To conduct an analysis of ConnectED Labs, I will focus on the following key areas:
Why does learning in the ConnectED Labs metaverse hold potential?
What are the drawbacks to learning in the metaverse?
What are the unique qualities of ConnectED Labs that gives it advantage in this space?
What are the potential risks associated with investing in ConnectED labs?
Why does learning in the metaverse hold potential?
Traditional LMS platforms can be confusing and difficult to manage and navigate.
With integration of AI, the learning environment can adapt to learner needs and at their own pace.
Creates more opportunties to create more hands-on activities where students can co-create
Learning from anywhere in the world but being able to share digital space with other learners.
Teachers can design the learning environment to suit their teaching style or needs.
Students can have the opportunity to express themselves through the creation and use of an avatar.
2. What are the drawbacks to learning in the metaverse?
These systems require a large amounts of compute, particularly if AI is utilized.
A large amount of data is collected from users, which increases the risk to them if there is a breach.
Immersive technologies are known to be addictive
In fully immersive environments (VR), many users are suciptible to health issues related to motion-sickness.
Head mounted displays can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
High speed internet and equipment costs are required and is still a barrier to access for many.
3. What are the advantages that ConnectED has in this space?
This video highlights the origins of the company and discusses its focus on building an inclusive and equitable tool.
No VR headset is required to utilize the technology
Has compatibility with many existing LMS tools
The market is large for its product because there are both business and educational applications
The company makes their product available on a wide range of platforms and devices, so it reduces barriers to access and provides an opportunity to use the product without the drawbacks of full immersion (VR)
The company has relationships in the education community and tests its products in real-world environments
Serves as a more engaging video-conferencing/LMS tool
ConnectED has a strategic partnership with Voilà Learning, which creates collaborative opportunities
Generative AI creates opportunities for this technology to advance more quickly, opening possibilities for new services and learning opportunities
There seems to be a strong client-base. For example, the Government of Canada (Heritage Canada), the Canadian Bureau of International Education, and others are listed as clients on their website
4. What are the potential risks associated with investing in ConnectED labs?
Many of the drawbacks from immersive technologies will detract from wide-adoption
The technology is still in a relatively early phase. Building a marketing strategy to convince businesses and institutions to adopt the technology might be costly
New technological developments will be needed to make this tool more useful outside of remote or hybrid settings
Issues around security and privacy persist in this space
Unanswered ethical questions around immersive technologies and their individual and social impacts could slow the growth of the industry
The technology must be at least as reliable and user-friendly as well-establish video conferencing tools
There is no publicly available information on the financial health of the company nor the pricing structure of the services