How can you create an affordable and accessible EdTech product?

Talk to teachers. Talk to teachers. Talk to teachers. Many newcomers to the space ignore the experienced voices of educators. They've seen a lot go right, and a lot go wrong - so dig deep into their knowledge.

Analyzing the market for similar or existing products and understanding the environment in which your product will operate is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you identify potential competitors, their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. This information is vital for developing a strategy that differentiates your product and appeals to your target audience. Additionally, market analysis provides insights into consumer preferences, trends, and unmet needs, enabling you to tailor your product to meet market demands effectively. Ultimately, a comprehensive market analysis serves as a foundation for a well-informed and successful product launch and ongoing business operations.

An EdTech company without experienced educators is bound to fail. Especially the start-ups. The idea may sound great, but unless it solves a problem, it won't "sell".

Definitely talk to the people who will be using it the most. As a former teacher, the most frustrating EdTech products are the ones that didn't listen to stakeholder input. The people you want to use your product should be the part of the conversation and guiding you as you make a successful product.

Looking at the current trends and volatility, the first thing one must define the target audience or users of the product. If the number looks like sustainable options for a few years, one should go ahead with offering innovative solution. Looking at the gaps in the currently available solutions and improvising them will be cost effective and will be received well. For instance, one option which might work for India is to convert services into region languages to have a better reach.

Beyond adhering to WCAG and UDL principles, advanced accessible EdTech design entails integrating adaptive learning technologies. These technologies dynamically adjust the complexity of content based on individual performance, accommodating various intellectual capabilities. Addressing socio-economic factors is also crucial. Develop low-bandwidth and offline functionalities for users with limited internet access. Engage diverse focus groups during development for authentic feedback, ensuring the product meets a wide range of needs. Prioritize continuous updates based on user feedback and technological advancements, maintaining inclusivity and accessibility as user needs and digital landscapes evolve.

Develop a cost-effective EdTech product by leveraging open-source resources, cloud-based infrastructure, and scalable platforms. Prioritise user-friendly interfaces, focusing on essential features. Collaborate with educational institutions for feedback and partnerships. Utilise low-cost hardware like smartphones to enhance accessibility, ensuring affordability and widespread adoption.

Focus on designing a solution that would be simple to understand and adopt. A lot of tech companies design brilliant solutions that are often too complicated for the user to use. The moment they try it once or twice and it feels like a chore, they will go back to doing things the way they used to.

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword: it’s a central value in any effective educational marketing strategy. And it’s one that has to be implemented well. Today’s university applicants are value-driven digital natives, used to navigating a world where every corporation wants to convince them that they share their principles. They’re quick to detect inauthenticity, and they don’t hesitate to turn away from any brand/institution whose credentials don't show real, concrete commitment. Today's applicant also values sustainability, so in honouring and serving inclusivity, the need to respect sustainability goals is also true. Those aligned with student-held values prove better representatives. Digital products have the propensity to deliver on both.

In step one I talked about the importance of considering your audience before your purpose but this is a great opportunity to differentiate between incorporating things by design and simply bolting them on afterward. When you incorporate accessibility or cultural perspective or (insert important consideration here) by design it becomes a foundation of your work and lives throughout the project under its own critical influence. It is easy to say "we can add that in later" but that immediately reduces the impact and identifies it as a lower priority.

Your main strength lies in the technology you are using so make sure to use the proper tech stack. Ensure that you are utilizing cost-effective development tools and free platforms like open-source software frameworks. If your budget allows, use cloud-based platforms for scalability and affordability, as opposed to expensive server infrastructure. If applicable, allow for offline content access to cater to areas with limited internet connectivity. This all will strengthen your tech for the platform.

La selección de la tecnología debe considerar el nivel de conectividad, equipos requeridos, dispositivos, incluso energía eléctrica. Aún existen ciertas zonas que carecen de este servicio básico por lo que deben trasladarse a otras zonas para poder lograr la carga de sus equipos y conexión a internet. Ante esta realidad un producto Edtech realmente accesible, debe considerar esta situación y brindar opciones alternativas como versiones offline para los aplicativos por ejemplo.

