Edtech terms such as hybrid, blended, asynchronous, or virtual learning have long been associated with informal educational models created to respond to the needs of a particular segment of students. In our post-pandemic learning environment, they are a regular part of our vocabulary and represent the global trends of student-centered education.
The complex requirements for learning institutions everywhere present limitless opportunities for growth for edtech providers. This opens the doors for Value Added Resellers and IT Distribution partners looking to respond to the demand and technology needs of millions of educational institutions worldwide.
According to Verified Market Research, the Learning Management Systems (LMS) Market size was valued at USD 15.1 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 76.18 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.1% from 2022 to 2030.
Although the pandemic accelerated the digitalization of education, many schools and universities still need a substantial digital transformation. While using videoconferencing and basic collaboration tools was a good first step in responding to the pandemic challenges, education institutions need to move from the basics to adopt a cloud fully featured learning management system (LMS.) This will allow them to offer the engagement, flexibility, and personalization that the post-pandemic students are looking for. More than that, interactive tools improve learning and teaching experiences that can differentiate them and, in the end, help them increase their enrollment numbers to thrive in the new era of education.
In addition, there is a critical need to acquire or migrate to robust LMS that can solve the accessibility, security and privacy challenges many institutions face due to the improvised leap to online learning many took during the pandemic.
“Selling LMS and its integrations nowadays calls for resellers that can become real technology and pedagogical partners to educational institutions,” said Jack Jackson, Vice President of Global Channels at Instructure. “That is why one of the essential parts of Instructure’s Partner Program is to provide ongoing training and marketing support to ensure our resellers are thoroughly equipped to not only promote and sell Instructure’s products effectively but to become those partners institutions need to successfully adopt the LMS.”
The new in-person learning needs technology to thrive
While most of the globe has moved to a blended model of instruction or returned to largely face-to-face, the reality is that the adoption of technology in the classroom is moving to a new pace of evolution rather than diminishing.
According to the 2022 global study of Instructure, the maker of Canvas LMS, as a result of the pandemic, respondents in 23 countries have a more positive attitude towards digital material (69%), open education resources (65%), combined in-person and online instruction (61%), online learning (59%) and online exam proctoring (51%). According to the results in the Philippines, 68% of students want more technology use in fully in-person courses, and 78% believe technology helps make life more organized.
“Students are demanding convenience and flexibility and expecting a higher standard of online course design as part of any teaching and learning experience. They want options between in-person, online, or hybrid courses,” said Jackson. “We are empowering our resellers to sell exactly what schools and universities need to meet the demands of this new generation of students.”
What teachers want
The daily challenges teachers face to adopt and manage hundreds of edtech solutions have become a primary reason for teachers’ burnout. Institutions are looking for a robust and easy-to-use learning management platform to centralize tools, apps, and course materials, making it easier for students and teachers to access and share resources anywhere, anytime.
“We are in a very privileged position, thanks to the number and quality of clients we partner with worldwide. Listening to them gives us a good picture of what teachers are looking for and where the education sector is moving. That inspires us to intentionally design, develop, and improve products our clients use and love, and that is a win for our resellers,” Jackson added.
Selling edtech solutions involves more than offering tools and services; there is a critical component of understanding the real needs and challenges of teachers, students, and administrators. The role of edtech resellers in the post-pandemic era represents an important opportunity to help elevate the advancement of education worldwide by enabling more institutions to adopt technology that facilitates equal access to education.
