In language education, staying ahead of technological advancements isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity. EF (Education First), a global leader in language education, has embraced this challenge through its partnership with Get More Brain (GMB). This collaboration demonstrates how thoughtful digital transformation can enhance both teaching and learning experiences while maintaining the human connection that’s essential to language learning.
The Challenge: Modernizing Traditional Language Education
Traditional language education has long faced significant challenges: subjective grading, limited data collection, and difficulty in personalizing learning experiences. Students often struggled with inconsistent feedback, while teachers grappled with time-consuming administrative tasks that took away from actual teaching. EF recognized these pain points and sought a solution that would not only address these immediate issues but also prepare their institutions for the future of education.
Why Get More Brain?
The decision to implement GMB wasn’t just about digitizing existing processes – it was about reimagining how language education could work in the 21st century. Get More Brain offers a comprehensive solution that brings everything into one place, making life easier for both teachers and students. What sets GMB apart is its ability to combine powerful technology with pedagogical expertise, creating an environment where digital tools enhance rather than replace human interaction.
Success Story: San Diego’s Digital Revolution
The San Diego campus is emerging as a shining example of successful implementation. What makes the difference?
Leadership that is fully committed to change. Instead of offering GMB as an option alongside traditional methods, they are taking a bold stance: this is the future, and there is no looking back. This clear vision is creating a unified approach that helps overcome initial resistance and accelerates adoption throughout the campus.
For teachers, GMB is transformative in ways that go beyond simple efficiency gains. They now spend less time on preparation and more time understanding their students’ needs. The platform gives them unprecedented insight into the progress of all students – even those who might be too shy to speak up in class. This data-driven approach enables teachers to identify struggling students earlier and provide more targeted support.
Additionally, teachers are finding that the platform’s analytics help them refine their teaching methods and create more engaging lessons. The ability to track student engagement in real-time leads to more dynamic and interactive classroom experiences.
Key Learnings from Implementation
The journey isn’t without its lessons. EF is discovering that successful digital transformation requires more than just good software – it needs the right infrastructure, strong leadership support, and a commitment to change management. Schools near beaches, where students are less likely to bring laptops, face different challenges than those with on-site dormitories. These experiences highlight the importance of considering local context and student behavior patterns when implementing digital solutions.
Another crucial learning is the importance of proper training and ongoing support. Schools that invest time in comprehensive teacher training and provide continuous technical support see much higher engagement and satisfaction levels with the platform.
Looking to the Future
As EF’s journey with GMB continues to evolve, one thing is clear: embracing digital innovation is crucial for staying relevant in education. As Sange Lee, Executive Vice President for Product Development at EF, puts it, “The day we close the door to a company like Get More Brain is the day we as a company will die.” This powerful statement reflects EF’s commitment to continuous innovation and improvement in language education.
Looking ahead, EF is exploring new ways to leverage GMB’s capabilities, including artificial intelligence features for pronunciation feedback and adaptive learning paths that automatically adjust to each student’s progress.
Recommendations for Other Institutions
For schools considering a similar digital transformation, EF’s experience offers valuable insights:
- Ensure you have the necessary infrastructure in place, including reliable internet connectivity and appropriate devices
- Secure strong commitment from leadership and create a clear implementation strategy
- Share success stories to build momentum and encourage adoption
- Be patient with the transition process and provide comprehensive training
- Focus on engagement metrics rather than immediate cost savings
- Create a support system for both teachers and students during the transition
- Regularly collect feedback and be willing to adjust your approach based on user experiences
The future of language education is digital, and institutions that embrace this reality today will be better positioned to serve their students tomorrow. EF’s experience with Get More Brain shows that while change isn’t always easy, it’s essential for growth and innovation in education. Success lies not just in choosing the right technology, but in creating an environment where that technology can thrive and enhance the human elements of language learning.
Watch the whole interview with Sange Lee (reach out to him on LinkedIn)
