EdTech: How is technology changing education in the Philippines?

What is EdTech?

EdTech (an abbreviation for educational technology) combines innovative learning techniques with digital technology. It really does represent a new era of education.

You can look at EdTech from three different perspectives.

1. A set of tools providing digital alternatives to delivering education to students.

2. An academic discipline – studying, learning and teaching methods and how to utilise them in a digital form.

3. An industry consisting of educators, start-ups and companies who develop educational technology tools.

Many educators, as well as parents, understand that technology has the power to elevate education. So, it’s no surprise that the demand for EdTech products is increasing. In fact, it’s now grown to be a multi-billion market!

Why is educational technology important for Filipino students?

Many industries have entirely transformed their way of work by following digital trends.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits of EdTech for Filipino students.

EdTech helps students access global education

There are many countries around the world lacking access to tools and resources in their educational sector. If integrated thoughtfully, e-learning applications and platforms are a cost-efficient solution to this issue.

The focus of many developers is to make educational technology available to as many students around the world as possible.

EdTech helps students develop in-demand skills

Digital technology will soon be at the core of most industries. The interactive approach of educational technology encourages students to obtain digital skills, which will be vital to succeed in the labour market.

EdTech brings global opportunities for national economies

The Filipino government understands how important it is to teach students how to utilise a digital economy. The vision is to raise a generation that’s ready to compete in a global market.

This is a case especially in emerging countries, such as the Philippines. If students can get familiar with technology at a young age, it sparks many market possibilities – even a chance to compete against developed economies!

What are the challenges of EdTech in the Philippines?

Digital technology offers the potential for children in remote locations to have access to a world-class education. However, many schools face issues of maintenance and suitable power sources.

As EdTech companies and the Filipino government work together to build a thriving educational system, they face challenges such as:

• Providing easy access to the e-learning environment for students

• Giving adequate training for teachers and educators

• Distributing resources and providing the right equipment to schools

Despite the challenges, the country has made significant progress in their education and shifted its focus towards digital technology and innovation.

What are the best EdTech companies in the Philippines in 2019?

EdTech start-ups founded by Filipinos have a big advantage – they really understand the needs of local students and what needs to be improved.

Here is a list of some exciting companies determined to fill the gaps in the education sector in the Philippines.

1. Edukasyon

Knowledge is power – and Edukasyon knows that very well. Their website is a number one resource for students in the Philippines looking for higher education opportunities.

The portal provides comprehensive information to help students advance in their education - from applying to their dream school to choosing the right career path.

Edukasyon has already helped 500,000+ students to make better higher education choices, as well as parents and school administrators to give better guidance to students.

2. Learntalk

High English proficiency has proved to be essential for the growth of the Filipino economy.

Learntalk's mission is to help Filipinos advance in their English language skills by providing high-quality, affordable lessons through video-calls outsourced from the main office in Manila.

Developed by Filipino entrepreneurs in cooperation with the British Council, Learntalk delivers customised classes to individuals and businesses based on their learning needs!

3. PhilSmile

PhilSmile is a popular all-in-one school management system for academic institutions. It covers multiple areas from enrolment to grading and financials.

The company has helped more than 40 schools to upgrade their rules and policies to make it more efficient and build relationships with students and parents through an app.

The platform is convenient for students, helps parents guide their child's process and eases the payment collection for schools.

4. KITE eLearning Solutions

This EdTech company offers e-learning programmes to educational institutions in the Philippines. From an end-to-end academy system to an app encouraging kids to read, there are many products to choose from.

With Kite Academy, teachers can follow the set curriculum, create customised lessons and effectively communicate with students.

All their products are backed up by local research and tested in the global environment to meet the demands for 21-century students.

5. JakenPoy's Study Buddy

In the Filipino language, jakenpoy refers to the rock-paper-scissors game. And just like the actual game, this company is set to make learning a fun activity, while bringing generations together.

Based on free content and open access, Study Buddy's mobile app and website defines what modern digital age is all about.

So, how does it work? Parents or teachers assign children tasks and homework created around the DepEd's official curriculum. What a way to help master digital devices and interfaces!

6. Zzish

This platform originated in the United Kingdom and is a helpful tool used by teachers to analyse the performance of their class.

As educators track progress, they can optimise their approach to meet the needs of every student. Zzish has already improved the educational outcomes of more than 120,000 students in the Philippines!

7. Quipper

In 2015, the London-Tokyo powerhouse Quipper was introduced to the Filipino audience and quickly gained popularity.

Bringing video lessons and coaching from the best teachers directly to students’ smartphones, this app has a mission to close the education gap - not only between countries but also within the Philippines.

How is WorldRemit helping students in the Philippines?

WorldRemit is a fast-growing fin-tech company founded in 2010, which specialises in the migrant money transfer market. Surveys reveal that education is one of its customers’ top priorities with many sending money home to support family, friends and community members.

Recent research by WorldRemit shows that remittances help 3.5 million children go to school globally. We know that money from loved ones living abroad plays a key role in hoping them to achieve their dreams.

Every month, WorldRemit customers complete over 1.3 million transfers every month from over 50 countries to over 145 destinations.

Visit the WorldRemit website for more information on how to send money with just a few taps on your phone.

Send money to the Philippines