FREE ADVICE: What might a mini version of Mary Meeker's Internet Trends report that focuses on education technology look like? Frank Catalano, long-time industry consultant, posted slides and talking points from his most recent presentation, "Edtech Trends to Watch—and Fads to Avoid" delivered at the EdTech for Export conference in New Zealand.
What's his assessment? Badges have mostly been a bust, but there's potential with teacher professional development. Data privacy and legislation around the issue is pretty dead serious. And beware of the "froth" from all the venture capital that's been pouring into edtech startups. Catalano also offers a bonus list of five myths that "strike fear into the hearts of teachers and learners."
Side note: Catalano will be moving on to join SchoolMessenger as Vice President of Marketing Strategy (an offer he received while waiting in line at Wellington Zoo.) We hope these aren't the last of his wry observations!
