Q&A with Becky Splitt, CEO of StudyBlue

What is the biggest trend in education technology that we should be watching?
Mobile technology, and iPads in particular, will be red-hot in the K-12 market during the 2012-13 school year. Today’s students operate in an increasingly “bring your own device” (BYOD) world. Mobile devices are integral to every aspect of the modern student’s daily life – entertainment, social networking and learning. Since students are more dependent on their mobile devices for learning, our mission at StudyBlue becomes even more critical because of how important it is for students to have access to quality learning tools on the devices they use most often.

If you could provide students nationwide with one education technology product, what would it be?
Changing a school’s existing infrastructure, systems and processes can be a daunting challenge. Budgetary shortfalls and bureaucratic chains of command combine to slow the pace of change in education, which is an industry generally regarded as being more reactionary than leading edge.

The only scalable way to improve student outcomes is to deliver a free mobile platform that helps students help each other learn anything. That’s why StudyBlue puts tools directly in the hands of learners. Students don’t have to wait for the go-ahead from districts, schools or teachers before they can start adapting new study methods that help them master course material faster.

Name three companies to watch in 2012.
In addition to StudyBlue, keep an eye on Udacity in the higher education market, Edmodo on the K-12 side, and Apple as an all-around influencer.

Thanks to Becky for her contribution!  Check back later this week for a Startup Snapshot on StudyBlue!