Welcome all to the first issue of 2019! As another year begins, we’re focusing on a topic that is surely on the minds of most across the sector – budgets.
Somewhat of the elephant in the room when it comes to edtech, budget restrictions are one of the most oft-cited issues by both suppliers and educators, so in this issue we look at some of the ways in which budget problems can be alleviated, and hear from some prominent names in the sector about what they believe should be first and foremost in the investment battle.
Our roundtable this month takes a close look at what systems and workarounds are available to allow schools and universities to invest in tech whilst not rupturing budgets. Check out what four industry experts think on page 37.
Our special feature is all about predictions for the headline edtech of 2019. We look at the current landscape, and talk to edtech non-profits and vendors about what they expect to see steal the spotlight over the next 12 months. Hear what they have to say on page 31.
When it comes to budgeting, strategy is king, and in our feature on page 45, we delve into the essential role that big data plays in ensuring that technology is deployed and run in efficient ways. From learner data analysis to smart campus solutions, an institution’s data is the key to plenty of streamlining opportunities.
Our profile this month also looks at the importance of data. Strategist Andy Youell speaks to ET about his views on what it can do for HE on page 59.
Our final feature touches on collaboration in the classroom, but rather than focus on peer-to-peer and teacher-to-student connections exclusively, we ask how teachers can work in tandem with technology to implement an effective learning experience. See what we find out on page 51.
All this, and lots more inside the mag!
We have some big plans here at Education Technology for the coming year, but stand assured we will continue to bring you the best in news from the UK and beyond, as well as insightful opinion pieces and informative infographics and stats, all of which you can also find in this issue.
Stay tuned for updates, and as always, please do drop me a line at [email protected] with any stories or topics you’d like to see us cover.
Thanks for joining us for another year of edtech coverage; we’re excited to see what it brings.
Yours,
Charley Rogers
Editor
Education Technology