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346 points obscurette | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.218s | source
1. senko ◴[] No.42116601[source]
As others commented, the article doesn't really talk about edtech, but about introducing smartphones/tables/computers in curriculum in a way that makes it harder to limit their use both at school and at home. From my kids' experience, I agree with the article.

But I also want to touch on products. Had a startup in the space[0], and we only achieved commercial success once we started gaining customers outside of EdTech.

EdTech is hard, in that it combines enterprise-like sales with scrappy startup-like budgets. On top of that, you're selling to people who are far removed from the user experience (heads of districts vs students and teachers). End result is stuff like Blackboard, who everyone hates, but it's everywhere.

I've seen a ton of interesting, promising startups that tried to engage students and help with learning (in various ways), only to never hear about them again.

I've also seen (& heard from) a lot of teachers with great ideas, who basically need to do grassroots campaigns and teach each other tips & tricks, because they're not really supported by their organizations.

[0] https://blog.senko.net/the-story-of-a-web-whiteboard