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I started covering edtech for @techcrunch & @extracrunch the same day that Stanford first closed campus; here's what I've learned so far (a thread)
The first few months of remote learning were defined by relying on pre-existing solutions, largely Zoom, to deal with the scramble to online learning: https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/09/edtech-startups-prepare-to-become-not-just-a-teaching-tool-but-a-necessity/
As the scramble slowed, unprecedented use cases started popping up for education providers. Two of the most interesting ones 1) How do colleges advertise to eager juniors without on-campus tours and shmoozing 2) How do you retain students remotely? https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/01/as-lockdowns-stretch-on-is-edtech-passing-or-failing/
On that first use case: Colleges had to go to unconventional advertising methods quick. This rush helped @Applyboard become a unicorn: https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/04/edtechs-newest-unicorn-applyboard-lands-1-4b-valuation-with-fresh-funding/
On that last use case: @EdSights_ sells a chatbot to "check in" with students for support. Since the pandemic, Esights doubled its customers in one month, and raised an oversubscribed round from investments via @warbyparker, @allbirds, @renttherunway https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/20/edsights-raises-money-to-help-schools-reduce-their-drop-out-rates/
Even though Zoom and printers has helped enable kids to learn from home, parents want more thoughtful solutions.
@GetZigazoo is one example of a parent-born project. https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/09/edtech-is-surging-and-parents-have-some-notes/
@GetZigazoo is one example of a parent-born project. https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/09/edtech-is-surging-and-parents-have-some-notes/
Despite the attention the sector is getting, there is still a big gap within edtech solutions: a need for better plumbing. https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/13/edtech-exits-show-a-need-for-better-plumbing/?tpcc=ECTW2020
My last note: there's a different between a hastily put together remote learning experience, and an organized online learning experience.
There's a future wave of edtech companies that won't layer themselves on top of Zoom, but will create a full-suite alternative. Story tk.
There's a future wave of edtech companies that won't layer themselves on top of Zoom, but will create a full-suite alternative. Story tk.
