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Matthew Lynch published in Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech, EdTech Startups & Businesses, Featured, Fresh, Higher Education,

How Edtech Companies Can Sell To the International Market

Edtech is a growing market, expected to increase by 17% yearly. However, a significant part of that growth is projected outside the U.S. As international schools begin to accept edtech, the market is becoming friendly for companies. Recent changes in the U.S. market have led to a decline in funding and support for edtech, so embracing international sales will be increasingly important for long term sustainability in the industry. Though the sales trajectory admittedly still needs some work for most edtech companies. Targeting and acquiring international clients comes with different challenges than landing U.S. deals.

What research and considerations does your startup need to address for the international market? How can you successfully sell edtech products to schools outside the U.S.? Here is a quick breakdown for any company wanting to make a move to international edtech sales.

Consider Market Demands

Before attempting to make an international sale, think about the market needs of each country. China, for example, is projected to reach $15billion in STEM spending by 2020. While U.S. spending on STEM learning falls, China continues to invest heavily in youth STEM education.

A 2010 German initiative to improve educational performance had a slow start. However, companies looking to target a global market may do well to focus on the developing European market. Germany, as the largest economy in Europe, is a sensible target for edtech entrepreneurs. The region, as a whole, has committed to improving education by 2020. The potential within the EU is even more evident when you take a look at the success of edtech startups in Europe.

For those startups looking to branch into the African or South American markets, funding help by the World Bank may play a significant role. Additionally, edtech companies who target the Persian Gulf can get in on the ground floor of a promising market. Understanding the market potential for the countries you want investment from is imperative to international success.

Understand Educational Goals

Looking at the performance of students on the international market, it’s obvious which countries are currently excelling in science, mathematics, and reading, and which need work. While the U.S. didn’t rank in top 10 for any of the categories, educational policy is making edtech a hard sell in American schools.

Meanwhile, international schools are competing to produce the best workers of tomorrow, and those goals can be exploited by thoughtful edtech companies. The United Nations set education goals for the 2000-2015 period. Unfortunately, only three countries met the expectations. For edtech entrepreneurs, this can mean a chance to make a real contribution for the 2015-2030 period. New goals have been set out, and an increase of $22billion in funding is expected to achieve those goals globally.

The key to success will understand what is lacking in the education system of each country, and how your products can bridge the gaps.

Be wary of International Faux Pas

Even if you’ve done your research and investigated the international need for education products, that doesn’t equate to sales. Selling products internationally, requires an understanding of local culture, customs and business values. Each country is different. So, hiring an experienced liaison with an educational background in your target country can give you a head start to negotiations.

Regardless of your particular product or niche in the edtech sector, the international market is a growing opportunity waiting to be exploited. Have you sold products internationally? What have been your greatest challenges and successes with the global edtech market? We want to hear your experiences!

 

 

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Matthew Lynch published in Featured, Fresh, Higher Education

These Universities Present a Challenge to Ivy League Schools

The hallowed halls of Ivy League institutions are revered for their academic rigor, exclusivity, and the longevity of their reputations. After all, many Ivies are some of the United States’ oldest universities.

While Ivy League schools maintain stellar reputations and are considered to be the epitome of higher education both in the United States and around the world, they do not stand alone. There are many schools in the United States that have the same reputation but are not considered to Ivy League.

In other words, there is more to life than Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.

Here are a few of the challengers – each with a pristine reputation, exclusive admissions process, and incredible student opportunities:

1.   California Institute of Technology

Caltech is quickly becoming the premier destination for STEM subjects in the United States and around the world. The school isn’t Ivy League, but it was the top school in the world for five years from 2012 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Caltech is dedicated to teaching pure science (and engineering) in small classes. How small are these classes? The acceptance rate is only 8% and there are only 979 undergraduates studying there.

2.   Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT isn’t an Ivy League school, and at this point, it’s unclear why.

If you’re a STEM student, then there’s no better place in the United States or the world (with the exception of Cal Tech) to study. MIT is more than a name; it offers students the opportunity to not only be taught by the world’s best researchers but to participate in researcher programs even at the undergraduate level.

3.   University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is known not only for academic rigor in obscure disciplines but also for the general quirkiness that can only be afforded to high-level institutions. From the bizarre admissions questions to the infamous ScavHunt, it’s the place for those who don’t fit the cookie cutter mold of traditional Ivies to thrive.

UChicago is the place to study economics in the United States. It’s home to 5,500 students and has an acceptance of rate of 7.9%, so it’s exclusive as they come. It just hasn’t been awarded the title of Ivy League.

