EdTech is booming. The global market is nearing $170 billion and could hit $600 billion by 2032. So, what’s changing in the industry? How are companies handling competition? And why is offline learning making a comeback?
One key voice in EdTech is Ilnar Shafigullin, Chief Methodology Officer at GeekBrains, a major player in online education in the CIS. Under his guidance, a program he created brought in over $2 million monthly and welcomed 2,500 new students. Before this, he led methodology at Skillbox, helping over 600,000 students with effective training programs.
Shafigullin has published many papers and served as an expert at significant IT events, including the 2023 international hackathon “Digital Breakthrough.”
What trends are shaping the EdTech space?
The EdTech market is still growing, even after experiencing a slowdown. Many new players are entering the field, especially from the CIS. Companies that have thrived there are now expanding to Brazil, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
In the CIS, there’s a trend towards shorter educational programs. Traditionally, courses lasted 1-3 years and were costly. Now, students want quick training options, partially due to rising interest rates on loans. As a result, companies are redesigning their products to fit these new needs.
Another shift is towards recorded courses. Live training is more expensive due to staffing and organization costs. Consequently, many firms are opting for text-based or video-based training instead.
Was the market slowdown just a pandemic adjustment?
The initial surge in online learning demand was closely tied to the pandemic. This led to a high interest in IT education and boosted revenue for leaders like GeekBrains and Skillbox. Also, money-back guarantees attracted more students, allowing them to feel secure if they couldn’t find a job after completing their courses.
After such rapid growth, a correction was expected. Many students have already learned the necessary skills, while others found it tough to switch to IT and have moved to different fields. However, despite this adjustment, EdTech is still on the rise, emphasizing the need for fresh strategies and exploring new markets.
What innovative ideas have you introduced at GeekBrains?
I devised a new method to guide students’ educational journeys based on career direction. Previously, students would choose overly specific paths from the start, often resulting in poor fit and dissatisfaction. They often lacked a clear understanding of IT careers, leading to random choices.
This method draws from my studies at Kazan State University, where we initially followed the same program before specializing. I applied this idea at GeekBrains for a smoother learning process, enhancing outcomes for both students and the platform.
How does this work in your “Developer” program?
The “Developer” product offers a flexible learning approach. For the first two months, all students learn foundational programming and are exposed to various IT fields. After this period, they choose a specific path like project manager or tester. This way, students can explore options before making final decisions. They can even switch paths at no additional cost if they realize their initial choice isn’t right.
This approach provides two significant advantages. It reduces the need for constant updates on basic materials, cutting preparation costs. Moreover, it simplifies class scheduling, allowing us to launch new courses more frequently without waiting for a specific number of students.
Why does GeekBrains emphasize synchronous training?
Synchronous learning is beneficial because it encourages engagement. Students can ask questions in real-time, join discussions, and stay focused without distractions. We’ve also integrated asynchronous elements to give flexibility. Experienced experts deliver high-quality recorded lectures, and live webinars help students apply their knowledge while getting feedback.
What was your role in developing this product?
I led the product development, from identifying issues to creating a skill matrix. I coordinated a team of educators and created promotional events that reached over 10,000 people. I also taught introductory programming, leveraging my experience with groups of different sizes.
How has this product benefited GeekBrains?
The “Developer” program replaced about 80% of our previous offerings. It has been crucial in retaining clients and training tens of thousands of students. As a result, GeekBrains has become a leader in the CIS for professional IT education and has expanded its reputation internationally.
Other companies have taken cues from the “Developer” concept, reflecting its influence on the online learning landscape. We’ve created a supportive environment for career transitions without unnecessary risks.
What’s the competition like in online education today?
The online education field is competitive, yet I see potential in offline education as fewer companies operate in this space. With online learning now common, many people crave the live interaction that offline education offers. These programs often garner interest without hefty marketing efforts, making it a smart move for some companies.
However, moving offline entails investment in facilities and equipment. Companies like SHAG, Synergy, and Skillbox exemplify those who successfully transition and expand.
What other areas should EdTech focus on?
The children’s education sector is expanding, with less competition and lower marketing costs. Platforms engaging students through virtual worlds like Roblox or Minecraft make learning enjoyable and practical, fostering real-world skills.
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Ilnar Shafigullin,EdTech Expert,edtech
