Globally, education systems are in the midst of a technological overhaul as more and more institutions invest in technologically advanced ‘smart education’ systems.

Nowadays, advanced learning doesn’t come from the most up-to-date textbooks, it comes from having top-of-the-line hardware, software and services that enable students to access educational content.

Governments Investing Heavily in Smart Education

Governments understand the value of technology as a tool for learning in schools, which is why so many government bodies around the world have launched initiatives to get more institutions equipped with smart education systems.

Government initiatives are one of the biggest reasons why demand for smart education technology is so high. In fact, TechNavio predicts that the Smart Education Market is expected to double in size to reach $270 billion by 2018, growing at a CAGR of over 20 percent.

In June 2013, President Obama unveiled the ConnectED initiative, which is designed to improve K-12 education for every student in America through the use of technology.

The ConnectED website reads:

“The ConnectED initiative will, within five years, connect 99 percent of America’s students to next-generation broadband and high-speed wireless in their schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and companies like Apple, Microsoft (News - Alert), Sprint, and Verizon are already providing their support, collectively pledging to connect more than 20 million more students over the next two years.

ConnectED will also provide better broadband access for students in rural areas, by expanding successful efforts to connect parts of the country that typically have trouble attracting investment in broadband infrastructure.”

Governments in Europe are driving the market by making huge investments in education technology and e-learning methods. They are also implementing various policies to facilitate the investment scenario in the Education sector.

The governments of African countries have implemented policies to develop information and communication technology (ICT) for education in order to build infrastructure for internet penetration, as well as to facilitate the expansion of smart educational technologies.

In addition, governments of various underdeveloped and developing nations have taken steps to accelerate student enrolment in higher education and other postgraduate courses. These governments are also amending rules and regulations for the inclusion of digital learning content in the course curricula.

Tech Companies Working Towards Smart Education

Recently, Apple (News - Alert) launched its new website which details its commitment to the ConnectED initiative:

“As part of our mission, we’re joining President Obama in support of the ConnectED initiative by committing our products, our knowledge, and our passion for learning to 114 schools across the country. It’s an important first step and a bold vision for a richer, more diverse, and more inclusive future.”

This is what schools will receive:
 

The plan involves things like offering Apple ConnectED grants to 114 schools to put towards technology upgrades. Of those schools, 92 percent of students “are of Hispanic, Black, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Asian heritage.”