Dive Brief:

• Over-The-Top technologies are any that deliver audio, video or media without requiring a cable or satellite television subscription, and they are beginning to significantly impact learning.
• According to eSchool News, OTT technologies have the capacity to lower the cost of learning by creating access to direct sharing of information, and they are perfect companions to blended and online learning initiatives.
• With the Obama administration’s focus on open educational resources, there is new demand for high-quality, free digital content, and OTT technologies can provide a pathway to get it.

Dive Insight:

While over-the-top technologies do not require a traditional subscription to cable or satellite, they still often require subscriptions. Examples of OTT technologies include learning management systems and third-party interfaces like YouTube that provide access to content. With tight budgets at schools around the country, investigating low-cost options for high-quality content is important.

As with any internet-based initiatives, security is important to keep in mind. Schools and districts need to make sure teachers are not finding and using questionably secure OTT technologies or giving out student information that could put privacy at risk. Strong policies from the top can help avoid situations like this.