Since the shift to remote and hybrid learning due to Covid-19, educators have been exploring different teaching methods and digital tools. Even with the many advances and benefits technology has brought, it can be overwhelming to decipher which edtech solution is the best fit for schools. With too many options, teachers can lose instructional time and learning opportunities when it becomes hard to navigate.
Here are some factors to consider while evaluating edtech that help support students and instructors.
- Efficient
An efficient EdTech resource produces desired outcomes without wasting materials, time, or energy. It should also be personalized, adaptive, and self-paced. The product should be easy to set up, have a swift and user-friendly onboarding process, and ensure students’ data is protected to the highest degree.
A teacher or leader choosing a learning software program likely does not have the time to thoroughly investigate the research that each organization cites. To quickly gauge the impact that a tool can have on your students’ learning, examine testimonials from students and teachers who have used it.
- Engaging
The content and process should simultaneously be easy to implement and engaging. The tools should provide rapid feedback to the students, so they feel motivated to keep learning. See if you can demo the tool as a student would, exploring the experience from their perspective. As you evaluate the edtech, see if you can notice any discrepancies or confusing dialogue that might get in the way of student learning, or might take them away from engagement.
When assessing from the students’ perspectives, determine if this tool you are investigating will meet their varying needs, and if so, what protocols, modifications, or settings you will need to put in place.
- Effective
For an EdTech product to be effective, users must focus on the outcomes while striving to reach a specific learning goal or outcome. When considering edtech have a few questions in mind that align with your school needs.
Who is your target audience?
What are they learning?
How do you measure the effectiveness of this products?
Is the product easy to use?
What do you consider when evaluating edtech?
Resources:
https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-matters-most-when-youre-evaluating-edtech-tools
https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-to-avoid-being-overwhelmed-by-technology-options
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