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SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. betterU / Ottolearn launch FREE COVID-19 mobile resource toolkit to fight the global crisis – Click here for more information.

How Geopolitics Are Influencing The Edtech Market

• EdTech market is already quite robust and healthy from a fiscal standpoint, and its foothold in the educational world is only going to increase as the years go on
• With EdTech booming all over the world, and exponentially in growing powers such as China and India, there is a wave of geopolitical maneuvering which is cresting alongside the increased proliferation of educational technology

By Matthew Lynch

The EdTech market is already quite robust and healthy from a fiscal standpoint, and its foothold in the educational world is only going to increase as the years go on. With EdTech booming all over the world, and exponentially in growing powers such as China and India, there is a wave of geopolitical maneuvering which is cresting alongside the increased proliferation of educational technology.

The global demand for the newest educational technology is shifting the balance of power in interesting ways. With a noted entrenchment and stagnation in enrollment numbers and EdTech investment in the United States, companies are looking globally to expand their footprints and build their clientele. 

With that, the specter of geopolitical power struggles looms large as emerging markets look to take the lead in the EdTech sector.

The United States Is In Danger Of Falling Behind 

While the United States educational technology market isn’t flagging in the slightest, it’s reached a plateau when it comes to spending and demand for enrollment. Projections for American enrollment numbers in online learning courses are remarkably conservative considering the rapid rise of EdTech. 

In addition, spending by United States companies on educational technology seems to be stuck in neutral. Spending has capped in the $1.0 billion to $1.6 billion range over the past five years. It’s not expected to exceed that anytime soon.

This noted stagnation has opened the door for the aforementioned emerging markets, such as India and China, to take the reins of the Ed Tech boom. And seeing that educational technology is only going to grow exponentially by all measures over the next couple of decades, this gives those markets a unique geopolitical upper hand that they may not have had prior.

Is The Balance Of Geopolitical Influence Set To Shift?

Per a report by the folks over at HolonIQ, 70% of the global investment in education technology over the past 12 months has come from just two markets – India and China.

Furthermore, four of the five biggest educational technology deals over the past 12 months happened in China. There are no signs of an impending slowdown, either.

According to the HolonIQ report, “the US and Europe will steadily lose ground to China and India” over the course of the next two decades in regards to control of the educational technology market.

This falls in line with a number of other promising fiscal trends in China and India. There’s an influx of new money in both of these markets and a solid chunk of it is going into educational technology.

With that influx, China and India are bound to gain key geopolitical influence when it comes to both the quality of education of their citizens and the undeniable link between fiscal strength and geopolitical power.

Concluding Thoughts

The rise of emerging markets, such as China and India, is extremely apparent in the shift of power with the educational technology sector. The healthier these markets become, the more likely they will be to increase their dominance in the EdTech sector.

And with EdTech becoming an integral sector to the health of the global economy and the citizens contributing to that, the link between EdTech influence and geopolitical power is only set to strengthen.

Source: https://www.thetechedvocate.org/how-geopolitics-are-influencing-the-edtech-market/

• As COVID-19 spread around the world, its speed was surpassed only by the rapid transmission of misinformation.
• betterU Ready-To-Go COVID-19 toolkit is available, free, to anyone with an internet-connected device. betterU is building and maintaining the content, and OttoLearn is providing free usage licenses

By: Pamela S. Hogle

In the wake of disruption to education, business, and leisure, threats to the health and lives of millions of people, betterU CEO Brad Loiselle knew he had to do something.

He needed a platform to deliver vetted, accurate information, including text and video resources, to users of all ages, anywhere in the world. It had to be mobile-first, and it had to be available in multiple languages. 

betterU had started working with OttoLearn in 2019 to create and distribute corporate training globally. That’s how Loiselle knew that OttoLearn was the right tool to get accurate information on COVID-19 into people’s hands, fast.

OttoLearn & betterU deliver free COVID-19 toolkit

Ottawa-based betterU is a multilingual digital learning powerhouse, with a library of educational and training content, Ready-To-Go, that comprises training for dozens of industries. With betterU customers and learners spanning the globe, Loiselle knew that his company was ideally positioned to make a difference.

In 2019, Loiselle had searched for a scalable platform to upskill millions of workers in India, in multiple languages. He needed to provide mobile eLearning without requiring complicated individual integrations for each customer.

Extensive research on eLearning platforms from vendors around the world led Loiselle to his own backyard — Winnipeg-based eLearning experts at Neovation Learning Solutions and their OttoLearn Agile Microlearning platform. OttoLearn’s mobile-first multilingual platform was a perfect fit for betterU’s needs. 

“I can say this confidently — it’s the most comprehensive resource toolkit that exists today. I haven’t seen anything out there so far that has brought together so many elements to support so many different people.” — betterU CEO Brad Loiselle

With OttoLearn’s rapid content building, it took Loiselle and a colleague only a week to create  a comprehensive COVID-19 toolkit.

