Essential queries for EdTech adoption

Digital technologies offer promising avenues to tailor education, broaden access, and cultivate digital literacy from a young age, yet their integration poses challenges. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) delves into maximising the potential of digital learning platforms, exploring their multifaceted role in enhancing education quality, assessment methods, and global collaboration, while curbing administrative burdens

 CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on OECD Education and Skills Today

Critical questions for edtech investment

In a crowded digital landscape, school leaders and educators grapple with astute investment choices. Here are some pivotal questions to guide decision-making:

• Is the learning tool aligned with local curricular priorities? Making sure digital learning tools align with local and national curriculum goals is crucial for effective use. It’s about mapping learning goals to the curriculum and ensuring adaptability for future changes.
• How insightful are the reporting tools for refining teaching practices? While reporting tools can aid instruction, it’s essential they aren’t overwhelming. Useful dashboards should provide insights into student progress without drowning teachers in data.
• Are your students’ data secure? Data privacy is paramount in digital education. Ensure platforms have robust security measures like encryption and anonymisation to protect student information.
• Does the content resonate with your local context? Digital tools resonate best when they reflect students’ lives and cultural backgrounds. Look for platforms that offer customisation options and language support.
• Is the technology and content future-proof? Sustainability in edtech means being adaptable to future challenges. Look for tools that allow for easy content expansion and technical updates without significant disruptions.

With the expansion of digital infrastructure and connectivity worldwide, the integration of digital learning and assessment tools in classrooms continues to be vital for equipping students with the skills needed for the challenges of the 21st century. It becomes crucial for SBLs to monitor the adaptability, data security, and sustainability of the digital learning and assessment tools they’re utilising or contemplating adopting.