Educational Startups Are Key to the Future of Teaching, Expert Says

Topic discussed in a lecture at the 30th CIAED by Paula Ferreira, Director of EdTech at Vitru

The digital transformation of distance education was a highlight of the 30th International ABED Congress on Distance Education (CIAED). The lecture "Edtechs and the Transformation of Learning in Distance Education — Challenges and Opportunities," held on Wednesday (May 7), drew attention by addressing the role of educational technologies in creating new teaching formats and digital content.

Edtechs — startups and companies that use technology to solve educational challenges — are reshaping the distance learning landscape, offering innovative solutions that make learning more accessible, personalized, and effective. AI-powered platforms, gamification, augmented reality, and interactive videos are among the tools used to engage students and improve learning outcomes.

During the panel, Paula Ferreira, Director of EdTech at Vitru Educação, emphasized that the growth of these companies reflects an increasing demand for scalable, high-quality content.

"Edtechs provide resources that facilitate the production of high-quality educational materials, accessible to diverse audiences and tailored to each student’s needs. This innovation in content creation is critical to expanding education’s reach and enhancing learning results," she stated.

Paula also noted that the post-pandemic expansion of online education has accelerated the sector.

"With the rise of online learning, educational institutions, businesses, and governments are now seeking technological solutions that deliver quality content in scalable and accessible ways."

In this new landscape, Edtechs have become key partners in addressing contemporary educational challenges.

"This synergy drives continuous innovation in content production, creating business opportunities with significant growth potential," said Paula.

She also stressed the importance of ensuring quality and effectiveness in educational materials, citing studies that evaluate interactivity, usability, adaptability to learning styles, and knowledge retention. 

"These analyses guide the development of new technological solutions, ensuring content is not only innovative but also pedagogically effective," she concluded.

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