Forward Thinking: EdTech Insights - May 2024

Welcome Message

Welcome to the 3rd Edition of "Forward Thinking: EdTech Insights"

Welcome to our latest edition of the Forward Thinking EdTech Digest! This month, we're all about igniting that entrepreneurial fire within you. Whether you're part of a big organization, an educational institution, or a startup, we know that entrepreneurial spirit is what drives innovation and growth.

Inside our magazine, you'll find a handpicked selection of expert advice, inspiring success stories, and cutting-edge strategies to fuel your ambitions. From insights shared by industry leaders like Josh Chernikoff and Connie Steele to a deep dive into the latest trends shaping the entrepreneurial landscape, there's something for everyone.

Our team of experts is dedicated to bringing you solutions to the challenges you face, whether you're leading a team or venturing out on your own. Plus, don't forget to check out our range of services, including resources, training, and consulting, designed to support your growth and success.

Dr. Sher Downing Editor’s Note

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Got a burning question or a topic you'd like us to cover? Drop us an email at edtechclients@downingedtechconsulting.com, and we'll make sure to address it in an upcoming issue. Let's dive in and unleash that entrepreneurial spirit together!

What’s Trending

We’ve gathered some articles to get you thinking about what’s next in the industry.

Below are the key trends we're keeping a close eye on in K12, Higher Ed, Entrepreneurship, and Business. From analyzing the post-pandemic effects on learners to continuously adjusting to the preferences of new generations and seizing emerging opportunities, we aim to provide insights into the topics shaping today's EdTech landscape.

K12 - How to overcome the pandemic K-12 learning loss (subscription only)

K12 - Unlocking Title III: How Vendors Can Better Serve English Learners The Federal Program Offers Support for School District Programs Focused on Language Instruction, PD, and Family Engagement

K12 - Federal coordinating council formed to support K-12 cybersecurity

K12 - AI, Adaptive Nano-Learning, and Predictive Analytics. Are we venturing into a new normal for teaching and learning?

Higher Education

The Rural Workforce is Changing. Colleges are Scrambling to Keep Up

What’s Trending

Top Publications Entrepreneurs Should Read

As an entrepreneur, your schedule might often feel packed with tasks and appointments, leaving little room for reading. However, carving out time for it can greatly benefit you. Staying updated with the latest information and learning from best practices can provide you with a broader perspective and valuable tools for implementation. Here's a curated list of top publications to help you get started:

Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Inc., Wired, Fast Company, Bloomberg Business Week, Fortune, and The Economist. If you depend on assistance from others, we encourage you to share those resources with us!

Higher Education

How Gen Z is becoming the toolbelt generation. Gen Z is defined as an age range from 11 - 26 years old.

Higher Education

Actionable strategies for integrating AI into the classroom.

Entrepreneurship

10K to 100K MRR: Strategies for Non-Tech Founders to Grow Their Tech Startup

Business

Less pay for less stress.

Business

4 Key Action Items for Vendors From the National Ed Tech Plan

Tech Tool Box

We're living in an AI-driven world, and you've likely been utilizing it longer than you realize. The early products laid the initial foundations of AI (think Alexa and Siri), and now AI has taken center stage in usage While other tools exist, they are expanding to offer various AI options Here's a list of suggested tools to help set up your entrepreneurial business:

eMail Marketing: Mailchimp https://mailchimp.com/ Constant Contact https://www.constantcontact.com/

Design software: Canva www.canva.com

Communication: Slack https://slack.com/ MS Teams https://www.microsoft.com/enus/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software Zoom https://zoom.us/

CRM solutions:

HubSpot www.hubspot.com Zoho https://www.zoho.com/

Project Management:

Asana https://asana.com/ Trello https://trello.com/ Monday.com https://monday.com/

Accounting Tools:

QuickBooks https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ Xero https://www.xero.com/us/ FreshBooks https://www.freshbooks.com/

Cloud Storage Solutions: Google Drive www.google.com

Dropbox www.dropbox.com

MS OneDrive www.microsoft.com

Social Media Management: Hootsuite www.hootsuite.com

Buffer www.buffer.com

Sprout Social www.sproutsocial.com

If you're unsure about your needs, we're here to assist you. With our experience in testing and implementing various products, feel free to reach out and ask us how we can help you today!

