The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) hosted its Kazim Bacchus Research Seminar, with a focus on The EdTech Industry and its Actors. The seminar explored the growing influence of EdTech investors in shaping education systems.
Presenters Dr Janja Komljenovic and Dr Ben Williamson, both Senior Lecturers at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the role of venture capital in the EdTech industry. They argued that EdTech investors function as both economic and political actors, shaping not only the technological landscape but also the future of education through targeted investments and carefully crafted narratives.
Dr Komljenovic discussed how investors consolidate their influence by building social networks and promoting specific visions for the future of education, positioning themselves as key players in the field. Dr. Williamson expanded on this by examining the role of EdTech platforms, such as Khan Academy and Coursera, which have revolutionized access to education and attracted significant venture capital interest. He emphasized how these platforms have disrupted traditional education models, offering innovative solutions but also raising concerns about the power dynamics at play.
The seminar offered fresh perspectives on the intersection of education, technology, and finance, urging attendees to critically examine the role of investors in the development of EdTech. The session concluded with a call for further research into the evolving relationships between these sectors, particularly the impact of EdTech on higher education.
The event attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty, educators, and researchers, both from AKU and other institutions. It underscored the importance of understanding the broader implications of EdTech investments and their potential to shape the future of education globally.
The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) hosted its Kazim Bacchus Research Seminar, with a focus on The EdTech Industry and its Actors. The seminar explored the growing influence of EdTech investors in shaping education systems.
Presenters Dr Janja Komljenovic and Dr Ben Williamson, both Senior Lecturers at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the role of venture capital in the EdTech industry. They argued that EdTech investors function as both economic and political actors, shaping not only the technological landscape but also the future of education through targeted investments and carefully crafted narratives.
Dr Komljenovic discussed how investors consolidate their influence by building social networks and promoting specific visions for the future of education, positioning themselves as key players in the field. Dr. Williamson expanded on this by examining the role of EdTech platforms, such as Khan Academy and Coursera, which have revolutionized access to education and attracted significant venture capital interest. He emphasized how these platforms have disrupted traditional education models, offering innovative solutions but also raising concerns about the power dynamics at play.
The seminar offered fresh perspectives on the intersection of education, technology, and finance, urging attendees to critically examine the role of investors in the development of EdTech. The session concluded with a call for further research into the evolving relationships between these sectors, particularly the impact of EdTech on higher education.
The event attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty, educators, and researchers, both from AKU and other institutions. It underscored the importance of understanding the broader implications of EdTech investments and their potential to shape the future of education globally.