The betterU Ready-To-Go COVID-19 toolkit is available, free, to anyone with an internet-connected device. betterU is building and maintaining the content, and OttoLearn is providing free usage licenses.

“I was thrilled to partner with Brad and betterU to quickly bring this vital resource to users globally — at their moment of greatest urgency.” — Neovation Learning Solutions CEO Dan Belhassen

Essential information at users’ fingertips

As of early April, the resource kit was already available in six languages, with 14 more in the works. Loiselle made sure the content was accessible to all users — the toolkit even includes video resources that feature sign-language interpretation.

“The great thing about [OttoLearn] is it has the ability to convert text-based information into different languages. It’s a huge advantage.” — betterU CEO Brad Loiselle

The COVID-19 toolkit covers multiple “tracks” or types of information, including:

• Updates, charts, and directives from governmental and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the World Economic Forum, and country-by-country resources
• Factual information about COVID-19, its spread, and its symptoms and self-care
• Work-from-home resources, such as videoconferencing links and tutorials
• Online learning and life-at-home resources, from exercise to guidance on avoiding feelings of isolation
• Age-appropriate information and resources for children
• Fun resources, ranging from songs to games and puzzles
• A comprehensive collection of all Canadian resources, assistance, government aid, including resources for indigenous communities

Some of the resources are static, while other links update in real-time to ensure accurate and current information about COVID-19. Content includes text, links, maps and infographics, videos, games, and more.

The curated content easily enables any user to quickly find related, relevant, factual information, from trusted and reliable sources — on demand and on any mobile device.

OttoLearn makes it possible

The COVID-19 toolkit showcases Otto’s abilities to rapidly create, deploy, and update information-rich content.

Key features that helped Loiselle build and deliver the COVID-19 toolkit in record time include:

• Rapid building of multimedia knowledge cards to provide factual content and links
• AI-based multilingual translation
• Mobile-first, desktop friendly delivery
• Ability to update content in real time
• Instantly scalable to unlimited users
• Responsive & skilled support team at Neovation

Loiselle also cited Neovation’s culture as a huge advantage: “Your company is so collaborative … I love your company.”

Source: https://www.ottolearn.com/post/122-quickly-deploy-critical-covid-19-resources?utm_source=Mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BetterU&utm_source=OttoLearn+Communications+Master+List&utm_campaign=c013010f3b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_17_02_01_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fb97458567-c013010f3b-178370649

SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. betterU / Ottolearn launch FREE COVID-19 mobile resource toolkit to fight the global crisis – Click here for more information.

Indian Edtech’s Demonetisation Moment? Online Learning Takes Off Under Quarantine

• Over 91% of the world’s student population is out of school currently
• This has led to a surge of users on online learning platforms
• Startups are looking to convert this temporary surge into a permanent customer base
• As per The Future Of India’s $2 Bn Edtech Opportunity Report 2020 by DataLabs by Inc42, the Indian online education market is expected to become a $1.96 Mn opportunity

By: Kritti Bhalla

Indian education system might be one of the oldest in the world, but it is definitely not the most technologically advanced in the world. But this coronavirus outbreak has brought out a different side of learning and school education with the proliferation of edtech products and services. From local schools to colleges and universities, everyone is gunning for the new reality — online learning.

With almost 91% of the world’s student population out of school for the foreseeable future, many have said it’s time to take traditional education to another technologically advanced level. After all, for how long will the education of the students get affected by lockdowns, war, natural disasters and other such situations?

Mrinal Mohit, chief operating officer at BYJU’s, believes that learning from home has gained utmost importance more than ever before due to temporary school closure. “Students need a holistic and reliable solution that helps them continue learning from the comfort of their homes.”

Following China’s footsteps, Indian edtech startups and educational institutions have also emerged as leaders in ensuring that digital learning becomes a viable option for more students regardless of their capacity to afford online learning. In fact, edtech has ensured that education is one of the last things to get impacted by the pandemic. Whether it’s schools going online, or online classes going free, every stakeholder is doing their bit to keep the cycle of education running.

For Indian edtech startups, this means a sudden influx of online users, engagements and startups. It’s similar to what played out in the Indian market soon after demonetisation in 2016, when digital payments and the cashless economy got a major boost. Can India’s edtech startups capitalise on this momentary surge?

As per The Future Of India’s $2 Bn Edtech Opportunity Report 2020 by DataLabs by Inc42, the Indian online education market is expected to become a $1.96 Mn opportunity, rising from $247 Mn in 2017. In the financial year 2018, the gross merchandise value (GMV) of edtech startups was above $120 Mn, a surge of 48% compared to FY17.

The Numbers Behind Edtech Growth

BYJU’s, which is one of the most valued edtech startups in the world, has noted a 150% surge with 6 Mn new students on the platform in March 2020. The company has noted the hike in both metro and non-metro regions.

Meanwhile, other edtech platforms have also been noting increase, especially after school started shutting down as a precautionary measure to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement for a 21-day-lockdown led to another spike in the users opting for online learning platforms.

