EdTech, short for educational technology, refers to new technological implementations in the classroom. In-classroom tablets, interactive projection screens and whiteboards, online content delivery, and MOOCs are all examples of EdTech. EdTech can be a contentious topic. As a large portion of the education system is unionized, there are concerns that EdTech is attempting to phase out specific in-class duties to reduce costs.
The creators of EdTech emphasize the enhancement potential of the software and technology, freeing up the teacher to move into more of a facilitator role. With time constraints, it is difficult for a teacher to teach according to curriculum, catch up with lower-level learners, and keep the top of the class engaged in their work. By automating the assessment of ability and adjustment of difficulty, EdTech can lead to better outcomes for individual students and the class.
EdTech is still in the early stages of development for even basic subjects like math or reading and composition skills. There are a variety of design challenges for EdTech. The biggest hurdle is adjusting to different learning styles in the classroom. EdTech is usually delivered through a laptop or tablet, resulting in a read-and-respond learning experience. Critics have noted that this style can disadvantage other types of learners—auditory and kinesthetic-. As with any new field of technological development, EdTech will improve the more it is used, and the more feedback is collected.
As the global Edtech market is expected to reach, according to Valustrat, UAE’s EdTech industry has also risen to the occasion. Recently, we’re seeing a steady rise in Edtech startups in UAE. Furthermore, the growth of EdTech startups in the UAE has been sped up by the government’s support.
An example is Anjal Z, Abu Dhabi’s Edtech accelerator, which runs a program to help EdTech startups specifically. It provides selected startups with eight weeks of intense training and mentorship. The top-performing startup receives a chance to qualify for $ 100,000 in non-equity grant money, in-kind services, and follow-on investments. It has 1300+ legal documents, keeping the current UAE compliances in mind. Few start-ups helping the Edtech industry are as below:
• 3asafeer
3asafeer is an edutainment company. Their learning materials are categorized according to difficulty levels and the child’s age. They also focus on learning material that will increase emotional intelligence and IQ among learners.
• Abjadiyat
Abjadiyat is an Edtech startup in UAE that has built a platform for kids to learn the Arabic language. They do this in a fun and interactive manner. They are a product of Ibdaa Kids, an Edu Tech company founded and based in Abu Dhabi. The platform is carefully developed with leading linguists, early childhood experts, world-class engineers, and designers to deliver a comprehensive Arabic teaching and learning ecosystem for in-school and at-home instruction and practice. They have partnered with numerous schools in Dubai with the vision to transform the way kids learn.
• Almentor.net
Almentor.net is an e-learning platform for professionals. They have videos in two languages, namely – Arabic and English. They even offer crash courses on various topics. Their mission is to empower individuals, learn from experts in every field, and leverage the power of knowledge.
• Coded Minds
Coded Minds serve to educate people right from kindergarten to adulthood. Coded Minds also has projects, lessons, and sessions to clarify students’ doubts. Today, the company educates students of about 45 nationalities in 6 different countries. They aim to have over 1 million students by the end of 2022. Currently, they have raised funding of AED 10 million.
• CTS (Creative Technology Solutions)
CTS is a company offering IT solutions for education in the Middle East. The company was founded in 2013 in Dubai. They’ve also designed educational software, tablets, and interactive and gamified learning platforms. CTS has partnered with top technology players like Intel, Microsoft, and Google. The company has received funding from Symphony Asia.
• Englease
The MENA area may take English-speaking lessons online via the portal Englease. They aim to make education accessible to all demographics at reasonable prices. They provide instruction with native Arabic and English speakers to assist their customers in achieving perfect pronunciation.
Along with preparation for examinations like the IELTS and TOEFL, they also provide flexible live lessons. To study and grow, students may also take a variety of competency examinations. They have accreditation as a CPD Training Provider.
• SchoolVoice
An application called SchoolVoice was created to bridge the communication gap between parents and schools. One of the UAE’s Edtech businesses offers an app that lets parents keep tabs on their children’s classroom activities and interactions with teachers. Ali Bin Yahia started the business in 2012.
• QiDZ
A working mother group created QiDZ in 2017 as a resource for entertaining suggestions for family-friendly activities. The QiDZ platform motivates working parents to spend more time with their children. You may use the smartphone app to look for kid-friendly restaurants and attractions in Dubai.
You may plan and organize your trips with QiDZ, one of the Edtech companies in the UAE, and keep up with the newest offers. Daily updates to QiDZ include the newest DIY projects, games, online resources, and more. The business could secure 1.5 million dollars from its eight investors in its initial investment round.
• DeepKnowledge
An E-library platform service called Deepknowledge offers top-notch library administration solutions. This offers individualized access to materials and information. Their goal is to provide information that will aid researchers and information seekers. It is a cloud-based service that aids businesses in starting their e-libraries.