasing the accessibility of educational resources. EdTech today plays a key role in the educational process, transforming traditional teaching methods and introducing innovative technologies. As schools and colleges transition to state information systems for e-learning, as stated in the presidential decree, the relationship between EdTech and the education system will evolve in a new direction. At the Moscow International Education Fair (MIEF), experts discussed important aspects of this transformation. Key findings from the sessions emphasize the need to integrate modern technologies into the educational process, increase the accessibility of educational resources, and personalize learning. Full recordings of the discussions are available on YouTube for more detailed viewing.
- session "Business Agents as Co-Implementers of the School Educational Program";
- session "Where Are the Boundaries of EdTech?"
How EdTech is Used in Schools Today
Olga Rechkalova, Principal of Secondary School No. 7 in Gubkinsky, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, presented a positive example of integrating digital tools into school education. A variety of learning platforms are available in her region, significantly expanding opportunities for the educational process. The okrug government allocates funds per student, allowing schools to finance access to various digital solutions. When choosing educational services, special attention is paid to convenience for teachers and adaptation to different age groups of students. Popular tools include YaKlass for studying mathematics, Foxford for exam preparation, and Uchi.ru for elementary school. The implementation of these technologies contributes to improving the quality of education and increasing student engagement.
The widespread digitalization of schools is still in its early stages. Following the discussion at the "Time for Education" forum, it became clear that successful implementation will require significant time and the development of innovative products capable of effectively addressing teachers' current needs. EdTech business representatives who participated in the MMCO share this position and emphasize the importance of developing solutions that will be truly useful in the educational process.
Maintain interest in our content and check out other materials on our website. We offer a variety of articles and resources to help you deepen your knowledge and gain insight into the topics that interest you. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your horizons and improve your understanding of current issues. Why aren't our schools digital yet? In recent years, the digitalization of education has become an increasingly pressing topic. However, many schools continue to operate using traditional methods, raising questions about the reasons for this state of affairs. The main reason is a lack of funding, which hinders the implementation of modern technologies. Furthermore, the lack of training of teachers in working with digital tools also plays a significant role. Many teachers do not have the necessary skills to use new technologies in the educational process. This leads to a slow implementation of digital solutions and, as a result, the persistence of outdated teaching methods. It is also important to note that not all parents and students are ready for the transition to digital platforms. There is concern that the use of technology may negatively impact the quality of education and interpersonal interactions.
In conclusion, successful digitalization of schools requires overcoming financial and organizational barriers, as well as providing teacher training and parental support. This is the only way to create the conditions for the effective use of digital technologies in the educational process.
Mikhail Myagkov, founder of Maximum Education, which creates online courses for students in grades 5–11, noted that the EdTech market in school education is in its infancy. The primary focus of this process is not replacing traditional instruction, but supporting teachers. Modern technologies can take on routine tasks such as analytics and forecasting, allowing teachers to save time and focus on their core responsibilities. Thus, EdTech is becoming an important tool for increasing the effectiveness of the educational process and improving the quality of learning.
Makar Goncharov, GR Director at Skyeng, asserts that there are numerous areas in educational institutions where EdTech technologies can have a significant impact. This applies not only to the educational process but also to the administrative, operational, and financial aspects of school operations. However, in his opinion, EdTech technologies have not yet been widely adopted in educational institutions. Their use is mainly limited to additional classes and homework. The initial implementation of technologies occurred as a result of the pandemic, but since then, various barriers have arisen that hinder the full integration of EdTech into school education.
The 2020 pandemic led to a significant increase in users on our platform, which was a consequence of the government's unpreparedness for such changes. The digital solutions and online services they had developed were unable to cope with the sharp increase in demand. We also encountered difficulties, but quickly resolved the issues that arose. As a result, government agencies turned to EdTech for support. However, after the situation changed, the boundaries were clearly delineated again, and everything returned to normal. I disagree with the opinion that EdTech is being actively introduced into school education. We have never been in comfortable conditions, and schools have not perceived us as a full-fledged part of the educational system.
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Digital transformation strategy for schools: key directions and approaches
Digital transformation in the educational sphere is an important step towards the modernization of the educational process. The main goal of this strategy is to integrate modern technologies into the educational environment, thereby improving the quality of education and adapting it to the needs of students.
