K-12 private education innovation: Can private schools become edtech leaders?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• June 5, 2023

Insight highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated technology integration in K-12 education, with teachers adopting digital planning resources and teaching materials. Personalized learning and emotional support have become crucial, while blended learning tools that can be used in virtual and face-to-face environments are in demand. Overall, innovation in private schools can lead to cultural diversity, technological advancements, improved academic outcomes, and a more competitive workforce.

K-12 private education innovation context

According to a 2021 study by consultancy firm Ernst & Young, the COVID-19 crisis led to the effective integration of technology into the US K-12 educational structure as a direct result of the necessary transition to online learning. To illustrate, around 60 percent of teachers who used digital planning resources only started doing so during the pandemic. Additionally, the daily use of digital teaching materials rose from 28 percent pre-pandemic to 52 percent during the pandemic. 

Over half of the teacher respondents began consistently using digital planning tools in 2020. This rise in the adoption of these tools spans all product categories, including learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Schoology, and content creation or collaboration platforms like Google Drive or Microsoft Teams. Moreover, educators showed interest in products that can be integrated with instructional materials. 

Another digital transformation in education is using technology to foster efficiency and enhanced collaboration. For students, this might mean submitting practice tasks or homework online or collaborating on a shared document for a group project. For teachers, this could involve conducting assessments or assignments online using tools that can automate grading or working together with fellow teachers in their grade level or subject area.

Disruptive impact

Digital equity is vital in encouraging education innovation. Beyond establishing reliable Internet infrastructure, schools need to guarantee that all students have the required knowledge and skills to operate the technology and services to engage with comprehensive and accessible content. As such, Internet service providers might establish partnerships with school districts to build the necessary infrastructure and ensure there are no disruptions.

Personalization will also likely become critical the more technology is integrated into classrooms. Personalized learning time enables students to work individually on projects or activities uniquely suited to their interests and abilities. Moreover, the pandemic has emphasized the need for emotional learning as individuals respond to crises in diverse ways. Teachers face the dual challenge of managing their own emotional well-being and those of their students.

As flexible learning becomes an expectation instead of a feature, blended learning tools will likely become more necessary than ever. Tools that can be tactically employed in virtual and face-to-face environments may become in demand as private schools address the learning challenges of students who are slowly easing back to in-class lessons while increasingly using collaborative tools and e-class platforms. Startups may start focusing on providing these solutions, partnering with artificial intelligence solution providers.

Implications of K-12 private education innovation

Wider implications of K-12 private education innovation may include: 

• Successful innovative practices being adopted by public schools, leading to systemic changes in the education sector. Private schools can also shape education reform agendas and advocate for policies that support innovation.
• Increased cultural diversity within school communities, which can foster cross-cultural understanding and tolerance among students, preparing them for a globalized world.
• The development and adoption of new educational tools, platforms, and methodologies. By incorporating technology, students can gain valuable digital literacy skills and prepare for the demands of the AI age.
• Improved academic outcomes by implementing evidence-based teaching practices, personalized learning approaches, and data-driven assessments. These features can enhance students' learning experiences and better prepare them for higher education or future careers.
• Increased parental involvement in education through technology-enabled communication platforms. Parents can have greater access to their children's progress, curriculum materials, and teacher-parent communication, fostering stronger partnerships between home and school.
• High-quality education that can contribute to a more competitive workforce on a national and global scale. By equipping students with the skills needed in the 21st century, such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, private schools can help countries thrive in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.
• Private schools prioritizing sustainability and eco-friendly practices. These practices may include implementing renewable energy systems, adopting green building designs, and incorporating environmental education into the curriculum. 
• Job opportunities for educators with expertise in personalized teaching methods, educational technology, and curriculum design. These new roles may also require ongoing professional development to ensure teachers have the necessary skills to implement these practices effectively.

Questions to consider

• If you’re a parent, how are your children’s schools implementing innovation in their curriculum?
• How can private schools provide a balance between digital literacy and soft skills?