Technological advancements and the pandemic have changed many aspects of our lives, including the field of education. We used to heavily rely on formal educational institutions and tutoring centers. Nowadays, we can study online as many startups provide education services. These services make it easier for students to access new knowledge and learn at their own convenience.
This method would have been just a dream if we were still relying on conventional study methods. Edutech startups have emerged to provide various services in the field of education. Now, we may wonder about edutech startups: what are their services, examples, and how have they developed in Indonesia?
Edutech Definition: Startups in the Education Industry
edutech
Edutech is a combination of two words: education and technology. As the name suggests, edutech combines education and technology to create an innovative learning method compared to conventional ones. In practice, edutech startups provide teachers, mentors, or learning materials for students or users. It differs from conventional learning methods because edutech startups utilize technology in their teaching and learning activities.
In Indonesia, there are numerous edutech startups that have grown significantly due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
Edutech Services
At a glance, edutech startup services offer significant benefits to the public through online learning methods that enable users to access learning materials anytime, anywhere. However, that’s not the only service edutech startups offer.
There are several services that users can enjoy, such as e-learning, a learning management system, Software as a Service (SaaS), and massive open online courses (MOOCs).
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E-learning
E-learning is the most well-known edutech startup service. This service provides teaching and learning materials online for users. The teaching is delivered through various mediums, such as animated videos and online live tutoring. Users can choose the best learning method according to their preferences. In Indonesia, this e-learning service is the most popular and widely used. Many edutech startups provide this service.
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Learning Management System
Next is the Learning Management System or LMS. Just like e-learning, LMS also provides online learning and teaching activities. However, LMS goes beyond that. It also helps users design their study plans, giving them more freedom in deciding their learning activities. This system is currently being applied in several formal education institutions, such as colleges. Typically, colleges will offer digital courses on an exclusive platform for their students.
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Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service is one of the services that many edutech startups offer. SaaS is usually utilized by users looking for online courses related to software. It is often used by schools and campuses that now frequently rely on digital technology.
Also read: 11 SaaS Startups in Indonesia and Southeast Asia
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Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
Lastly, there is the Massive Open Online Course service or MOOC. This service is similar to e-learning but on a larger scale, offering courses to obtain specific licenses or certifications from institutions. All of the course materials can be accessed for free anytime, anywhere.
The Development of Edutech Startups in Indonesia
edutech
The presence of edutech startups in Indonesia began in 2007. Initially, edutech startups arrived in Indonesia as a solution for students seeking extra courses outside of school without leaving their homes. Since then, edutech startups have evolved and provided even more types of services. Especially after the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the number of users of edutech startups has grown significantly.
As reported by Tracxn.com in 2022, there are already 391 edutech startups in Indonesia, indicating that these startups are gaining momentum and have significant growth potential.
In the edutech startup industry, there are at least two sectors: business to customers (B2C) and business to business (B2B). B2C edutech startups offer monthly subscriptions to students, while B2B edutech startups target schools and campuses and offer online classes.
List of Education Startups and Indonesia’s Edutech
In Indonesia, we have become quite familiar with several edutech startups. Some actively promote their products and services everywhere. Now, let’s learn more about the existing edutech startups in Indonesia!
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Arkademi
Arkademi is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) provider with a vision to upskill Indonesian workers and increase their earnings. This startup offers courses on useful skills in various fields that are accessible online. Until now, Arkademi has partnered with hundreds of schools, licensed training centers, and professional certification institutions. Established in 2017 and launched in 2018, Arkademi has provided more than 200 courses for students. They are also an official partner of the government in the Kartu Prakerja program.
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Kelaskita
Kelaskita is an edutech startup founded in 2013. It has a unique concept that combines social media and an online course site. E-learning is one of the services that Kelaskita offers. Through the functions of social media, users can easily follow online classes. The feature they offer allows users to gather as many friends as possible to start a class. Users can also join classes that are already available on Kelaskita.
Also read: 10 Lists of Edutech Startups in Indonesia and Southeast Asia
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Zenius
Zenius is one of the pioneering edutech startups in Indonesia. It has been around since 2007. This startup offers Indonesia’s first online tutoring courses with live interactive features. Zenius provides its users with access to PDF materials and videos for their studies. Until now, Zenius’s tutorial videos have been watched online more than 38.3 million times. In 2022, Zenius secured funding from MDI Ventures. They had also received funding from Northstar Group, Alpha JWC Ventures, and Openspace Ventures a year before.
These are examples of edutech startups and their development in Indonesia. With rapid technological advancements, edutech startups can become major players in Indonesia’s education industry.
