In the world of edtech, it’s easy to get excited about new apps, AI tutors, or promises of “classrooms of the future.” But when we look at real schools – whether in Poland, Africa, or the Middle East – the picture is different: not enough teachers, no basic materials, and children who can’t read.
That’s exactly what I discussed with Olli Vallo in the Edtech Dots podcast:
The Real Crisis
Olli – once a teacher, now an EdTech strategist at UNICEF – puts it bluntly: the biggest challenge is not a lack of apps, but a lack of foundations.
Millions of children around the world don’t go to school at all.
Most 10-year-olds in low-income countries can’t read a simple story.
We’re missing millions of trained teachers.
Technology alone won’t fix these problems. As Olli said: “A tablet can’t teach without a teacher beside it.”
Why Tech Often Fails
In the podcast, we also spoke about failed projects. Governments have handed out thousands of laptops, but… there was no internet, no electricity, and no teacher training. The result? Devices left unused in storage.
This shows a simple truth: technology only works when it’s rooted in the real context of a school – aligned with the curriculum, supporting teachers, and meeting local needs.
When Technology Helps
That doesn’t mean technology is useless. Quite the opposite – when designed for real problems, it can make a huge difference.
Olli shared examples like radio lessons in refugee camps, apps built in local languages, or AI tools that help teachers prepare materials faster. The key is fit – not technology for its own sake, but tools that solve real challenges.
A Needed Mindset Shift
Today, many edtech companies think first about how to “scale globally.” But, as Olli points out, education is not like a photo-sharing app. It depends on culture, language, and the daily lives of teachers.
If we want technology to truly help, we must first invest in the basics: teachers, schools, and curricula. Only then can tech act as support – not a shiny distraction.
You can listen to the full conversation with Olli Vallo here:
🎧 Edtech Dots – Olli Vallo on the Global Education Crisis and the Role of Technology
It’s one of the most honest conversations I’ve had about what really works in edtech – and what’s just a promise that looks good on slides.