Events & Resources

2024 EdTech Conference Calendar

Explore the latest in educational technology conferences organized by leading education associations and industry groups in 2024. Use the filters in the table below to sort by sector, geography, and date. Look for the "Industry" tag to find conferences with a strong focus on business, investment, and finance.

https://www.reachcapital.com/2024-edtech-conference-calendar/

SCHEDULEANAPPOINTMENT

SEEHOWWECANHELPMOVEYOURIDEASFORWARD

Class Central - List of Learning Conferences in 2024

Class Central has compiled a list of online learning conferences taking place in 2024. This list is updated as new events are announced. There is also a list of conference recordings with hundreds of hours of online educational talks.

https://www.classcentral.com/report/online-learning-conferences/

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A System to Align Passion and Growth Potential

Get the first book to help professionals and entrepreneurs navigate the uncertain post-pandemic world of work while aligning personal purpose and professional advancement.

Building the Business of You shares the trends of tomorrow so professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, founders, and side hustlers can “skate where the puck will be” and make their own career mashup.

Connie has seen firsthand that business is no longer binary, hierarchical, or absolute. It’s non-linear, collaborative, and fluid. You don’t have to start at the bottom and earn your way up; you can start at the top, as CEO of you.

Fluidity: The Future of Work (Part III)

This three-part series is focused on fluidity, which I define as the overall mental, physical, and emotional divergence from a world that is rigid, binary, and compartmentalized to one that is flexible, dynamic, and integrated. We see it in the tools we use, the organizations we work and learn in, the information we’re able to access, and how and where we’re able to learn.

And in this article, we’re going to examine how fluidity is part of who we are.

FLUIDITY OF INDIVIDUAL WORK-LIFE

This was already happening slowly, but the pandemic hastened the blending of our personal and professional lives. The reality is that, for many of us, our work, classroom, and home are all the same place and other people are using that same space too. Successfully navigating this requires context-switching, all the time.

For example, all parents are now familiar with hopping between schooling their child and putting out work fires. We’re all having to become project managers for our own lives, filtering through the unified inbox of work and life. And that context changes how we need to accommodate others as well.

FLUIDITY OF IDENTITY

The youngest generations grew up in a world where they could switch between any kind of app, learn any skill, build, or design whatever they needed. They've done it their whole lives. So, it makes sense that they are less rigid about who they feel they are.

People are able to see others from varied cultures and identities, and this visibility and access gives them a more comprehensive language to

understand their own identities. Gender fluidity is one such example.

So, the leaders in our organizations and classrooms need to understand and acknowledge the breadth of identities and the language people use to express themselves. It might feel convenient and easy to try putting people in familiar boxes, but the human experience is vast and varied, and people are more receptive to learning when we acknowledge that.

THE ROAD AHEAD

When it comes to the future of work, fluidity applies at multiple levels. Most people focus on this from a technology or process-efficiency standpoint. But when you view it from a human perspective, it compels a shift in thinking.

Millennials are currently the largest working generation and Gen-Z, who have already been breaking tradition and making waves, will make up 30% of the workforce by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics. In 10 years, they're going to be running most organizations. But they have a different mindset from previous generations. They have a different belief system. They have a different philosophy in the way they work and learn. They will soon become the executive decision-makers. None of this can be changed and it doesn't need to be.

By simply understanding what is happening, you can successfully position yourself for the change overtaking the modern workplace. Because ultimately, change always brings opportunity.

Free lead generation class June 4th + 5th

Are you in?!

Most education founders started their companies to make a difference in the world. They didn’t start their business to spend all day trying to find clients.

But they often spend months trying to DIY things and struggle to get any sales calls booked….

Or they end up hiring expensive agencies - those agencies don’t understand the education space well enough to help them stand out and sell out.

Because no one knows your product or service better than you

Sure, you can outsource lead generation, but you can control it only once you have set the strategic direction and set up the system.

What you need is:

1. To get clarity on how to communicate your value to the market.

2. Get clear on who your ideal client is. 3. Know exactly how to target them and get in front of them.

4. Have the right messaging to attract, nurture and convert them so you can book consistent sales calls - every single week.

5. Set up a repeatable, scalable system

And then you can train a team to work that system.

Because high conversions only come when you have a top-notch system in place to attract, nurture, qualify, and close leads… consistently.

So, if you want to know how to build your powerful lead generation engine, then you’re going to want to pull up a seat at my brand-new FREE masterclass:

3 Secrets to Build a Lead Generation Engine…

In this masterclass, you’ll learn:

• How to book calls with decision-makers who want to buy your product

• Powerful techniques to qualify your prospects and make sure you're attracting the right people.

