The Benefits of EdTech for ECEC: A Business POV

Edtech (the use of digital or other modern technology in an educational setting) has grown in Australia in recent years. 

You might think this growth is solely due to the pandemic and the onset of digital learning, but this is not correct. Due to our country’s first-class education system and our tech-friendly regulatory environment, we have seen significant investment in EdTech in the last five to ten years. This helpful article will share the benefits of embracing EdTech for early childhood education and care (ECEC).

What is EdTech?

EdTech is the use of digital or other modern technology in an educational setting. While someone with a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics online is a pro in deciphering this sort of data, educators and those working in early childhood and outside school hours care (OSHC) settings  likely don’t have this expertise. 

Some examples of EdTech which are used in ECEC include apps to support children with emergent literacy and numeracy, using online resources as educational tools to support children’s interests and learning, and educators using devices in the classroom to assist in children’s learning.

Benefits for Early Childhood Education and Care Businesses

The rest of this article will explore the key benefits that EdTech offers ECEC businesses. So, if you run or manage this type of business, continue reading.

Time-Saving

Using EdTech in ECEC can save valuable time by streamlining learning through the use of technology. 

For instance, using technology in an ECEC classroom can give educators precious time back in their day. There are a number of EdTech solutions that support ECEC professionals to enrich their intentional teaching, document children’s learning, or enhance the lines of possibility presented by following children’s interests. 

Through the use of EdTech, educators save time, which they can then dedicate to working with young children and improving their education and learning opportunities. 

Cost Reduction

Another benefit is cost reduction. Many ECEC businesses are looking to reduce costs where possible. 

EdTech platforms and systems reduce the reliance on manual and hard copy resources, lowering printing costs and reliance on hard copy resources and content. EdTech can also reduce staffing costs, with roster optimisation tools, CCMS options which more accurately predict attendance and fill vacancies, and of course, through freeing up planning and preparation time for educators. 

More Access to Resources

EdTech-capable ECEC classrooms mean that teachers have more access to resources, allowing them to effectively provide an education to the children in their care. Technology enables educators to access the wealth of learning resources available via the Internet and EdTech platforms, and these resources can be used in the classroom to enable learning outcomes and supplement the approved learning frameworks.

Increases Job Satisfaction

EdTech in an ECEC setting increases teachers’ job satisfaction, giving them more access to resources, time-saving benefits, and streamlining their teaching. This is important for ECEC businesses because educator burnout is a real phenomenon. Not only do we want educators operating at the best of their abilities, staff turnover is incredibly expensive. It is always cheaper to retain staff than to hire new ones. 

Educators can also use their EdTech skills to tailor learning based on the curriculum and children’s interests. Technology can help educators to access lessons and resources from around the world and across the World Wide Web. 

For instance, if children show an interest in volcanoes and geology, educators can use technology to connect  with professional geologists or stream a live feed of an active volcano. 

EdTech has many advantages in the ECEC classroom, as we’ve seen above, keeping teachers engaged and happy at work through the use of EdTech is a key advantage for ECEC businesses in reducing teacher mental load and burnout. 

EdTech is Fun For Children

EdTech can be lots of fun for children. Some apps teach children how to code and learn other STEAM skills. Apps for younger children that are gamified, such as CodeAPillar and CodeSpark, teach the basics of coding masked within a fun game. 

Children who are happy and engaged while attending  ECEC services are an excellent business benefit, as happy children will typically give feedback to parents about how much they attending. 

Given that parents are the primary drivers of decision making when it comes to choosing a service, it makes sense from a customer satisfaction perspective to have happy, engaged children at ECEC services who are enjoying the benefits of EdTech. 

Would you like to learn more about the use of EdTech in ECEC? AITSL has prepared a useful ‘spotlight’ which may support. Find it here.