One of the main areas of digital transformation is the implementation of electronic educational platforms. These platforms provide access to educational materials, the ability to communicate remotely between students and teachers, and organize online lessons. This significantly expands the horizons of learning and makes it more accessible.
Another important aspect is improving the skills of teachers in the field of digital technologies. Professional training of teachers will enable them to effectively use new tools in teaching and adapt curricula to modern requirements.
Furthermore, it is worth paying attention to creating a safe digital environment for students. This includes data protection, measures to prevent cyberbullying, and ensuring the ethical use of technology in the educational process.
The introduction of technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics can also significantly improve the educational process. These tools will help individualize learning, allowing teachers to tailor their approach to each student based on their progress and needs.
Overall, the digital transformation strategy for schools aims to create an innovative educational environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and other key skills necessary for success in the modern world.
EdTech products are effective support tools for teachers, but they cannot completely replace them—this opinion was expressed by all participants in the discussion. Kirill Kononenko, Head of GR at Foxford Online School, cited an example of a school purchasing access to courses for its students so that they can study independently. However, in practice, many children do not progress beyond the registration stage on the platform, which emphasizes the importance of active teacher involvement in the learning process.
In most cases, students prefer in-depth study of subjects or exam preparation. In this context, the teacher uses the platform as a support tool. If a teacher says, "We have some cool work, and you can do some extra work on Foxford, it will help you," then this recommendation will only be effective for those students who are already showing motivation to learn.
Dmitry Zelivansky, Director of Commercial Projects at the New School, emphasizes the importance of an individual approach to each student. He described an experimental project in which lessons are conducted in a blended format. The teacher uploads educational content to the platform and encourages students to study it independently, at their own pace. The teacher also tracks how many students successfully master the material without assistance. Additional resources are available for those who need support, as well as traditional in-person classes for students who struggle to learn without direct guidance. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of the material and the development of student independence.
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Experts discuss the importance of truly digitalizing schools. They emphasize that the integration of digital technologies into the educational process is not limited to the use of computers and the internet. Digitalization includes the integration of modern educational platforms, the creation of interactive teaching materials, and the use of analytics to improve the quality of learning.
Experts note that successful digitalization requires not only technical equipment but also teacher training. It is important that teachers know how to effectively use new technologies, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment. They also emphasize the need to update curricula to reflect the realities of the modern world and the needs of students.
Furthermore, experts point to the need to ensure access to technology for all students to avoid digital inequality. Effective digitalization can significantly increase student motivation and improve their learning outcomes. It's important for educational institutions to not simply follow trends but to consciously implement digital solutions, focusing on specific goals and objectives.
Teachers use digital educational content and platforms for a variety of purposes. Yakov Somov, founder of the Lectorium project and head of the online education center at Presidential Lyceum No. 239 in St. Petersburg, noted that the use of such technologies can sometimes be quite unexpected.
Digital platforms help not only organize the educational process but also create interactive materials accessible to students at any time. Teachers can use video lectures, online tests, and educational games to increase student engagement. Furthermore, such tools facilitate personalized learning, allowing each student to progress at their own pace.
With digital content, teachers can also integrate modern technologies into traditional education, making lessons more relevant and engaging. This not only improves knowledge but also develops critical thinking skills and independence in students.
Thus, digital educational platforms are becoming an important element of the modern educational process, opening up new horizons for teachers and students.
I work in educational and outreach activities, offering online courses. For a long time, I assumed that participants in my courses would complete the entire program. However, in practice, things turned out differently: many are only interested in a specific lecture, for example, lecture #4. We also encountered the problem of unauthorized content distribution in our school: the authors of a robotics course divided the material into sections and provided their students with access via Google Drive. As a result, we decided to simplify access to the content and remove the requirement to register for individual lectures. Now, if you're interested in lecture #4, you can easily watch it without registering on the Lectorium platform.
According to Dmitry Zelivansky, "New School" teachers prefer to independently develop lesson content, taking into account the specific tasks and needs of each class, rather than relying entirely on ready-made solutions. Olga Rechkalova's colleagues share this approach. As the speaker notes, during in-person classes, external educational resources are used primarily as training exercises to reinforce the material covered or to prepare for Olympiads. This method allows for a more effective adaptation of the educational process and ensures high-quality learning.