A escolha da tecnologia depende principalmente do projeto que se espera para a EdTech. Se o objetivo for o uso pelos alunos, a tecnologia deve valorizar uma maior gama de plataformas. Se o objetivo for o corpo docente ou colaboradores técnico-administrativos, a tecnologia pode restringir e focar no desempenho. Se o objetivo for a administração, a segurança deve ser o quesito principal na escolha.

It's worth noting that there's a wealth of opportunities available within free development environments, proving to be an invaluable asset, particularly for beginners operating within limited budgets. Utilizing free tools such as NotePad+ for text editing enables effortless creation of HTML pages by intuitively highlighting various tags and their attributes. Meanwhile, Gimp serves as a robust image editor, allowing meticulous adjustments to visuals. Additionally, Audacity provides a seamless platform for voice recording. In the current landscape, even with limited language syntax knowledge, leveraging generative AI to generate initial drafts has become feasible. These drafts can then be refined through continuous interaction and refinement.

Accessible in PC and Mobile environments, and agnostic operating systems. A simple intuitive interface design is also key. Teachers will be the frontline to bring the the product forth so they must be able to understand it quickly and effectively.

Now comes the final part: launch the app and gather feedback from diverse users to identify and address accessibility and usability issues. In each update, evaluate features and content to ensure the quality. Then try to stay within your cost constraints. According to my experience, you should engage a wider audience in open-beta testing to refine your product before the full launch. Even when you launch the product try to remain up-to-date according to the industry trends.

It's so important to receive feedback at every stage of the design process and also after the product is launched. You have to be open to the possibility that the original design is flawed or doesn't offer a solution for the problem you're trying to fix.

Testes são essenciais do início ao fim do produto. O importante é não deixar esse processo para a última fase, pois pode-se perder um longo caminho caso precise refazer todo o projeto. O ideal é o lançamento de cada sprint já sair com todos os testes necessários, não só do time interno mas também como do usuário final, que muitas vezes pode contribuir com muitos feedbacks e reduzir os custos de uma pessoa de teste.

One of the best models that has proven to be successful is the ADDIE Model. The ADDIE model is an excellent way to structure an online course based on my experience. ADDIE is an acronym that stands for Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. The best way to learn how to create an online course is by following the ADDIE model. Research which model best fits your needs and always test,test, and test your product.

Tenho visto como é importante a fase de análise do desenho do curso e como isso interfere no momento da execução. Quando respeitado esse momento, as chances de sucesso são maiores. Recentemente lançamos um curso e não consideramos a questão do aluno ter uma boa conexão de internet no seu local de trabalho, o curso deveria ser feito durante o horário do expediente, mas a quantidade de pessoas acessando comprometeu a qualidade do produto. Solução: Aos profissionais matriculados foi autorizado chegar mais tarde ou sair mais cedo para concluir o curso em outro ambiente. A partir dessa situação, percebemos que há uma limitação de conexão no trabalho, eis o nosso desafio, garantir o acesso e permanência do pessoal nos cursos EaD.

Unlocking the full potential of an affordable and accessible EdTech product involves strategic marketing and distribution. In the fifth step of the journey, it's crucial to effectively communicate the value, benefits, and inclusive features of your product. Utilize diverse channels like social media, blogs, podcasts, and webinars to showcase its strengths. Distribution through app stores, websites, and online courses ensures wider reach. Consider pricing, licensing, and monetization models to maintain affordability and accessibility. Let's empower learners globally by making education truly inclusive! #EdTech #InclusiveLearning #AccessibleEducation #MarketingStrategy

Si nuestro producto ha sido diseñado para personas vulnerables, su distribución debe ir a otro nivel a fin de asegurar que realmente sea asequible y accesible. Desde la puesta en marcha por no decir estudios preliminares, los proyectos Edtech orientados a la inclusión de personas vulnerables, deben recibir todo el apoyo de organismos locales y mundiales según el impacto que se desee alcanzar en su aplicación.