Ivy institutions aren’t the be all and end all of the universities. In fact, they’re not even the top universities in the world and there are many other universities outside of the three listed here that are coming for their top spots.

Are you considering an alternative Ivy? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Matthew Lynch published in Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech, Featured, Fresh, Higher Education, Higher Education EdTech

My Vision for the Future of Assessment in Education

Assessment is a big part of today’s education landscape. Most states use high-stakes assessments to measure student growth and proficiency at the end of each school year. But is this really the best way to use assessments? The future of assessment in education needs to change.

In order to really reimagine the future of assessment, we must ask ourselves what the purpose of assessments really are. In their current form, assessments are used to measure everything students have learned. High-stakes end-of-year assessments are used to determine whether students pass or fail a class. These same assessments are used to judge the performance of schools.

Rather than use assessments as the final test of what students have learned and how well teachers have taught them, we should be using assessments to measure student progress all year long. These formative assessments, as opposed to the traditional summative assessments, will change the way we think of assessments.

By using formative assessments throughout the year, teachers can measure what students have learned and where they’re struggling. This allows teachers to modify their instruction based on the results of their assessments, rather than waiting until the term is over to see what students know.

Of course, most teachers are already using assessments in just this way. Teachers adjust what they’re doing all year based on student performance. The problem is, these assessments aren’t used to make big decisions, like whether students should pass a course or how a school will be rated. By shifting our focus from what students know at the end of the year to how they’ve grown all year long, we can get a more accurate measure of student and teacher performance.

When schools are judged, the growth that students have made over the year should be weighted much more heavily than their overall achievement. This would create a more level playing field for all schools, regardless of location or students’ previous achievement.

To achieve my vision for the future of assessment in education, we need to create effective assessments that will help us measure student growth, not just achievement. This will require EdTech companies to get involved in the assessment process and create ways to track student growth. By incorporating technology into assessments, we can bring educational assessments into the 21st century.

How do you envision the future of assessments? How will EdTech be a part of that future?

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Matthew Lynch published in Featured, Fresh, Higher Education

5 Ways Colleges Are Trying to Lower the Cost of Higher Education

The rising cost of college tuition has become a highly controversial topic, even arousing the attention of politicians who debate the best ways of making higher education more affordable for all students.

Given this situation, it’s inevitable that institutions are scrambling to find ways to lower their costs.

Here are some ways in which colleges are working towards lowering costs, some with more success than others.

  1. Measuring productivity and quality. With so few objective measures available, students automatically use price as a gauge of a college’s quality. This is not always an accurate measure, and it presents an obstacle for schools that want to reduce the sticker price of tuition, as they fear potential students may view their institution as having poorer quality. In response, colleges are beginning to take a look at ways they can measure the quality of student learning and the productiveness of college staff.
  2. Making use of technology. Digital textbooks can dramatically reduce student cost, as can open education systems that provide students with opportunities to earn some of their course credit online. With more and better quality education apps appearing on the market every day, educators have many unique opportunities to provide life-changing learning experiences without the life-crippling cost.
  3. Providing more education to students and families about costs and options. Often, students begin their college experience with no real understanding of their indebtedness and how it will impact their futures. They are also kept in the dark about precisely what their tuition pays for. Colleges are beginning to provide better information about spending so students can make more informed decisions.
  4. Slashing the price of tuition, but decreasing discounts. A number of colleges have moved to a low-cost, low-discount model in which tuition is slashed almost in half, but tuition discounts are utilized far less. A potential benefit to this model is that students have a more realistic picture of exactly how much their tuition will cost. But the downside is that enrollment can decrease as potential students perceive the institution as less valuable.
  5. Reducing administrative costs. Perhaps the greatest cost afflicting colleges is in the sheer numbers of staff that they employ. While most agree that reducing the number of instructors negatively impacts the quality of instruction, administrators could be cut from college budgets with very little negative impact on the organizational structure.

There is no one right answer when it comes to reducing costs at our colleges and universities. But with costs rising every year, it is certainly an issue that can no longer be ignored.

 

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Matthew Lynch published in Education Leadership, Featured, Fresh, Teachers

Improve teacher evaluation systems with these ideas

If any disconnect exists between pedagogy and performance, it’s often found in teacher evaluation systems.

Ineffective and outdated teacher appraisal systems still exist despite research that points to best evaluation practices based on research. Even after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which spurred school reform, some districts lag in adopting effective teacher evaluation systems.