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46% of Russians note the positive impact of digital technologies on the educational process at school. Given the rapid development of technology, their integration into the educational process is becoming increasingly relevant. Digital tools not only facilitate access to information but also contribute to improved interaction between students and teachers. This opens up new opportunities for improving the quality of education and an individual approach to each student. It is important to continue researching and implementing effective digital solutions that can change traditional teaching methods and make them more modern and accessible.
What awaits EdTech in the future
In September, a list of presidential orders adopted following a meeting of the State Council Presidium was published. This list contains an indication that, starting September 1, 2023, e-learning related to the processing of personal data of schoolchildren and students of secondary vocational educational institutions, must be conducted exclusively on state information platforms. This provision emphasizes the importance of ensuring the security of students' personal data and optimizing the educational process within the state.
Starting January 1, 2023, in the implementation of basic general education programs and educational programs of secondary vocational education, it is necessary to use exclusively state information systems and resources. This concerns the use of e-learning and distance learning technologies that are related to the processing of students' personal data. The introduction of these requirements is aimed at improving the quality of education and protecting student data, which makes the educational process more secure and effective.
It is not yet clear what consequences this may have for EdTech companies operating in the field of school education. However, some experts who participated in the discussions at the Moscow International School of Economics (MISO) are confident there's no need to panic. Valentina Kurenkova, GR Director of Netologiya LLC, recommends carefully studying the new regulation first. This will help better understand its essence and impact on educational technologies.
The text makes no mention of "state content." Currently, this is not specified. Perhaps such information will appear in the future, but in the current context, we are talking about state information resources, which is key.
The speaker believes that a successful resolution of current problems for EdTech companies is possible only through constructive dialogue between business and the government. Establishing such relations should begin as early as possible to ensure the stable development of the industry.
Yulia Goryachkina, Deputy Director for "Personnel for the Digital Economy" at the ANO "Digital Economy," noted the importance of cooperation between the government and business in the field of education. The government is actively interested in dialogue with EdTech companies that possess the necessary expertise and high-tech solutions. Examples of successful initiatives such as Sferum and Digital Lesson, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Education, confirm the importance of this cooperation for improving the quality of education.
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EdTech: When it benefits schools, and when it does not
Educational technologies (EdTech) can significantly improve the learning process, but their effectiveness depends on many factors. It is important to understand when the use of EdTech is truly justified and when it may be ineffective.
EdTech is beneficial for schools when it promotes active learning, increases student engagement, and facilitates access to educational resources. Interactive platforms, online courses, and collaborative learning applications can significantly empower teachers and students by offering adaptive learning methods.
However, EdTech is not always beneficial. In some situations, its implementation can lead to an overload of students and teachers if technologies are used without a clear strategy. Incorrect choice of tools or insufficient training of teachers can reduce motivation and the quality of learning.
Therefore, for the successful implementation of EdTech in schools, it is necessary to carefully analyze the needs of the learning process, select appropriate tools, and provide adequate training for teachers. Only in this case can technology truly benefit and improve the educational process.
Alexey Polovinkin, CEO of Digital Education LLC and founder of the Foxford online school, notes that this situation may pose certain challenges.
There is a risk of dividing EdTech in school education into two categories: "Ed" and "Tech," with the emphasis placed solely on "Ed" content. This could lead to companies being asked to provide fragmented content that teachers can use in the educational process. However, such a model is ineffective, as most successful educational services are based on the integration of content and digital tools. These tools not only drive student motivation but also impact their academic performance and learning outcomes. Simply cutting up videos and asking teachers to use them in the classroom will not lead to positive results. Ultimately, this could lead to the assertion that EdTech doesn't work, which is a false conclusion. Effective use of EdTech requires a comprehensive approach that integrates content and technology to achieve maximum educational impact.
The regulation of educational technologies will be actively discussed in the future, so it is premature to draw definitive conclusions. However, at a meeting between His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' and educators on October 19, Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov reaffirmed the commitment to implementing state digital systems in schools. According to TASS, he noted that all information systems in school education must be state-owned and contain verified information. This is necessary to ensure the safety and health of children. Information technology is certainly important for increasing student motivation, but its content must be carefully selected and verified.
Recently, the issue of verifying not only school content but also other EdTech content has become increasingly important. Alexander Khinshtein, head of the Committee on Information Policy, Information Technology, and Communications, recently informed RIA Novosti of his intention to begin verifying online educational courses that comply with current state programs in secondary, specialized, and higher education institutions. This step is important for improving the quality of educational services and ensuring that online education meets modern requirements.
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