Despite the advancements in classroom technology and increased investments in K-12 education spurred by the pandemic, schools and districts continue to grapple with challenges such as achievement gaps, teacher shortages and chronic absenteeism.
Moreover, in the current landscape, schools and districts are also under pressure to make data-informed decisions that not only improve student performance but also ensure efficient allocation of resources.
Against this backdrop, a new wave of digital transformation is offering solutions to address these longstanding issues.
Abre, for instance, offers a solution that integrates data from various educational technology (EdTech) platforms, enabling schools to pinpoint areas for improvement, from social-emotional well-being and enrollment to attendance and academic performance. With this insight, educators can implement tailored interventions to assist students facing academic or social challenges.
Additionally, the platform said it offers a user-friendly interface that streamlines processes and fosters teamwork among teachers, administrators and support staff across school districts nationwide.
To further its mission and expand its reach, the company recently announced the closing of a $24 million Series A investment round, allowing it to reach more educational institutions and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving EdTech landscape.
Digital solutions are not only enhancing the emotional and social well-being of students; they are also transforming payment systems in schools.
In March, education payments solution provider Transact Campus introduced Transact Sponsor Payments, a B2B bulk tuition payments portal. The platform streamlines the process for third-party payors to make bulk payments toward student tuition and fees, simplifying transactions for finance offices at colleges and universities.
“Historically, university payment systems for third-party sponsor payments have been manual and time-consuming, adding complexity to collecting and reconciling tuition payments in a timely fashion,” Laura Newell-McLaughlin, the company’s executive vice president of integrated payments and campus commerce, said at the time. “…Without the burden of manually managing sponsored payments, universities will save time in tracking, managing and reconciliation and create a comprehensive digital experience.”
Meanwhile, amid the burgeoning EdTech market, digital platforms are capitalizing on consumer interest in lifelong learning. This trend has opened up opportunities for these platforms to offer extensive resources and support for individuals seeking personal and professional development.
Spotify’s recent introduction of video-based learning courses and Coursera’s partnership with beauty industry giant Olay to address the gender gap prevalent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education are examples of this trend.
Overall, recent investments in EdTech underscore a growing momentum in the field, reflecting an increasing recognition of the transformative potential of technology in the education sector. Simultaneously, innovations in payment systems highlight a concerted effort to streamline financial operations, enabling educational institutions to allocate resources more effectively toward improving student outcomes.
Together, these developments signify a shift toward a more efficient and effective educational landscape, where technology can play a central role in driving progress and innovation.
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