Education is a cornerstone of society. Educated populations contribute to robust workforces and governments. Investing in education is largely considered one of the most effective ways to lift vulnerable populations out of poverty.
Education, however, is experiencing rapid change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools are transitioning away from classroom learning to remote education. Workforces are turning to online courses to build skills.
EdTech innovation isn’t new to Argentina, however. Buenos Aires hosts many EdTech startups that are changing the way leaders educate both in Argentina and around the world.
Here are a few reasons why EdTech is a great example of Argentina’s technological innovation.
Why EdTech Matters
Education technology, or EdTech, is a broad term for any technology that enables education. EdTech can include applications, software, website resources, or any other digital tools.
EdTech helps improve outcomes for both educators and students by streamlining planning processes and making education more accessible online.
Educators can use EdTech tools to plan lessons, assign tasks, and collaborate with teammates and stakeholders.
Students of all ages, children in classrooms or adults continuing education, also benefit from EdTech.
Popular examples of EdTech include:
- Google Classroom
- Blackboard
- Remind
COVID-19 has forced schools around the world to move to distance learning. Educators, students, and parents all rely on technology more than ever before.
Parents need to access resources and materials from schools. Students need to be able to complete assignments and communicate with teachers. Educators need to track student progress and set assignments as seamlessly as possible.
This presents EdTech leaders in Argentina with a unique opportunity to provide solutions that positively impact the country’s growth and development.
EdTech in Latin America
Latin America has been early to adopt technology that will positively influence education outcomes.
High demand for quality education and a young market for EdTech means competition in this space is low.
Some believe IT, communications, and EdTech are key to solving challenges of inequality and unequal access to educational opportunities in the region.
Unequal access to the internet and technology could make the education gaps even wider during COVID-19. Governments, therefore, may be more inclined to invest in solutions that meet their needs during this time of crisis.
Argentina has the highest rate of internet usage in South America, making it a prime candidate for EdTech investment and adoption.
People can access the internet and EdTech tools as schools are likely to remain remote until a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.
Argentina, which is already fertile ground for tech entrepreneurs, is also home to many EdTech companies and startups democratizing technology for education. Here are 3 EdTech innovators in Argentina.
Coderhouse Provides Online Courses in Sought-After Tech Skills
Coderhouse is an online platform that provides courses in skills such as coding, UX and UI, and Adobe Suite.
Based in Buenos Aires, Coderhouse’s mission is to “make education practical and accessible, no matter where you are in the world.”
Coderhouse lives up to its mission by providing free or discounted classes to students based on performance.
The first two classes students take with Coderhouse are free. Then, they are eligible to earn discounts on continuing education.
Coderhouse doesn’t stop with courses. It also equips students with resources to become freelancers in their area of expertise.
By providing high-quality technical education at an affordable price, and offering professional opportunities to course graduates, Coderhouse invests in making tech education more equitable in Latin America and beyond.
Wormhole’s LMS Makes Employee Training Accessible
Wormhole is an IT solutions company in Argentina specializing in upskilling employees. Wormhole offers multiple tools that help HR professionals and business decision makers invest in their human capital.
Wormhole’s LMS, called Campus, is customizable software that makes it easier for companies to teach workers.
Wormhole’s Campus tool employs gamification to engage learners with educational materials. Gamification is a popular tech tool that makes apps or digital experiences resemble games. This boosts engagement and learning outcomes while making the experience fun for users.
Unlike other popular learning management systems, Wormhole crafted Campus specifically for a Latin American audience.
Wormhole’s tech products cater to specific challenges Latin American students and learners face, such as low bandwidth and lack of access to smartphones and other devices.
Educatina Empowers School Systems and Governments
The final EdTech innovator, Educatina, is a powerful platform that makes online learning accessible for school systems and governments.
Educatina has a library of educational content on any subject. It’s software is easy to use on mobile devices, laptops, and tablets. It was founded by three Argentine business professionals and ultimately acquired by Competir Edtech, an Argentine IT company.
Educatina is easy for anyone to access, but offers special plans for schools, universities, and governments to leverage its educational resources.
Subjects Educatina covers include:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social sciences
- Languages
- Finances and economics
Its holistic programming makes Educatina an enticing option among schools and universities. Educatina also hosts a popular YouTube channel that makes educational content available to everyone.
Argentina Leads Latin America in EdTech
EdTech will only continue to grow as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Argentina invested early in tech solutions that will make education more accessible to students around the country during this challenging time.
Coderhouse, Wormhole, and Educatina are only three examples of EdTech companies doing groundbreaking work in Argentina. Explore the technological innovations Argentina’s tech scene has to offer.