• Why lead generation is a quality game (not a quantity game!)

• One little used tool to get immediate responses and book more sales calls this week.

• PLUS, one thing most people skip - that will 10x your conversions… and help you clearly communicate the value of your service or product.

In short - it’s everything that’s working now in 2024, for education companies to get more leads and more sales on repeat!

But you must now: space is limited, so SAVE YOUR SEAT NOW!

Are you joining me fellow Founder/CEO in education?

Our Recent Episode

In the most recent episode of the EdTech Speaks podcast, Dr. Sher Downing interviews Francie Jain.

In this episode, we delve into Terawatt, a pioneering B2B marketplace revolutionizing the coaching industry by offering affordable and accessible group coaching. Francie Jain introduces us to their innovative approach of recruiting and vetting expert coaches, then providing services to multiple individuals, allowing costs to be shared among them.

This unique method promotes cultural adaptation within organizations while covering a diverse array of coaching topics, including leadership, feedback, negotiation, and speaking skills. We explore the significance of effective communication in teams and organizations, highlighting how coaching can enhance understanding and goal achievement.

Francie emphasizes, "The more you understand about yourself and the more you're able to connect with others, great things happen." Join us as we unravel the journey of creating a coaching services marketplace, empowering individuals to navigate career transitions and reach their full potential.

Listen in HERE!

The Power of Think Tanks: Why Entrepreneurs Should Embrace Thought Partnerships

In the fast-paced world of EdTech, innovation and collaboration are key drivers of success. While entrepreneurship often conjures images of lone visionaries forging ahead on their own, the reality is that partnering with think tanks and thought leaders can significantly enhance an entrepreneur's journey. In this article, we explore why entrepreneurs should actively seek out think tanks and thought partnerships in the realm of educational technology.

Fostering Innovation Through Collaboration:

Think tanks and thought partnerships bring together diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences not easily gained by an entrepreneur except at the end of a long and toilsome journey. By collaborating with industry experts, educators, researchers, and policymakers, entrepreneurs gain access to invaluable insights and ideas that can fuel innovation in EdTech. These partnerships create fertile ground for brainstorming, experimentation, and the co-creation of solutions to complex challenges facing education today.

Accessing Specialized Knowledge and Resources:

Think tanks are often home to cutting-edge research, data, and analysis in the field of education. By engaging with these organizations, entrepreneurs can tap into a wealth of knowledge and resources that can inform their product development, market strategy, and decision-making processes. Whether it's staying abreast of emerging trends or needs, understanding the latest pedagogical approaches, or accessing funding opportunities, think tanks can serve as invaluable sources of support and guidance for EdTech startups and established brands alike.

Building Credibility and Trust:

Partnering with established think tanks and thought leaders can lend credibility and legitimacy to an entrepreneur's endeavors in the EdTech space. By associating with reputable organizations, institutions, and industry experts, entrepreneurs signal to investors, customers, and stakeholders that they are serious about making a meaningful impact in education. This can open doors to funding, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach for startups operating in isolation.

Contributed by: Matthew Ramey Chief Strategy Officer

Navigating Regulatory and Policy Landscape:

Education is a highly regulated industry. Whether you are talking about institutional policies, governmental regulations, accreditation standards, or quality improvement initiatives there are many hurdles to cross, requirements to understand, and measurements to be made when developing new products or services in the EdTech space. Think tanks, thought leaders and partnerships often play a crucial role in shaping the industry. Entrepreneurs involved in these collaborative partnerships gain insights into the current landscape of EdTech, stay informed about trends, and requirements and have a voice in shaping the future of education.

Cultivating a Culture of Lifelong Learning:

At its core, entrepreneurship is about learning, iterating, and adapting to changing circumstances. Think tanks and thought partnerships provide entrepreneurs with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Engaging in dialogue with thought leaders, participating in research projects, and attending events and conferences hosted by these organizations enriches entrepreneurs' understanding of the evolving landscape of education and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their field..

In conclusion, entrepreneurs in the EdTech space stand to benefit immensely from getting involved in think tanks and thought partnerships. From fostering innovation and accessing specialized knowledge to building credibility and navigating the regulatory landscape, the advantages of collaboration with think tanks are multi-faceted. By embracing thought partnerships, entrepreneurs can open doors and if not “fast-track” development, gain insights into the better path to travel, amplify their impact, and create positive relationships for their growing business.

