SOOC
4Learning
T: 1-800-000-0000
Small-Open-Online-Courses
Competition
Competition:
There are 6 areas of competition for teacher PD including technology training companies, those that support Special Education, MOOCs and OERs and the large education companies that offer PD or are PD-focused.
Most EdTech spaces are crowded with big players, but they are far less agile with long product production times. In addition, many in education are concerned with the size and power of these companies. Indeed teachers and parents are voicing their concern and often resist these “Walmarts of education” They are seeking smaller, more agile and innovative companies to work together as partners in learning.
We are ready to fill this niche in the market, one that can expand beyond inclusion and special education, allowing us to build out our unique product over time.
Teaching Focus:
These companies focus mainly on pedagogy and theory. Technology and special education are seen as separate topics rather than fundamental foundations for all teacher professional learning. These companies are usually defined by the "expert/student" hierarchy and follow traditional methods of instruction. Cost can be prohibitive with these companies and many, such as Pearson, are focused on PD for their products.
Technology Focus:
There are less companies in this space as more and more is available free online. Companies like Atomic Learning and Lynda offer instructional videos, focused on "how-to", overviews and lesson plans.
Technology Product Focus
One needs to also consider companies that create products such as computers, whiteboards and devices. They also provide training, though again the focus is often product centric.
Special Education Focus:
These associations provide PD in a range of special education topics. They are often theory-based, keeping technology and pedagogy separate. Indeed the CEO has worked with several districts who find a pedagogy only approach isn’t enough to move teachers forward especially when technology is involved.
MOOCs
With a completion rate of approximately 8% and a move away from “open” at least if you require a certificate, the shine is off MOOCs.
OERs
There are Open Education Resources and social networks also available to teachers for professional development, although one could categorize them as Professional Learning Networks, more informal and therefore not competetion but complementary.
EdCamp
Twitter Chats
