Forced to move classes online quickly this spring, colleges worked with what they had: the learning management system and generic video conferencing software. Those tools did the job, but some in the education technology space saw an opportunity.
That is reflected in a recent run of investment into new companies providing online platforms and programming, particularly videoconferencing tailored for education.
“Investors are looking to see whether there are long-term bets to make” across the ed tech sector, said Howard Lurie, principal analyst for online and continuing education at Eduventures Research. ”All of it’s governed by a realization that the remote learning pivot is not temporary. It will extend out to the balance of 2021.”
And likely beyond.
Colleges were expanding online before the pandemic hit, and surveys highlight a shift to centralized purchasing and control of technology platforms and services, Lurie said.
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