Digital technology is transforming the future of education. The changing landscape of learning for Generation Z and beyond, and the potential of EdTech services.

In recent years, educational content and services utilizing digital technology have been expanding in educational settings. "EdTech," which integrates education and technology, has become familiar to Generation Z and beyond, who have a high affinity for digital. After tracing the evolution of education that changes with the times, we will consider how EdTech will transform the nature of education going forward.

The Impact of EdTech on Education for Generation Z and Beyond

Generation Z, born from the mid-1990s to around the 2010s, grew up with the internet as part of their daily lives, enjoying digital technology from an early age. Education was no exception. Around the 2000s, educational methods like e-learning began to permeate, bringing changes to learning styles. Furthermore, instead of education centered on one-way lectures from teachers, "active learning" methods emerged, where students actively participate in classes. Efforts shifted toward fostering education that cultivates the ability to think independently and identify and solve problems on one's own.

Emerging within this evolving educational landscape and gaining significant momentum in recent years is EdTech. EdTech is a portmanteau of "Education" and "Technology," referring to new forms of educational services leveraging digital technology.

The Current State of the EdTech Market in Japan

The EdTech market has expanded significantly in recent years. According to Nomura Research Institute's "IT Navigator 2020," the EdTech market, estimated at approximately ¥200 billion in 2019, is projected to exceed ¥300 billion by 2024. Furthermore, due to factors like school closures and increased home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has begun to become commonplace even in school settings.

New EdTech services and systems continue to emerge. Diverse offerings are available, including learning apps that make studying fun on smartphones and tools that leverage big data to support efficient learning.

Government Supports EdTech Adoption

The Japanese government has also shown an active stance toward expanding EdTech adoption. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) "GIGA School Initiative," which aims to provide one learning device (such as a PC or tablet) per student in all elementary and junior high schools, has also served as a catalyst for expanding digital learning.

Since fiscal year 2018, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has been collaborating with schools nationwide on the "Future Classroom" demonstration project, which tests new learning methods using EdTech. Furthermore, the "EdTech Introduction Subsidy 2021," which provides financial assistance to businesses handling EdTech tools for implementation costs, is also driving the spread of EdTech. Given this national stance, it is expected that EdTech will become widely integrated into educational settings in the future.

EdTech Services Revolutionizing Education Through Digital Innovation

EdTech services are anticipated not only to enhance convenience for teachers and students but also to serve as an opportunity to address social challenges in education and rethink the very nature of teaching. Let's examine the effects EdTech services are having on education through examples from Japan and abroad.

Eliminating Educational Disparities with Free Online Courses

One of the most representative EdTech services is MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which originated in the United States. This online service allows anyone to take university lectures for free, with various courses offered by world-class universities and institutions, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

MOOCs, requiring only an internet connection, enable learning anytime, anywhere. This makes them a potential solution for children who face geographical barriers to accessing higher education. Furthermore, being free of charge, they are also seen as a potential pathway to reducing educational inequality stemming from factors like household income.

Designing Optimal Learning with Adaptive Learning

The digital transformation of education has made it possible to accumulate data on each student's past responses and learning history. Leveraging this data, often termed "educational big data," can lead to the realization of adaptive learning. Adaptive learning is a method that advances learning in an optimal way according to each individual's ability and aptitude. By analyzing an individual's level of understanding and thinking patterns from accumulated educational big data, learning methods can be customized to suit that person. This offers the benefits of identifying weaknesses that are difficult to notice on one's own and advancing learning efficiently by focusing on key points.

A Japanese education-related company provides adaptive ICT teaching materials that allow students to learn at levels and paces tailored to their individual proficiency and comprehension. These materials feature functions to manage goal achievement status, progress rates, and study time, with aggregated data presented in a format easily understood by teachers and parents at a glance. Their use is expanding beyond elementary, junior high, and high schools to include cram schools and home study.

Instantly resolve questions during home study online

Educational content has emerged where students can take photos of problems they don't understand with their smartphones and post them, receiving explanations from instructors via chat or calls. This allows students to resolve doubts anytime, even when no one is nearby to ask questions during home study. It prevents leaving unclear points unaddressed, helping overcome weaknesses.

The Power of EdTech Education: From Gen Z to Society

While EdTech has brought significant transformation to the education of Generation Z and beyond, it is expected to have an even broader impact across various generations in the future.

EdTech Education is Also Used for Adult Learning

The benefits of EdTech education extend beyond students. It also provides learning opportunities for adults who wish to "go back to school." In recent years, demand has grown for "recurrent education" – returning to formal education after initially entering the workforce. Online learning powered by EdTech, being flexible in terms of time and location, is well-suited for balancing with work commitments.

Furthermore, the use of EdTech tools is expanding in business settings. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are introducing online tools for training and development. This makes it easier to track employee learning progress and can also lead to cost reductions in areas like transportation and materials.

Generation Z, familiar with EdTech, is entering the workforce

In recent years, Generation Z has graduated from school and entered the workforce. Utilizing EdTech could be key to working alongside them and developing their capabilities.

For example, many Gen Zers are said to be adept at independently researching information using digital tools. Furthermore, being accustomed to video content, they may be better suited to learning through watching videos and intuitively grasping concepts quickly, rather than through text-based study. Understanding these characteristics of Gen Z could help design more effective employee training programs.

EdTech, enabled by technological advancements, facilitates freer and more diverse learning. It offers significant benefits for both learners and educators, representing a field that opens up new possibilities. As a market that caters not only to Generation Z but also to working adults seeking to deepen their learning while employed, it remains an area to watch closely.