These teacher evaluations systems often fail in guiding teachers to adopt reflective practices that will improve student achievement. The reasons include reliance on a single classroom visit to assess skill, a do-what-I-say approach to professional development, and a top-down approach to assessing quality teaching.

In some cases,  administrator-driven evaluations seem rushed, almost as though the evaluator is trying to beat a deadline rather than improve practice.

Teachers deserve appraisal systems designed to help them increase their capacity to improve student performance.

Rather than continue evaluative practices that are woefully out of sync with today’s teaching, we can improve our current teacher evaluation systems with ideas like these.

Keep the instruments simple but not simplistic

Teacher evaluation systems should be efficient to use, but not so oversimplified that teacher behavior can be assessed with a checklist. Simple rubrics and frameworks can prioritize instructional expectations and provide meaningful feedback in bite-sized chunks. This practice makes reflection and correction manageable and actionable.

Think formative, not summative

Making a single, end-of-year evaluation is like taking a single snapshot and hoping to catch something good in the photo.

When development is the key focus of an evaluation system, teachers respond more favorably to evaluative measures. Specifically, teachers who receive multiple evaluations throughout the year are more likely to pinpoint areas of need and work on improving them.

Think of formative evaluations as a way to set goals and check off milestones throughout the school year.

Create feedback loops

Reflective practice improves teaching, but only if it’s meaningful. Because they are the ones in the classroom, teachers must have a say in what their evaluation instruments look like. They need continuous feedback about their performance not only from administrators but also from their peers. Finally, they also need an opportunity to compare the data they collect and reflect on  their practice. Then they can determine their next steps in professional development.

Hire instructional coaches

An instructional coach can help teachers move forward in meeting their professional goals.

The coach serves as a non-partisan sounding board who encourages teachers and helps them break out of old behaviors that weren’t productive. As teachers reflect on their classroom practices, the instructional coach assists with finding best practices and encourages them to try new techniques in the classroom.

In summary

Improving teacher evaluation systems and making them more effective is a good idea.

Effective changes to teacher evaluation systems have produced positive feedback from teachers and teachers’ unions. They find that appraisal instruments focused on improving skill rather than serving as a “gotcha” provide valuable information that teachers can put to use right away.

There’s no better time to improve the quality of teacher evaluation systems. Let’s think of the appraisal process as one marked with stepping stones that help teachers select a path in their journey toward quality instruction.

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Matthew Lynch published in Ask An Expert, Assistive Technology, Career Readiness, Child Development Tech, Classroom Management,

The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents

Education is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. One of the most integral parts of this collaborative team is parents, as teachers know all so well. So, if you are a teacher struggling to increase parental engagement, how do you fix this issue? In this episode, we will discuss 7 ways that digital age teachers win over parents.

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Matthew Lynch published in Featured, Fresh, International Education

Travel to these 10 international education conferences in 2019

When you’re ready to explore educational ideas, trends, and strategies at an international level, you’re ready to include these conferences in your professional development portfolio.

  1. Education World Forum 2019

Improving education worldwide is a collaborative process. The Education World Forum attracts delegates from more than 90 countries. Hosted by the British Council, the forum goal is to bring researchers and educational leaders and influencers from around the world to explore issues and discuss solutions. Even if you can’t attend, you should be aware that this is the forum that generates top-level ideas that inspire action.

January 20-23, 2019/London, UK (Registration: by invitation)

  1. Bett 2019

Bett seeks to transform education through innovative technology on a global level. The nearly 35,000 attendees from more than 130 countries will come together to discuss how education and technology can help learners achieve more. The top names in technology subsidize this event, and you’’ meet new edtech startups as well.

January 23-26, 2019/London, UK (Registration: free)

  1. LESE

This 5th Lisbon Research Workshop on Economics, Statistics, and Econometrics of Education attracts students, researchers, and analysts looking for a presentation and learning forum. Discuss research methods, application, and view quantitative results. You’ find the keynote speakers inspirational and motivational, and the sessions to be informative.

January 24-25, 2019/Lisbon, Portugal (Registration: TBD)

  1. INTCESS 2019

The 6th International Conference on Education and Social Sciences brings together experts, researchers, and academics from every country interested in discussing the latest developments in education, social sciences, and the humanities. The international forum allows participants to share ideas and trends that impact social sciences.

February 4-6, 2019/Dubai/UAE (Registration: TBD)

  1. ICHER 2019

The 3rd Int’l Conference on Higher Education Research will focus on educational reform, ethics, strategy planning, and measurement, to name just a few of the topics being explored. The focus is on higher education, and researchers and academics will share research and methodologies.

