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I've spent a decade in online learning and seen countless edtech cos promise to "reinvent learning" with a perfectly scalable, data-driven approach.
I think the future of online learning will look more like Noom and less like Lynda, Udemy or Coursera.
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I think the future of online learning will look more like Noom and less like Lynda, Udemy or Coursera.
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All of these "Content Platforms" offer Textbooks 2.0.
Asynch videos + quizzes with a dash of "AI" for personalization (and a higher valuation).
Asynch videos + quizzes with a dash of "AI" for personalization (and a higher valuation).
These cos work for corporate buyers (endless content covering every topic employees could want) but not for learners.
Do these platforms generate measurable and retained skill development? What % of online learning classes did you finish (or even start post sign up)?
Do these platforms generate measurable and retained skill development? What % of online learning classes did you finish (or even start post sign up)?
The hard part about learning isn't finding compelling (accurate + engaging) content. Yes, curation helps, but that's a small piece.
If all people needed to learn was great content, textbooks would have replaced teachers centuries ago.
If all people needed to learn was great content, textbooks would have replaced teachers centuries ago.
The hard part about learning is showing up to learn every day, even (especially) when it's hard. It's applying what you've learned in class in the real world, even when it's uncomfortable.
Learning is a behavior change problem, not an education one.
Learning is a behavior change problem, not an education one.
These edtech cos focus on content absorption – how can we get people to absorb lessons in a (digital) classroom?
They focus on building scalable teaching, not effective learning.
They focus on building scalable teaching, not effective learning.
People learn actively, not passively. Through discussion, debate, practice, failure. It's a human endeavor – you learn best with and from your peers.
People will never lose weight by simply reading a book about weight loss. Yes, they need to understand the basics of weight loss, but far more important is providing actionable insights and advice along with daily analytics and motivational nudges.
The best weight loss company isn't a video + quiz platform about dieting.
It's Noom. It's Omada health.
It's a tech platform that helps people reflect on their current eating habits, shares basic tips & best practices, and then – through technology & social accountability...
It's Noom. It's Omada health.
It's a tech platform that helps people reflect on their current eating habits, shares basic tips & best practices, and then – through technology & social accountability...
helps people make changes in the real world and provides emotionally-resonant rewards (both analytics and social encouragement) to increase motivation for even more implementation (the virtuous cycle continues).
People LOVE feeling like Fire Mario. They love seeing their own progress.
"Not only did I just lose five pounds this past month, but I am the kind of person who *can* lose five pounds in a month; I can do anything."
Self-efficacy is addicting.
"Not only did I just lose five pounds this past month, but I am the kind of person who *can* lose five pounds in a month; I can do anything."
Self-efficacy is addicting.
Never in the history of online learning did someone feel like Fire Mario from watching a video and taking a quiz.
That's why online learning needs to be more like Noom or Peloton and less like a souped up McGraw Hill.
That's why online learning needs to be more like Noom or Peloton and less like a souped up McGraw Hill.
EdTech cos should ask themselves:
- what is our post workout endorphin rush moment?
- what is our step on the scale, look at yourself in the mirror moment?
- what is the your friend says "Hey, have you lost some weight? you look great" moment?
- what is our post workout endorphin rush moment?
- what is our step on the scale, look at yourself in the mirror moment?
- what is the your friend says "Hey, have you lost some weight? you look great" moment?
Helping people improve isn't just about content.
It's a learning cycle: reflect, absorb, practice, apply, reward --> reflect.
The edtech winners will know how to maximize their learners' motivation to complete that cycle. To make them feel like fire mario along the way.
It's a learning cycle: reflect, absorb, practice, apply, reward --> reflect.
The edtech winners will know how to maximize their learners' motivation to complete that cycle. To make them feel like fire mario along the way.
