As technology’s role in education continues to grow, it is absolutely essential that EdTech designers attend to all the stakeholders within education, not just students. This includes but is not limited to parents, counsellors, school administrators, nonprofits, and changemakers who work in the education space. Recognizing that education is so much more than simply spoon feeding learners information, the way to empower students isn’t simply to place a screen and deliver video lessons, effective EdTech implementation requires careful considerations of how learners and educators interact with content and instruction.
Facilitating More Efficient Resource Allocation and Widening Accessibility
It is no secret that teachers, counsellors and administrators have been stretched thin in recent years. Alongside overseeing students’ academic progress, educators often have the difficult job of having to manage the university application process for many students, often with vastly different post-graduation plans.
While an EdTech platform might seem promising in terms of facilitating more efficient resource allocation, it’s important to note that the platform itself isn’t a magic bullet to fix all the challenges a school might face. The team behind Gateway+ has more than 20 years of experience working in the education space; we have worked with thousands to ensure as smooth a process as possible. We understand firsthand the pain points and challenges that students face with regards to the university application process, and Gateway+ is not a replacement but a supplement to schools’ ecosystem of resources.
We know that no two students’ paths will be identical, which makes the process both challenging and exciting for counsellors and administrators. Gateway+ will ensure that students understand the fundamentals of the university application process. Our pedagogy includes not only understanding the mechanics of applying to university, but to really dive deep in empowering students throughout the entire process.
University admissions expertise hasn’t been widely accessible for many students, often due to prohibitive costs. Both institutions and individuals can benefit from implementing technology in their university admissions and career journey. For institutions, it levels the playing field by allowing all students to share a fundamental understanding of how the process works; for individuals, it allows them to have access to deep expertise that has been curated over the past twenty years.
Don’t discount the importance of thoughtfulness and intentionality in the process
Gateway+ delivers well-researched, comprehensive material and content that is constantly updated with the larger educational climate. Each student gets a deep understanding of what is expected of them and is also taught to anticipate the unexpected. Our curriculum focuses not only the how: different application systems, interview strategies, personal statement structures but the why. Approaching the admissions process with thoughtfulness instead of simply rushing to complete application materials significantly improves their employability and school acceptance rates. A good balance of independent learning and guidance tailored to the needs of each student or school is emphasised. This ensures that students can operate autonomously outside of the classroom.
It takes a village
Learning does not happen in a vacuum. Gateway+ is not just about placing a new piece of technology in front of learners and educators. While it might seem obvious, living contexts with regard to access to transport, quality meals, vary hugely between students globally, and those are important determinants of academic success. With plans to scale globally, Gateway+ understands that Gateway+ is not a blanket solution to widen accessibility to university admissions expertise and resources.
By working with changemakers who are already making a difference locally, Gateway+ can act as a partner and an advocate to advance the goal of making information more widely accessible on a global scale.
