Educational technology in the classroom is as ubiquitous as blackboards used to be. And while EdTech has great potential to personalize learning and accelerate academic achievement, too many districts and schools have been burned. The stories about districts spending millions of dollars in technology only to get zero return on investment in improved student outcomes aren’t just urban legends. An important lesson to learn from most of these EdTech investments gone bad is the importance of ensuring instructional practices, curriculum objectives and content are aligned with whatever devices, software or apps are selected. When it comes to EdTech, learning objectives come first, devices and software are just a means to helping teachers and students achieve those goals.
While putting pedagogy first is critical to making smart EdTech investments, there are other considerations too. With the fast pace of change in the technology market and education budgets that never seem to get bigger, IT administrators are under more pressure than ever to choose future-ready EdTech solutions that advance learning goals, empower teachers, and ensure student safety — now and down the road.
As you evaluate new devices and digital learning programs for the coming school year, there are seven questions you should ask EdTech vendors to make sure you have a clear and complete picture of the costs associated with the solution and if it’s one that will support your district’s long term goals. Keep in mind that you’ll need to ask additional questions to determine if a solution complements and supports your school or district’s instructional models and pedagogy.
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Rigorous evaluation is needed when making EdTech purchasing decisions. The investments are critical to meeting the learning needs of all students and preparing them for college and career. These seven questions are an important part of the evaluation process and will help ensure your EdTech investments deliver rather than disappoint.
About NetRef
NetRef is the first-ever Internet management tool that safeguards all web access points across a school’s networks and on all imported devices, helping teachers maximize the web as an educational and collaborative learning tool. With seamless and simple integration, NetRef offers umbrella protection across all systems, hardware and devices — from 1:1 to BYOD environments — minimize distractions and help keep students on-task. Learn more at www.net-ref.com.
