Finnish Schools International|Finland | www.finnish.school

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

I have been in the education and edtech field of 15 years. With Finnish Schools International, we are working to completely reinvent education by using technology to personalise learning and make it experiential. Our campuses are co-learning and co-working spaces, blurring the line between the age / grade / subject. We combine subjects and age groups and our students have the chance to experience the 'working life' in our own Experiential Learning City within the campus where they perform different roles and solve business or societal challenges. Using Machine Learning, we gather data on student learning profiles and styles in order to further personalise the learning experience for every individual student. We work hard to develop creativity and empathy and pride ourselves by offering more education with less schooling. Our kids enjoy their learning experience very much and are happy at school and at home. In only three months, families have seen drastic changes in the behavior of their kids at home, in addition to improving the learning results.

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

Technology, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Globalisation are the trends shaping the future of education. Unfortunately, the current schooling system is engineered to serve the first Industrial Revolution and has been resistant to change. In 10-15 years, we will see more personalisation of learning through technology and more specifically Artificial Intelligence; the demise of the University as the 'sole proprietor' of intellectual development and the emergence of alternative 'universities'. We will witness rapid development of non-formal education and lifelong learning, due to dramatic changes in the world of work. The aging of population in the development world will challenge the current status quo of public education, both pre-university and higher education and will lead to important transformation of the system while Asia, LatAm and Africa have the chance to 'catching-up' in the next 20 years more than they had for over 100 years, due to the emergence of new forms of relatively inexpensive (online) learning.

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

Unfortunately in many cases we see more technology but less education. Most of the EdTech products are developed by technology experts with little exposure to real education environments and challenges. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that the ecosystem network and learn from each other. It is not the easiest thing to bring teachers together with technologists and entrepreneurs but only by connecting the two worlds, we can solve the important challenges ahead. One thing I want to mention is that we also forget students often - for the EdTech products to start making a difference in schools, we need to start co-creating together with the end-users, our students. So they should also be part of important networking events and projects.

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

While I am from Kosovo, Finnish Schools International is a Finnish company and our school network is expanding in Europe and beyond. EdTech in Kosovo is in its infancy but in Finland is developing rapidly. While still early stage, a strong Edtech ecosystem is emerging in Finland with Government also supporting the Export of education products. There are several world class products coming out from Finland such as Seppo or Teacher Gaming Desk that we also use in our schools.

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

I am looking forward to hearing about the trends in the EdTech world, connect and network with like minded entrepreneurs and investors and hear success stories from colleagues around the world.

Who would you like to meet at the event?

Investors in EdTech and Education and early stage high growth potential edtech startups (as an Angel Investor).

Join Alejtin and our 150+ thought leader speakers at EdTechXEurope 2019 on 18 June 2019 - reserve your place now >>