Next Frontier Industry Spotlight

Edtech

Educational Technologies

What is Edtech?

EdTech is short for “education technology.” It uses computers, computer programs, and educational systems to provide learning and training to students and employees. The broad field of EdTech encompasses not only the hardware and software programs used in what is commonly known as “remote learning,” “distance learning,” or “online education,” but also theories of learning and increasing research into what are the most effective means of teaching people new knowledge and skills. (Source)
At-A-Glance

$340b

Global Market Size
(2024)

$20.8b

Global VC funding into edtech start-ups in 2021

99%

increase in EdTech usage in schools since 2020

$101k

average salary of EdTech professionals in 2024

Edtech Pathways

Everything you need to know to begin your own Edtech career!

 Questions to Consider

  • Do you enjoy the intersection of education and technology?
  • Are you open to keep learning new technologies every few months and willing to keep up with the fast pace of the tech world?
  • Can you think of new and innovative ways of making education/training more accessible through technology?
  • Are you passionate about using education to close the opportunity gap and further society as a whole? 
  • Are you a multi-disciplinarian who can combine engineering, tech, programming, and other skills to succeed?

 Top Edtech Careers

  • Instructional Technologist: Instructional technologists collaborate with instructors and instructional designers to identify the best uses for technology in instruction, considering many factors, including cost, usability, security, accessibility, and ability to meet the specific learning or teaching goals. (Source)
  • eLearning Developer: As an eLearning developer, you design and implement the structure of online courses using eLearning tools, such as instructional software and applications. You take the blueprint for the course, including content that has been created by an instructional developer, and design and code the lessons. (Source)

Top Edtech Companies

  • CourseEra
  • Udemy
  • Chegg
  • Udacity

Related College Majors 

A bachelor’s degree in educational technology, education, or another related subject will provide the ideal foundation to get you started in edtech. Many states also have teaching certification or administrator certification requirements for educational technology specialists. Related majors include:
  • Computer Science
  • Robotics
  • Information Technology (IT)

Next Frontier Industry Roadmap:
Edtech

Want to start a career in edtech but don't know where to begin? Start here!

  1.  Do your research

Make sure you're well-versed in the basics. What are the most common uses of edtech? What's driving it? Who are the innovators? What types of edtech jobs exist? What are the major companies? If you're interested in a specific edtech company, be sure to learn about its culture and values. This can make a huge difference in your job search! 

2. Hone your "soft" skills

  • Creativity: Adapting traditional in-person educational methods to virtual requires creative solutions to be effective. 
  • Systems thinking: Systems thinking is the ability to approach projects holistically and view 'problems' as part of a wider, dynamic system. It is the process of understanding how things influence one another as part of a whole. This skill is vital in developing successful edtech systems that must integrate a number of visual and programming elements in order to be effective. (Source)
  • Collaboration: Edtech requires expertise from a variety of disciplines in order to materialize successfully, making the ability to collaborate extremely important. Don't be afraid to ask questions and instead focus on how you can work synergistically with other members on your team to produce the best outcomes! 

3. Learn the essentials

Edtech professionals often hold degrees in computer science or educational technology, depending on what aspect of ed tech you're interested in working in. You should also be proficient in:
  • Programming languages like C++ or Python
  • UX design
  • Education

4. Build your portfolio

Build your edtech portfolio with any programming/UX projects you have, including any apps or website you have built. Gamification is also a large part of edtech, so if you have any experience with game development or design, be sure to include that, as well!
Also make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with your latest experiences and accomplishments and optimized using our Base 11 LinkedIn Optimization Guide.

5. Gain hands-on experience

Find out which component of edtech most excites you, and go from there! After building up your portfolio and honing your technical skills, explore internships in companies that either specialize in educational technology or are currently in the process of putting their education/training programs online.

6. Engage your community

Cultivate your network with a Base 11 community of like-minded individuals that you can connect with today using the community feature built right into this platform! We have a thriving community of students, early-career adults, and professionals on our discussion forums who can share insights, give advice, and help you on your STEM journey.
A Day in the Life of an

Edtech Entrepreneur

Coming Soon: experience what a day in the life of an edtech entrepreneur!
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Additional Resources

Tools to help you unlock your inner potential and excel in FinTech!

Jobs & Internships

Exclusive opportunities including academic and professional internships as well as jobs from our Next Frontier Partners 

Courses & Training

Free and discounted courses and training programs designed to accelerate members into the STEM career of their dreams

Innovation Challenges

Solve real-world problems posed by top companies in STEM and earn cash prizes as well as potential employment opportunities

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