Demand for Back-to-School Tech Surges. Here is Why.
January 2, 2023
When the pandemic forced nationwide school closures last year, technology was already a growing feature of the American classroom. Fast-forward to 2021 and tech has become a vital resource for virtually every student in the nation.
At the outset of the pandemic, laptops, cellphones and video conferencing tools were essential for basic communication between teachers and students. As hybrid learning becomes the necessary model for many schools this Fall, the trend toward increasingly tech-centric education is here to stay.
Data shows record-breaking demand for tech
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® recently released its mid-year industry forecast projecting retail sales revenue for the tech industry in the U.S. will reach a record-breaking $487 billion in 2021 – a 7.5% jump year-over-year.
Not surprisingly, much of that revenue is driven by an unprecedented demand for tech in schools. With many Americans still learning (and working) from home, CTA expects shipments for laptops will earn the industry $45 billion in revenue – up 11% from last year. Meanwhile, overall shipments of smartphones will increase 10% to 154 million units, earning $73 billion.
With few options available at home, parents found value in using educational toys (e-toys) as learning shifted to home during the pandemic and this is expected to continue. According to the same study, shipments of e-toys including robots and musical instruments, will reach 61 million – up 7% from 2020. Specifically, STEM toys, which make up a growing part of this category, project 4.7 million shipments – a 19% jump from 2020.
Modern education requires more tech
Beyond the obvious need for remote learning options, the increased demand for education tech is also fueled by a growing necessity for digital skills from students of all ages.
The number of STEM jobs have surpassed the number of non-STEM jobs by three times since 2000. Many experts believe there might not be enough graduates in those fields to fill those jobs, underscoring the need for more early education in these spaces.
Education experts in the U.S. also emphasize the importance of keeping pace with an increasingly tech-savvy world. According to a study by the Institute of International Education, the number one major that international students pursue within STEM is computer technology. For American students to stay ahead of the curve, access to digital tools that support their learning is essential.
Tech is here to stay in our schools
The pandemic strengthened the American education system’s relationship with technology forever, driving record growth for many sectors of the industry. More importantly, this trend is better preparing American students for an increasingly tech-driven world.
The need for technology in American education is one of the driving factors behind CTA’s 21st Century Workforce Council, a working group of technology industry executives focused on addressing the critical skills gap and creating a highly skilled workforce. Read more about how you can get involved.
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