The edutech market is currently estimated to be worth US$271 billion, and by 2026, it is predicted to reach US$410 billion. This expansion has been genuinely global: in 2021, edutech investments in Latin America surged sixfold, and companies based in the Asia Pacific now account for almost 40 per cent of the worldwide edutech sector.
As digital transformation continues to reshape the educational sphere, the promise of a brighter, tech-infused future for learners is on the horizon. Spark Education, a global player in edutech, stands as a notable example of how innovation and technology are driving the educational experience forward. Founded in 2017, Spark Education is taking its groundbreaking approach to education to new heights with the launch of its first learning centre at i12 Katong in Singapore.
In an exclusive interview with Wilson Li, CSO and CFO of Spark Education Group, we gain insights into their pioneering journey.
“We saw the opportunity for technology to truly advance education and help children develop a love of learning in the early years and build a strong foundation for their future,” Li reflects on the startup’s vision. This commitment to a tech-enhanced, early-stage educational foundation underscores Spark Education’s approach to edutech.
Adapting to new realities
The global pandemic disrupted traditional education, pushing edutech into the spotlight. Spark Education, which was conceived before the pandemic, experienced a surge in demand during this time as the need for interactive, technology-driven learning became more evident than ever.
Also Read: Post-pandemic education: Why edutech remains a game-changer
Li notes, “Moving forward from the pandemic era, now is an exciting time for the edutech industry, which is presented with a unique opportunity to push boundaries, reinvent ourselves, and showcase our continued value in the education ecosystem.” Spark Education’s journey reflects the adaptability of edutech to changing educational needs.
Unlike traditional education providers, Spark Education leverages captivating storylines, hands-on learning experiences, and a Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach to make learning engaging and memorable. Their small-group and personalised instruction, coupled with a tailored learning experience, ensure that each student’s educational needs are met.
The power of gamified learning
According to the latest report by Market Business Insights, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the coming years in the use of gamification in education due to the growing number of mobile and internet users in the region.
In line with this, central to Spark Education’s approach is gamified learning, a method that makes learning enjoyable and effective. Li explains, “Gamification can provide a safe, yet familiar, environment for children to apply the skills they have learned.”
This approach helps children connect concepts with real-life situations, improves knowledge retention, and motivates them to practice. Gamified learning is a fundamental component of Spark Education’s strategy and contributes to making education enjoyable.
Redefining in-person learning with technology
Spark Education’s recent launch of its learning centre at i12 Katong in Singapore signifies a step toward redefining in-person learning with technology. “Our new centre has been fitted with high-tech learning spaces that feature animated and gamified courseware and interactive screens that students can touch and use to interact with objects, draw and more,” Li explains.
Also Read: Edutech in SEA is still “far behind compared to North America” — but there is some hope
The centre’s design is focused on providing personalised attention in small group settings. It aligns with the idea that a blend of technology and interpersonal interaction is the future of education, making the learning experience engaging and effective.
Global footprint, local focus
While Spark Education serves students in over 100 countries and regions, their approach is locally informed. Li emphasizes, “While fundamental skills and knowledge concepts in math and Chinese are the same globally, the cultural context, the local curriculum, and the stories and examples that students engage with can be different.”
This localisation ensures that their curriculum aligns with local standards, making edutech accessible and relevant to diverse educational systems.
The future of edutech in APAC
The future of edutech in APAC is marked by an exciting synergy between traditional and tech-enhanced learning. Li aptly concludes, “Our goal at Spark Education is to really light the spark for our students to achieve their goals and dreams.”
Innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge technology, and high-tech learning spaces are redefining the traditional classroom experiences across the region. From gamified learning to interactive courseware, the fusion of technology and pedagogy is setting a new standard in education across the APAC region. As edutech evolves, the future of learning promises a dynamic and tech-enhanced educational experience, offering students in APAC diverse and effective ways to engage with their studies.
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Image Credit: Spark Education
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