What do you like about your role?

As both a lecturer at university and CEO of an edtech company, I am in the unique position of being able to develop the tools I want to use myself as a lecturer. Feel really humble about that. What I learn as a lecturer, I use as a CEO and the other way around.

Share three predictions on the future of Edtech.

1. Automation - Repetitive tasks will be automated with AI and time will free up for lecturers to spend on higher quality interactions with students. Also, with automated student follow-up we will be able to provide personalized teaching at scale.
2. From passive to active learning - We will move from the current passive transmission-based form of education where we use lectures and online course materials to transmit information to our students, over to a more active form of education where students learn by doing, collaborating and solving problems. More similar to what people actually do in their work-lives.
3. A and B above will happen sooner than most people think.

What technologies do you believe have the potential to transform the education industry?

Today we have scaled up the educational offering (huge classes, moocs etc), but we have not been able to scale personal follow-up of all students. Automation, artificial intelligence and robots will change that. 

I am strongly biased here, of course. This is exactly what we are doing with Differ. But at the same time, we do it because we strongly believe it will transform the education industry and dramatically improve learning for everyone for a fraction of the cost.

As we are celebrating out 5th anniversary of EdTechXEurope, we are looking at the key trends over the past 5 years in edtech. What would you say have been the key areas of change that are impacting edtech today? Anything unexpected that surprised you? Trends that were overhyped and never met their expected potential?

So many buzzwords.

What I’m most surprised about is the slow rate at which educational institutions adopt new technologies. In the LMS market for example, there has been talk for years about next generation learning environments, using big words such as collaborative learning, personalization and focusing on the student learning experience. But still, institutions keep buying old school learning platforms designed mostly for managing students and content. This is human resistance for change slowing us down. But change slow, and you will suddenly die fast. Resistance is futile.

Why is it important for all players in the edtech ecosystem to continuously connect, network and learn from each other?

Innovation does not happen in a vacuum. We must meet, share, learn and implement new stuff as fast as possible.

When you think about joining EdTechXEurope this year, what are you looking forward to? What makes you excited about our event in London?

I’m looking forward to the discussions. To be challenged on my opinions and challenge others to take action. I am super excited my the list of attendee and speakers. Maybe not because of the well-prepared presentations, but for the informal discussions over a drink after the event. When brilliant people speak up.

Join Kristian and our 100+ thought leader speakers at EdTechXEurope 2017 on 20 - 21st June 2017 - reserve your place now >> 

Explore the agenda and see all of our confirmed 2017 EdTechXEurope speakers - go to agenda >>