PIE news interviewed several EdTech practitioners to hear their thoughts on the impact of Covid-19 on home learning

The video which can be seen above was produced by The PIE news.  They interviewed:

• Simon Nelson, CEO of Future Learn
• Cath D’Amico, Director International of Trent University in Canada
• Graham Glass, CEO and Founder of Cypher Learning
• Nick Golding, Sales and Marketing Director, The Access Platform

Question 1: What is the immediate effect of coronavirus on EdTech?

Graham Glass answered this question by explaining that the coronavirus pandemic could last months which has generated a lot of demand for home learning tools.  He explained how purchasing cycles are being compressed.

Question 2: How will the outbreak change the education industry in the long run?

Nick Golding explained that despite being very traditional, the current situation may have some long term impact such as an increase in online learning and online recruitment.

Question 3: How are educators finding the switch to online teaching?

Cath D’Amico answered this question by explaining how some faculties will find the process straightforward, whereas others will struggle and need more support.

Question 4: Is there anything positive about the current situation?

Graham Glass mentioned that he is proud of the EdTech industry and how it is offering free home learning tools.  Nick Golding spoke about the need for community to avoid the industry descending into a ruinous state.

The PIE video channel can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/user/amythepie/videos

You can learn more about EdTech here: https://global-edtech.com/edtech-definitions-products-and-trends/

“ …even once we get through this outbreak and things return to ‘normal’, I think all of these institutions and establishments will be nervous about the extent to which thye have been reliant on physical establishments and people coming together and I think you know this will flush out many of the inefficiencies in that system that just doesn’t need to be done face to face. ”  Simon Nelson, CEO, Future Learn