The Role of Community and How It Should Be in the Curator Economy: 2021 Edtech Outlook

The Role of Community and How It Should Be in the Curator Economy: 2021 Edtech Outlook

In today's digital age, the power of community cannot be underestimated. People are realizing the profitable potential of curating content and the immense market for curators. While content creators play a vital role in producing valuable information, curators are equally important in filtering and presenting that content to the audience.

When it comes to curating, it's not just about reposting images or regurgitating information. A good curator goes beyond that. They conduct thorough research, write compelling articles, and edit content to ensure its quality. The key lies in the elements of closeness and trust. Micro-influencers are now preferred over sought-after celebrities because they are more connected to their community and, therefore, more relatable.

The value of curated content lies not only in its distribution but also in the judgment and expertise of the curator. It's essential to know who stands behind the content you consume and whether their specific outlook adds value to what you're reading. While the articles themselves may be free, the selection process requires diligent work and should be monetized accordingly.

However, there is a problem in the curator economy. Some individuals have been monetizing sloppy work and passing it off as curation. This undermines the true meaning and value of curated content. It is up to a knowledge-obsessed community to reclaim the essence of true curation. Curators should be driven by a genuine desire to inform and select, rather than a lack of creativity or a hunger for money.

As a community, we have a responsibility to teach one another what is worth focusing on in this oversaturated world. By supporting knowledgeable curators and demanding high-quality curation, we can elevate the value of curated content and ensure that our consumption aligns with our interests and values.

Moving on to the field of education, the 2021 Edtech Outlook reveals interesting insights into the industry. The past year has seen several large B2C education companies expanding their offerings to cater to the enterprise market. This move capitalizes on their consumer brands and allows them to tap into new revenue streams.

One significant trend in edtech is the demand for social and community-driven learning experiences. Consumers are eager for a truly social learning environment that fosters collaboration and engagement. Surprisingly, popular edutainment companies with strong single-player experiences have missed out on this opportunity. Social learning not only enhances retention but also creates a sense of belonging and support among learners.

Moreover, consumer mega-brands are quickly building significant annual recurring revenues (ARRs) by entering and branding the education sector. This verticalized approach allows them to cater specifically to the needs of different educational segments, such as K-12 or supplemental learning. In particular, addressing the growing Parent Wallet Share for K-12 supplemental learning has become a priority. Parents and other stakeholders want to be informed and involved in their children's education, and edtech companies are recognizing the importance of meeting this demand.

This shift in consumer buying behavior marks a significant change in the edtech industry. It highlights the need for personalized and community-driven educational solutions that go beyond traditional classroom settings. By embracing social learning experiences and involving parents and stakeholders, edtech companies can create a more holistic and effective learning environment.

In conclusion, both in the curator economy and the edtech industry, the role of community is paramount. In the curator economy, it is crucial to support knowledgeable curators who add value to the content they curate. By doing so, we can ensure that our consumption aligns with our interests and values. In the edtech industry, community-driven learning experiences and parental involvement are becoming increasingly important. Edtech companies need to embrace these trends and create personalized solutions that foster collaboration, engagement, and support.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. As consumers, be mindful of the curated content you consume. Look for curators who have a genuine interest in informing and selecting valuable content rather than those driven solely by profit.

• 2. Support micro-influencers and community-driven learning experiences in the edtech sector. By actively engaging and participating in these platforms, you can contribute to a more enriching and inclusive learning environment.

• 3. Demand transparency and involvement from edtech companies. Encourage them to prioritize parental engagement and address the specific needs of different educational segments. By doing so, we can shape the future of education and ensure that it meets the evolving demands of learners and stakeholders.

The power of community should never be underestimated. Whether in the curator economy or the edtech industry, our collective efforts can shape the way we consume and learn. Let us come together to foster a more informed, connected, and inclusive world.