In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the adoption of educational technology has surged over the past decade. K-12 schools have embraced this shift towards incorporating new technology into teaching and learning practices. However, the focus now shifts to strategically purchasing edtech tools that truly have a positive impact on education.
Effectively evaluating edtech products poses a significant challenge for districts. They must navigate budget constraints, data privacy concerns, and ensure alignment with educational goals. To shed light on how districts tackle these challenges, EdSurge had the opportunity to speak with three leaders in educational technology.
Susan Uram, the Director of Educational Technology at Rockford Public Schools in Illinois, leverages her extensive background in education to bridge the gap between IT initiatives and classroom instruction. April Chamberlain, the Technology and Library Supervisor at Trussville City Schools in Alabama, brings her classroom experience to align technology initiatives with instructional needs. Jessica Peters, the Director of Personalized Learning at KIPP DC Public Schools, draws on her teaching background to implement effective edtech solutions across multiple schools.
These leaders provide invaluable insights into the challenges and strategies involved in edtech procurement and implementation in their districts. One exciting project they are involved in is the Benchmark project, which aims to support districts in improving assessment practices based on their unique contexts.
When it comes to evaluating and selecting edtech products, each district has specific processes in place. Rockford Public Schools emphasizes the need for tools to provide genuine value and differentiation, while Trussville City Schools utilizes a multi-tiered approach involving all stakeholders in the evaluation process. Likewise, KIPP DC conducts thorough efficacy analyses to ensure the products align with instructional goals.
The Teacher Ready Evaluation Framework and Tool have been instrumental in supporting educators and district leaders in product evaluation. This tool provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating products based on specific criteria and helps remove biases from the decision-making process. By focusing on data-driven assessments, districts can make informed decisions that prioritize student learning and privacy.
As technology continues to influence education, it is crucial for districts to adopt a systematic approach to evaluating and selecting edtech tools. By leveraging frameworks like the Teacher Ready Evaluation Tool, educators can ensure that the products they choose have a meaningful impact on teaching and learning outcomes. Embracing data-driven assessments and prioritizing student privacy will be key in navigating the complexities of edtech procurement and implementation.
