Through the triple-helix innovation model, an education technology testbed trial needs engaged educators and education institutions. The triple-helix brings together industry, education institutions, and government to observe the impact potential of technology solutions. 

The Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance aims to establish Victoria as Australia’s education innovation hub, which incorporates all the virtues of the triple-helix innovation model. 

But what do educators, schools and institutions gain from participating in a program of this kind? From establishing an innovation agenda to an enhanced student experience, explore what happens when education partners decide to invest in this model.

Establish an Innovation Agenda
Co-Design & Collaboration
Skills Building 
Key Contributor to Education Research
The Student Experience

Establish an Innovation Agenda

For schools and institutions seeking to incorporate more digital solutions into their curriculum, participation in an EdTech testbed trial can help provide a clear framework for testing future products. Since this is an evidence-driven environment, following this framework will mean that educators can more clearly see the true efficacy and impact of solutions – and learn which data is most useful to them. 

Decision making backed by evidence further justifies the use of the solutions in the classroom. As the solution is proven, it quickens the process from trial to adoption.

Co-Design & Collaboration

Through this program, educators become co-designers in the updates and progress of the innovations they are trialling. As they are using and witnessing how the solution is being used, they understand first-hand how the education innovation fits within a real learning environment. Then, educators and students can provide their feedback to the organisation to ensure that, for ongoing partnership, it best suits their needs. 

Skills Building

Digital delivery has become more and more commonplace for educators. So what can be learned from participation in a testbed trial? Being a key member of the deployment team in a testbed trial builds skills in working with management on selecting solutions, strengthening the feedback loop with technological solutions and management on what works and what does not, understanding the data points that can help make small but beneficial changes to teaching, and following a stage-by-stage process of trial and adoption in technology. This puts both the schools and the participating educators at an advantage for parents looking for schools and for educators interested in career development. 

Key Contributor to Education Research

For some educators, research is an essential aspect of their position. For many others, it is an additional but not always achievable type of professional development. Through this supported framework, educators from K-12 schools through to higher education and VET institutions have the opportunity to contribute to cutting edge education research. 

To be a part of an EdTech testbed program and its subsequent results exhibits an innovation mindset. By really examining the data and feedback, imparting their own expertise in the classroom or tutorial, educators can inform how the measured outcome impacts their learners in the real world. 

The Student Experience

Through all of this effort in planning, designing, and understanding the solution, it’s everyone’s hope that the learners will reap the benefits. If successfully executed and the solution is an appropriate match, education institutions will witness an improved student experience, student retention, and academic success. When learners have the tools they need to enhance their skill set, their own confidence in their abilities expands.  

Digital literacy is critical to most fields of work. From trades to biomedical research, there is a need for workers to be able to competently use the software available to complete tasks. Through incorporating digital solutions, learners can better their skills in adapting to new technologies and subsequent interfaces. 

And for students that enjoy or even prefer digital learning? This enhances their overall experience at an education institution, as well as how they view the school’s reputation for education innovation and preparing learners for the next stage in the learning or employment journey. 

The Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance program is funded by the Victorian Government as part of the $3.6 million International Research Partnerships program under the International Education Short-Term Sector Recovery Plan.

For more information about the initiative download the framework or visit Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance.

This document provides an overview of the Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance, the successful Innovation Sprint pilots, the types of EdTech solutions being trialled, the educational settings participating, and the key benefits of this type of program for EdTech companies, education institutions and the State of Victoria.