Unlocking the Potential of Freelance Talent

Written by: Jeremy Hopper Senior DirectorofLearningSolutions

With today's rapidly evolving economy and the entry and advancement of younger generations of workers, the traditional workforce is going through some big changes. Remote work is on the rise and the gig economy is highly sought after. As a result, businesses are increasingly turning to freelance employees to meet their needs, especially in EdTech and Design fields.

Hiring freelancers offers numerous advantages for organizations, including flexibility, specialized expertise, and cost-effectiveness. However, navigating the freelance workforce requires careful planning and execution. So, what is it we need to consider?

Understanding the Freelance Landscape

Before diving directly into the hiring process, it's important to have a clear understanding of the freelance landscape. Freelancers come from diverse backgrounds and possess a wide range of skills and expertise. And their approach to freelancing can be just as varied. They may work on a project-by-project basis or they may provide ongoing support to businesses in various capacities. They also may be working with other clients in tandem with you. Ultimately, it comes down to finding someone who aligns with your needs.

Defining Your Needs

When hiring freelance employees, it is important to define your needs clearly. What specific skills are you looking for? What is the scope and duration of your project or employment term? What deliverables do you expect? By outlining your requirements and establishing a clear job posting upfront, you can better target your search and attract candidates who are the right fit for the job.

Finding the Right Talent

Once you've defined your needs, it’s time to find the talent. There are numerous platforms dedicated to connecting employers with freelance professionals, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. Of course, there is always the option to post on LinkedIn and Indeed as well. Whatever the case, you can utilize these platforms to browse profiles, review portfolios, and reach out to potential candidates.

Protecting Your Business

When hiring freelance employees, it's essential to protect your business interests. This may include signing a contract outlining the terms of the engagement, including confidentiality agreements, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Taking these precautions can help mitigate risks and safeguard your business.

Managing the Relationship

Once you've hired a freelance employee, it's essential to manage the relationship effectively. Establish and deploy proper communication channels, chains of command, and working expectations. Maintain regular communication, evaluate their performance, provide feedback, and address any issues or concerns promptly. Building a positive working relationship based on trust and respect is crucial for achieving successful outcomes.

Virtual Assistant: Kickstart Your Career in the Digital Age

Written by: Summer Zifko Innovations Officer

In today's fast-paced digital world, the traditional nine-to-five job is no longer the only path to success. I've witnessed firsthand and I stand as proof that embracing virtual assistance can transform your career. If you're considering stepping into the world of virtual assistance, here's why it could be the perfect fit for you, along with practical tips to help you get started.

Why Become a Virtual Assistant?

1. Flexibility: Virtual assistance offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to set your own schedule and work from anywhere with an internet connection.

2. Diverse Opportunities: As a virtual assistant, you'll have the opportunity to work with clients from various industries and backgrounds.

3. Entrepreneurial Freedom: Virtual assistance is not just a job; it's a gateway to entrepreneurship. As your own boss, you'll have the freedom to choose the clients you work with, set your rates, and scale your business on your terms.

How to Get Started:

1. Identify Your Skills: Take inventory of your skills and expertise, both from your corporate experience and entrepreneurial ventures. Highlighting your strengths will help you attract the right clients.

2. Define Your Niche: Consider specializing in a particular industry or service offering to stand out in a crowded market. Whether it's real estate, e-commerce, or health and wellness, carving out a niche will position you as an expert in your field and attract clients seeking specialized support.

3. Build Your Online Presence: Establish a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your services and expertise. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, and Fiverr to connect with potential clients and showcase your portfolio.

Practical Tips for Success:

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with your clients regarding working hours, communication channels, and project timelines. Setting expectations upfront will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensure client satisfaction.

2. Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and tools relevant to virtual assistance. Whether it's attending webinars, taking online courses, or joining virtual assistant communities, continuous learning will keep you ahead of the curve and enhance your skill set.

3. Provide Exceptional Service: Strive to deliver exceptional service to every client, exceeding their expectations and building long-term relationships. Consistent professionalism, reliability, and quality work will earn you rave reviews and referrals, driving the growth of your virtual assistance business.

Building a successful virtual assistance business requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to hustle. By leveraging your skills, defining your niche, and providing exceptional service, you can create a new career path. So why wait?