Eu entendo que o comercializar um produto educacional não é como vender algo em uma prateleira: é necessário " vender" conceito, usabilidade e real necessidade para aquela necessidade.

It appears to me that the crucial question revolves around addressing the comprehension challenges faced by learners and demonstrating how the product mitigates these difficulties, thereby enhancing their learning experience. In my view, it is essential to shift the perspective by initially considering how the product contributes pedagogically. Once we have answers to this question, the promotional pitch for the product becomes self-evident.

Find out about those resellers who have reach into schools, Multi Academy Trusts, Local Authorities and Districts as they can have influence on a total solution that sits with their hardware sales. Case studies can do a good job of telling your story, educators advocating for you and the impact.

Agilidade é o grande diferencial das edtechs/startups… as possibilidades de adequação do produto às legislações e demandas dos clientes, muitas vezes não se comparam aos players mais “tradicionais”… uma edtech sempre tem uma esteira de roadmap dinâmica, o que torna a sua aplicabilidade sempre “atualizada” com as demandas reais do mercado.

Always remember why your product is being used. It's crucial to keep its purpose in focus - it's there to solve a problem or fulfill a need. Each update should reinforce this core reason for its use. Stay alert to how your product is performing. It's essential to maintain its relevance and effectiveness in the ever-evolving educational landscape. And importantly, simplicity is key. Innovation doesn’t mean complexity. Ensure that every enhancement makes your users' experience easier, not more complicated. As Katya Karam has pointed out, simplicity should be the guiding principle

Actively seeking and implementing customer feedback is crucial to improving products/services and aligning better with customer needs.

Putting something new in the market is the “easy” part. But to keep it going successfully, is the greatest challenge. This requires actively collecting user feedback and consistently enhancing the product. A good communication channel is paramount to guarantee the success of the business.

To create an affordable and accessible Edutech product, focus on open-source resources, leverage existing technologies, prioritize a user-friendly interface, and consider partnerships for content development. Keep simplicity in design to minimize costs and enhance accessibility.

Prepare to collaborate with schools or districts on deployment. Thinking you will simply sell and provide your product is simplistic. Software needs to be rostered correctly, teachers/administrators need to be trained, support needs to be provided for your product throughout the life cycle, troubleshooting with staff for the inevitable unknowns due to each school or district’s varying infrastructures and staff development structures needs to happen. I have seen many products deployed without considering these topics resulting in low usage/wasted funds. This leads to poor referrals and non-renewals. Plan with the school/district and partner throughout deployment and the entire lifecycle.

An often overlooked factor is the importance of data security and privacy, especially when dealing with minors. Ensuring robust data protection measures and compliance with educational data regulations is critical for maintaining user trust and safeguarding sensitive information.

It’s quite easy! Spend $0. Don’t bother developing one and invest in supporting high-quality, research-based instruction and in supporting teachers. The former (#edtech), over decades of research, has yielded zero significant, backed results and the latter (#teachers, #teaching) is known to be basically the only variable that matters in schooling.

When creating an EdTech product, it's crucial to consider its long-term sustainability and educational impact. This involves not only maintaining the product through updates and technical support but also ensuring that it continues to be relevant and beneficial to the educational ecosystem. Strategies could include establishing a content update plan that aligns with curricular changes, integrating with other educational tools and platforms for a more holistic approach, and utilizing data to drive not just product improvements but also pedagogical advancements. Engaging with educators for co-development can ensure the product remains pedagogically sound and effective for learning outcomes.

Es importante elegir una metodología de diseño, cómo Desing Thinking, esto permite optimizar las fases del diseño del producto y su resultado final. También, si se desarrolla en equipo, se debe organizar el trabajo con métodos específicos, como SCRUM, que permite llegar a resultados óptimos cuidando el aspecto humano.