March 23-25, 2019/Xi’an, China (Registration: $400-$600 USD)

  1. CICE-2019

The Canada International Conference on Education is refereed, and it focused on improving all facets of education including research, foundations, issues, and pedagogy. Registration includes conference luncheons, refreshments, and a local tour.

June 24-27/ Mississauga, Canada (Registration: $600 CAD)

  1. ADVED 2019

When the 5th International Conference on Advances in Education and Social Sciences convenes in October, education, social sciences, and humanities take top priority. Attendees will learn about the latest trends and policies, learn about new research, and explore career and employment offers.

October, 2019/Istanbul, Turkey (Registration: $240-$450 USD)

  1. 6th Teaching & Education Conference 

Hosted by the International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, this conference will focus on instruction, language, higher education and lifelong learning, educational policymaking, and distance education strategies. Registration includes two local tours.

October 1-4, 2019/Vienna, Austria (Registration TBD USD)

  1. OEB 2019

OEB Global and Learning Technologies Germany attract 2,000 attendees from 80 countries to learn about best practices in developing educational policy and leading educational organizations. This conference will center around the theme of the empowered learner. Topics will include instructional design, ownership in learning, and future implications of education.

November, 2019/London, UK (Registration: TBD)

  1. ICEAP 2019

The International Conference on Education and Psychology provides a venue for researchers and scholars to present new research and explore ideas related to education and psychology. The 2018 conference in November is in Bangkok, Thailand; check the website soon for 2019 information.

Dates and location TBA (Registration: TBD)

These international education conferences will have you thinking about education in new and transformative ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Matthew Lynch published in EdTech Policy & Reform, Featured, Fresh, Policy & Reform

10 reform and school improvement conferences you’ll need in 2019

Reform and school improvement remain a hot topic among educators looking for ways to effect change. When you must improve student achievement, you’ll want to be at these ten conferences that will help you transform learning.

  1. ExcellinEd National Summit on Education Reform

The ExcellinEd Summit presents the most effective strategies used in education today, and they reveal what the upcoming trends will be. Attend this conference to stay ahead in your field. The date and location below are for 2018; 2019 information has not been released yet. Get on the mailing list to be among the first to register when they release the 2019 venue details.

November 20-21, 2019/San Diego, CA: Registration Link

  1. The IAFOR International Conference on Education – Hawaii 2019

With the them “Independence & Interdependence,” the 2019 IAFOR conference sessions will explore the idea that educating children is not an act done in isolation. Education is the result of culture and context. Presenters will share their experiences in creating school improvement through independence and interdependence.

January 3-5, 2019, 2018/Honolulu, HI (RegistrationTBD)

  1. 2019 AASA Conference

When it comes to reform and school improvement, school leaders are most effective when they can connect with other like-minded leaders who are on the same journey to school excellence. This conference brings together superintendents and policymakers to connect and collaborate of reform strategies that make a difference in education.

February 14-16, 2019/Los Angeles, CA (Registration: TBD)

  1. 2019 Whole School Reform Conference

WSR2019 offers keynotes, breakouts, panel discussions, and sessions where educators will ponder, discuss, and reflect on practices to transforms schools. This year’s theme is “How do we push beyond perceptions of race and poverty to attain high achievement?”

February 15-18, 2019/Atlanta, GA (Registration: multiple options available; check website)

  1. Innovative Schools Summit

With three venues around the country, you won’t miss an Innovative Schools Summit. Practicing educators and top-notch consultants share research-based strategies and exclusive insights that you can introduce to your school when you return.

March 21-24, 2019/Orlando, FL (Registration: $325-$475)

June 19-22, 2019/Atlanta, GA (Registration$350-$450)

July 9-12, 2019/Las Vegas, NV (Registration: $350-$450)

  1. Summit on Improvement in Education

Hosted by the Carnegie Foundation, this conference showcases bests practices in school transformation. You’ll hear about lessons learned and aspirations achieved when it comes to improving student achievement, especially for disadvantaged and underserved students. You’ll be among educators, researchers, and philanthropists who are seeking ways to work together for school transformation.

April 16-18, 2019/San Francisco, CA (Registration: TBD)

  1. 27th Annual Model Schools Conference

Speakers and presenters at the Model School Conference shape school reform. Innovation and urgency take the forefront as more than 5,000 educators convene at this conference to share the best practices in education and how to sustain them for last school transformation.