For instance, upGrad claimed that it started noting an exponential growth in usage from February 24 to March 2, with almost 34% hike compared to the previous week. Then, in the first week of March, the company’s traction went up by 75%. Moreover, the enquiries on the platform have also increased by 50% from 2,500 to 3,800 per day.

Doubtnut, which is a video-based Q&A platform, has also noted a 76% in engagement time and 72% in the questions asked and 75% between March 20 to April 5th. The company also elaborated that it has noted a 107% increase in Beetia, 52% in Muzaffarpur, 70% in Allahabad, 29% in Hyderabad and 34% in Vizag and 187% in Vijayawada.

Meanwhile, test prep startup Testbook has noted seven lakh transactions in the last 10 days and over 150x free users in the same time period. Simplilearn has also highlighted that it has witnessed a 20% increase in terms of volume and a 100% hike in usage. Whereas, Gradeup has noted an increase of 25% to 45% users, with JEE and NEET courses gaining high tractions. LidoLearning has also witnessed a 25% hike.

Khan Academy, on the other hand, 130% year-on-year (YoY) surge between March 29 to April 5. In the same time period, the company has also noted a 1000% YoY increase in parents, 700% YoY increase in teachers and 450% YoY increase in students.

Monthly learning time on the platform in March increased by 50% YoY.  The company also noted that until last year, March was the month where the company would face a drop in usage due to term-end exams, boards and schools preparing for summer holidays.

Meanwhile, Vedantu highlighted that it adds over 50K paid users on its platform annually. However, the company has added 100K new users in just 10 days. Besides this, Vedantu is also noting a 42% user stickiness on the platform, compared to 54% of paid users.

The company also noted that there has been a high session attendance of 70% from the free users. Overall, the company has seen a surge of 52x in the number of users signing up till date, while it has noted a 10x growth since March 12.

The Bengaluru-based online tutoring startup has raised INR 96 Cr ($12.5 Mn) in an extended Series C funding round led by global investment firm Legend Capital. Vedantu’s existing investors Omidyar Ohana Holdings LLC also participated in the round.

Online open course platform Coursera, on the other hand, has noted a 325% YoY hike in new registration, 284% YoY in overall enrollment and 1747% hike in public health content in the last 30 days till April 3. Overall, the company has over 53 Mn registered learners worldwide, 2100 enterprise partnership and 4,100 active courses. In India, Coursera has 5.9 Mn registered learners.

K-12 learning startup Toppr has also noted a 100% growth in free user engagement in the last month. Meanwhile, growth in time spent on Toppr by students of senior classes (10-12) is double that of junior classes (6-9).

Read More: https://inc42.com/buzz/indian-edtechs-demonetisation-moment-online-learning-takes-off-under-quarantine/

SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. betterU / Ottolearn launch FREE COVID-19 mobile resource toolkit to fight the global crisis – Click here for more information.

Edtech startup closes $7.5m series B round led by Ant Financial-backed BAce

Miguel Cordon

• Following a string of investments in Indian education startups this year, local edtech firm Lido Learning has announced the close of its series B round at US$7.5 million
• The round pushes its total capital raised to US$10.5 million.

The capital injection was led by Ant Financial-backed BAce Capital, while new investors including Picus Capital and Paytm president Madhur Deora, along with several existing investors in Lido, also participated in the round.

Photo credit: primagefactory / 123RF

Launched in April 2019, Lido aims to provide a one-size-fits-all solution to education in India through interactive online tutorials. Every session has a maximum of six students to ensure that each child receives attention and personalized feedback.

Students are also given customized homework, remedial help, and challenges based on class performance. AD. Remove this ad space by subscribing. Support independent journalism.

With the new funds, Lido aims to extend its reach into the less populated towns in India and expand into more curriculum-focused subjects. Right now, its online coaching sessions are focused on math and science for Class 5 to Class 9 students – typically children who are 10 to 15 years old – across all major cities.

According to Lido’s founder and CEO Sahil Sheth, online tutorials are set to take off in India, owing to the country’s high-speed internet penetration. “And as more students and parents experiment with online learning in the current pandemic, the customer mindset is ready,” he added.

Lido is BAce Capital’s first edtech investment in India, and the move is part of the latter’s strategy to invest in early-stage companies in emerging economies, focusing on India and Southeast Asia.

Several other edtech companies have raised funds this year.

In January, Bengaluru-based InterviewBit secured US$20 million in a series A raise led by Sequoia India and Tiger Global. In contrast to Lido, InterviewBit offers computer science courses aimed at creating job-ready professionals. AD. Remove this ad space by subscribing. Support independent journalism.

WizKlub, another startup from Bengaluru, also raised nearly US$1 million in seed funding this year and looks to further enhance its AI-based product and expand to other markets.

More recently, Vedantu in February secured US$24 million in an extended series C round led by GGV Capital, pushing its total funding to US$85 million to date.

Source: https://www.techinasia.com/lido-closes-7m-bace