​As education technology market nears $200 billion global valuation, how can Kiwis capitalise?

“Technology needs to be seamlessly integrated to ensure students are well prepared for the digital economy of the future."

Graeme Muller - CEO, NZTech

Graeme Muller - CEO, NZTech

Education technology will be a $200 billion global market by 2017, with technology becoming increasingly vital in today’s teaching environment, as part of the curricula, part of the classroom and the wider school infrastructure.

“Technology needs to be seamlessly integrated to ensure students are well prepared for the digital economy of the future,” says Graeme Muller, CEO, NZTech.

“The tech sector is the fastest growing sector in New Zealand and with this comes an insatiable demand for skilled graduates. There are almost 100,000 people working within the tech sector, and a further 20,000 ICT workers employed in other sectors.

“These people are some of the highest paid in New Zealand, have incredibly diverse and interesting roles and are building the future.”

Yet as Muller explains, the local technology sector continues to struggle to fill roles.

“As the catalyst for the growth of the economy it is essential that more children develop an interest in science technology engineering and maths subjects and can get on a pathway that will lead them to opportunities across the diverse and growing tech ecosystem,” he adds.

“The tech leaders and policy makers seek solutions from questions such as: Is the curricula ready? Are there enough teachers prepared? How can we excite and encourage the children? Are there clear pathways into tech jobs? Is the industry reaching far enough into education to support?”

With Edtech set to become a $200 billion global market opportunity by 2017, Muller believes New Zealand can learn from this industry for Kiwi schools and for the development of education technology businesses.

“Technology is becoming increasingly important in New Zealand schools - whether as part of the teaching curricula, part of the classroom or the wider school infrastructure,” he adds.

Read more: Ex-NZ Tech CEO Candace Kinser becomes NZ lead of analytics company Palantir

“Technology needs to be seamlessly integrated into today’s teaching to ensure students are well prepared for the digital economy of the future.”

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