June 23-26, 2019/Washington, DC (Registration: $595)

  1. BbWorld19

Change begins here, with BbWorld. Conference leaders bring together speakers, emerging technologies, experts, and thought-leaders to share best practices in transforming schools and improving students achievement at all levels in the education continuum.

July 23-25, 2019, 2018/Austin,TX (Registration: TBD)

  1. The AIE Conference

The Advancing Improvement in Education Conference (AIE) inspires school leaders to make bold changes in improving schools for greater student achievement. Attendees participate in sessions that are cutting-edge, inspiring, and motivational. Attend this conference, and you’ll walk away with renewed courage to transform your school.

Dates and location for 2019 are pending (Registration: TBD)

  1. LearningForward

Expect five days of fast-paced, engaging, and informative sessions aimed at helping you make dynamic changes when improving student achievement. You’ll leave this conference with practical strategies and tools and that you can implement immediately when you return to your school. This year’s conference takes place in Dallas during the first week of December (2018). Get on the mailing list, so you don’t miss the 2019 conference.

Dates and location for 2019 are pending (Registration: TBD)

Register early for these conferences so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn transformative change.

 

 

 

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Matthew Lynch published in Ask An Expert, Assessment, Assistive Technology, Black Boys in Crisis, Child Development Tech,

The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

Being a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next generation of students have qualified teachers, we must nip this phenomenon in the bud. In this episode, we will discuss 8 ways that digital age teachers avoid burning out.

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Matthew Lynch published in Education Leadership, Featured, Fresh, Policy & Reform

The 10 Best Education Leadership & Education Policy Conferences of 2019

Education leaders know that they have to stay on top of current research and trends to remain effective in their roles. That’s why they look for the best education and education policy conferences each year.

Your commitment to innovation and excellence is time well spent when you meet with leaders and policymakers to collaborate on timely issues facing today’s schools.

Try these top conferences in 2019:

1. AIEA 2019 Annual Conference

Higher education leaders and administrators attend this conference to discuss emerging ideas and network with international colleagues and discuss innovative strategies in leadership.

January 20-23, 2019/San Francisco, CA (Registration: $550)

2. 2019 AASA Conference

Superintendents and education leaders attend the School Superintendents Association conference to hear thought leaders and innovators as they present current research and cutting-edge practices in education. This conference provides senior leadership with multiple opportunities to connect with peers and learn about new trends in school leadership.

February 14-16, 2019/Los Angeles, CA (Registration: TBD)

3. SXSWEdu

When you combine the intensity of a conference with the spirit of a festival, you get SXSWEdu. Attendees converge on the musical capital of the world to immerse themselves in research, innovation, and networking opportunities to effect educational transformation back home. You won’t want to miss out on the synergy this event offers.

March 4-7, 2019/Austin, TX (Registration: $395)

4. ASCD Empower19 

Education leaders attend the Association for the Supervision of Curriculum Development to meet with other influencers and leaders in education. This convergence is a huge conference with sessions that encompass curriculum, instruction, and leadership at all levels.

March 16-18, 2019/Chicago, IL

5. 2019 ISN National Conference on Educational Innovation

The national conference on educational innovation brings together creative thinkers and innovative leaders to explore issues and trends in education. The focus is on finding collaborative solutions.

April 10-12, 2019/Wisonsin Dells, WI (Registration: $475)

6. Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) 63rd Annual Conference

This year’s conference theme is Education for Sustainability, which will explore the long-term impact of educational policies and their consequences.

April 14-18, 2019/San Francisco, CA (Registration: TBD)

7. SETDA

The SETDA Leadership Summit & Education Forum focuses on emerging technology leadership. Leaders for more than forty states attend this annual conference to learn about advocacy and action in educational technology.

June 21-24, 2019/Philadelphia, PA (Registration: TBD)

8. 2019 NAESP Pre-K-8 Principals Conference

Elementary and middle school principals alike come together for this conference so they can discuss best practices and uncover innovative solutions for pressing problems in education.

July 10-12, 2019/Spokane, WA (Registration: $475)

9. 2019 NASSP Conference

Principals and educational leaders from around the country come to this annual conference to discover innovative solutions to pressing school problems, gain new knowledge, and network with peers.

July 18-20, 2019/Boston, MA (Registration: TBD)

10. New Schools Summit

This exclusive conference by invitation only, but if you get invited, go. Over 1,000 education leaders and policy makers convene at the annual New Schools Summit to share ideas and spark innovation in educational leadership.

Dates and times TBD

Take time from your busy schedule to get yourself a seat at some of these top conferences in leadership and education policy. The experience will be well worth your investment.

 

 

 

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