[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”75px|||” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”#f4f3f3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”-90px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text_block_v1 main_heading_tag=”h3″ admin_label=”Sell line” module_class=”equal-item” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”50px||” header_line_height_tablet=”2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
There are key benefits for all stakeholders involved in a testbed trial. For EdTech companies, direct consumer feedback and quick adoption by a new partner, are just a couple of the exciting prospects of joining a program of this model.<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What are the key considerations when joining an EdTech testbed program? Fundamentally: research can change how you position your business to the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance supports partnerships between Victorian EdTech companies, education institutions, and international organisations, and promotes the efficacy of Victorian EdTech products for export growth.<\/span><\/p>\n For an EdTech company, joining a program like the Alliance can have real long-term benefits to update, maximise, and share the success of their solution. From interpreting research with a commercial lens to exhibiting export potential, explore some of the benefits of investing in an EdTech testbed trial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Research guides help narrow focus<\/a> [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 admin_label=”Anchor 1″ module_id=”anchor1″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Education technology is part of the social impact space. Founders want to change the way we think of education and learners of the future. The mission is often about revolutionising and changing \u2014 positively impacting learners all around the globe. But it\u2019s important to pause and reflect: what are we actually trying to achieve?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A research guide will consider the EdTech solution and the possible datasets that can be obtained. Then, they will help narrow what outcomes would be most useful to measure as a business. It\u2019s not one-size-fits-all. Each innovation deserves its own plan that will be of practical value to both the business and their partners.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 admin_label=”Anchor 2″ module_id=”anchor2″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A common assumption is that researchers will only have an academic perspective on data. But the importance of a research guide in a testbed trial is their deep understanding of the commercial benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If a company is working within the K-12 space, what kind of research outcomes would be most appealing for administrators at schools seeking a new solution? The research guides understand that these are the questions worth considering when both designing a research plan, as well as collecting and interpreting the data.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 admin_label=”Anchor 3″ module_id=”anchor3″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The education systems in the southern hemisphere and northern hemispheres naturally differ \u2014 and it\u2019s certainly worth considering how this may impact a testbed trial. While the Australian schools and institutions kick off their school year between January and February, this is weeks into the third term of the academic year for schools in the United States, Europe, and much of Asia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While the differences in timing should not exclude partnerships with these schools for a testbed trial, it is worth considering how this may impact the strategic objectives of the project. This may mean updating aspects of the budget, project plan, and the research plan, in order to accommodate the needs of schools in the northern hemisphere. Working with the management team and the lead educators at the education partner institution helps with preparing for any timing challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 admin_label=”Anchor 4″ module_id=”anchor4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Most often, EdTech companies are working with management and administrators to adopt and deploy their solutions. They will be really enthusiastic about the opportunities of what they\u2019re offering and how it can impact their learners. But what do the educators think?<\/span><\/p>\n From the teacher to the principal, the project team works to get everybody on board. Not only is it worthwhile explaining how to deploy the solution technically and what it can do, but explain how their expertise is crucial to its success. Each of these project team members from the education partners have differing professional backgrounds and roles, and each will bring critical feedback to the table that will improve the solution and improve learning for their students.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 admin_label=”Anchor 5″ module_id=”anchor5″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The scale is much bigger than the school or institution. Taking part in a testbed trial program involves producing real research outcomes and insights that can then be a part of education technology literature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n An EdTech company\u2019s name will be attached to learnings that could support educators around the world that want to incorporate innovations into their curriculum. Through the literature that is produced, the EdTech\u2019s data could inform the decision making process and ultimately influence if a solution is deployed into their school or institution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Real evidence is central to education, and especially education in Australia. After completion of a testbed trial, that evidence will be ready to share.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 admin_label=”Anchor 6″ module_id=”anchor6″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Did we mention that obtaining fresh, exciting new evidence of product efficacy is invaluable for EdTech companies? Through a testbed program, participating organisations have the opportunity to gain real end-user feedback, make updates, and share these exciting changes with their current and prospective partners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The results can be used as ongoing content to promote the true impact of the solution \u2014 backed with the names of the organisations that helped facilitate. It becomes a network of connections and supporters: the education partners, the program facilitators, and the researchers. Through this expanded circle and the program learnings, an EdTech brand can reach farther and wider. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 admin_label=”Anchor 7″ module_id=”anchor7″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s a challenge to get to that next stage of growth for an EdTech company: finding and securing partners in international markets. The testbed trial model is particularly beneficial for EdTech companies that have yet to export their solution overseas, or in the early stages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Through the structured framework, EdTech companies in a testbed trial have the support and financial backing they need to successfully deploy their solutions overseas. With every question or challenge that arises, there is the project team, the research guide, research leads, and veteran industry participants of the EdTech ecosystem to provide help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This model wants the EdTech testbed trial to succeed and expand their partnerships in new markets. It shows that your solution can not only impact learners in a local context, but offer value in a variety of education settings \u2014 regardless of the cultural context.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text_block_v1][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text_block_v1 _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/span>Research isn\u2019t just academic<\/a>
<\/span>Gain an understanding of timing\u00a0<\/a>
<\/span>Connect with both management and educator<\/a>
<\/span>Contribute to the growing body of literature<\/a>
<\/span>Evidence for marketing and brand awareness<\/a>
<\/span>Show your export potential <\/span><\/a><\/p>\nResearch guides help narrow focus<\/b><\/h5>\n
Research isn’t just academic – it’s commercial too<\/b><\/h5>\n
Gain an understanding of deployment timing<\/b><\/h5>\n
Connect with both management and educators<\/b><\/h5>\n
Contribute to the growing body of literature<\/b><\/h5>\n
Evidence for marketing and brand awareness<\/b><\/h5>\n
Show your export potential<\/b><\/h5>\n