Industry changes present unique opportunities for expansion and innovation among publishers and content developers
Education publishing is growing rapidly, especially in the post-COVID landscape, where the ease and cost of digital materials make them a popular choice among schools and districts nationwide. This shift toward online education and digital education materials may seem daunting for traditional publishers, but with the right approach, you can capitalize on this change by shifting your content to fit market needs.
Exponential industry growth and shifting market needs mean opportunities for expansion and innovation — but also highlight specific content considerations that should be addressed before beginning a large publishing project or product overhaul. Learn how ScribeConcepts can help you prepare to tackle content challenges and set your product up for long-term success.
Multichannel publishing is here to stay
Much of the growth of the educational publishing sector is due to an increase in the availability of and preference for digital tools, texts, and curricula. Traditional publishers need not fear taking the digital path. In fact, a solid plan for concurrent print and digital publishing can streamline the workload as you diversify your product.
As industry experts, ScribeConcepts is ready to evaluate your product goals, design a smooth workflow, and provide teams of content developers and production artists to meet the needs of your audience.
Modern production workflows, better outcomes
Technologies for curriculum developers are ever-changing, as education and technology adapt to the needs of content developers and the demands of educators. As you re-evaluate your products, you will likely find new tech that can streamline your production, and facilitate your efforts to adapt products for new industry requirements and to better satisfy your product goals.
ScribeConcepts has identified key strategies in order to maximize the outcomes of students, teachers, and publishers:
Be prepared to leverage new technologies. Keep an open mind when evaluating legacy procedures and workflows. Consider how a new CMS or file-sharing system can elevate your current product, encourage collaboration, and make it easier for employees to access project assets.
Engage in pre-project strategizing with your team and vendor partners. This will generate innovative solutions for your unique content challenges or gaps in current processes. Carve out time to study the "big picture" of your product and production process, focusing on what your team needs to address current industry standards.
Encourage collaboration. Consider whether a new technology may help eliminate silos among your employees, promoting better collaboration and overview of complex projects. Collaborate during the planning and implementation stages to facilitate efficient and effective product management.
The pros and cons of new educational content technology
How can your product can stand out as being "cutting edge" with constant changes in technology? Many school districts encourage more technology integration – from smart classroom displays and flipped-classroom models to 1:1 devices and virtual reality – so traditional learning methods and materials may appear to be relics of the past. However, print materials are still practical and in high demand.
It is best to take a realistic approach to incorporating tech into your curricula, since access can vary from student to student and school to school. Solicit client feedback about how technological tools and print materials are being used daily in classrooms, how often, and for what purposes. Don’t feel pressured to add a new technology without first weighing the benefits against the costs and accessibility of the tools. Low-tech options can be effective, too.
As you endeavor to keep up with tech trends, remember the basics:
New applications are always being released and devices' capabilities change frequently.
Districts and individual schools consider cost and access as they review curricula.
Aligning your content to allow educators to opt in or out of technology assignments can attract a multitude of educators with different needs and allow you to innovate now and in the future.
A more learner-focused and personalized approach
Accommodation and accessibility should be at the forefront of project planning when re-evaluating curricular products, ensuring cohesion between supplemental and standard material, promoting individualization of instruction and practice, and expanding the scope and efficacy of the product.
Incorporating technologies such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) allows for the development of digital content that meets the diverse needs of all learners, from those with disabilities to multilingual students. This shift toward digital materials enables educators to deliver tailored instruction while maintaining coherence between core and supplementary content.
As awareness of neurodiversity grows, there is an increased emphasis on personalizing curricula. Technologies and digital tools now offer customizable features like adjustable text sizes, screen readers, and translation support that enhance accessibility. These tools not only benefit students with disabilities or multilingual learners but also support the wider classroom by providing flexible learning paths and varied engagement opportunities.
A truly learner-focused curriculum should contain special guidance for teachers that empowers them to make critical, in-the-moment decisions that ensure accessibility for all students.
How ScribeConcepts can help your product stay up-to-date with trends and new standards
ScribeConcepts has experience incorporating multichannel publishing, production workflows, educational technology, and personalized approaches into existing and newly developed curriculums. Our competent team of professionals is well-versed in the implementation of these strategies and is passionate about helping education publishers meet the needs of learners everywhere.
Our services include:
Workflow evaluation and implementation
Content strategy, research, and development
Tandem production of print and digital materials
Project planning and management
Accessibility reviews and compliance updates
Connect with us today to see how we can help you and your organization plan for a brighter future.