EDIA | The Netherlands |www.edia.nl

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We transform our clients strategic vision into an AI-driven educational product. We guide the development journey by providing continuous strategic consultancy, necessary skills and appropriate technologies. Our team combines software development, AI and educational capabilities.

What are the key trends you believe have the power to transform the way we learn?

The application of AI in education, by which we can create and deliver truly adaptive content for personalized teaching and learning is well on its way from hype to trend. Beyond the hype, AI has the potential to transform education which is then, in turn, likely to transform the way we learn.

However, I believe it is also important to look at what is driving this trend. In my opinion, the driver behind the trend is a shift in ownership and control. On a global level, digital native companies are adopting AI technologies quicker, deeper and broader and are likely to gain big competitive advantages as they can save costs and generate new revenue streams. Within the education space, traditional publishers are struggling to compete with both small and big EdTech companies that are redefining business models in education, often leveraging AI and big data. These new players also do not limit themselves to educational content production, but are now also moving into the delivery of educational content (instruction).

Overall, I believe that AI is a key trend that will transform the way we learn and that new players drive this trend.

The theme of EdTechXEurope 2018 is ‘Eternally Learning’. What does eternal learning mean to you?

Everything we know today, from how our climate works to how we travel to Mars, is based on learning. Learning is both the origin and future of civilization(s) and to me, eternal learning means that there will always be an appetite for learning in our civilization and hence a need for education. Today, we are not only responsible for maintaining the education ecosystem but also to make it future-proof.

What should the rest of the world learn about EdTech in your country?

The Netherlands has a high tech infrastructure and a highly educated workforce. The Dutch government stimulates innovations by various regulations for both startups and established companies. Clearly, this provides a good climate for EdTech companies to thrive and it’s already proven by the growing number of startups in the edtech domain.

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

It is import to connect, network and learn from each other in the EdTech ecosystem as that brings further the ecosystem as a whole. Being a part of this ecosystem for example allows one to get an up close view of new ideas and concepts. It also provides an opportunity to share with other players how to navigate the (traditional) education space.

How does your current role allow you to make a difference to education and learning space?

I lead a company that built and commercialized an AI-native language learning solution back in 2006, long before the current hype about AI in education. Having experienced and contributed to the rise of AI within teaching and learning first hand, my current role allows me to spend some of my time on sharing experiences and ideas about AI in education with the broader community. By sharing early-adopter perspectives, I hope I can inspire people to continue to innovate the education and learning space using cutting-edge (AI) technology.

Who would you like to meet at the event?

Educational Publishers.

When you think about joining London EdTech Week and EdTechXEurope Summit this year, what are you looking forward to?

Whereas AI in education is clearly a growing trend, the concept of blockchain in education is also a major hype which I find interesting. I look forward to seeing examples of successful and scalable applications of blockchain technology as I think that next to AI, blockchain in the other pillar that will form the basis of future education.

Join Anna and our 100+ thought leader speakers at EdTechXEurope 2018 on 19 June 2018 - reserve your place now >>