Better Edtech Buying for Educators

Download or read book Better Edtech Buying for Educators written by Iste Staff and published by International Society for Technology in Education. This book was released on 2022-08-26 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on interviews with experts in the field, this booklet offers real-world examples of how educators can become active players in the procurement decision-making process. Frontline educators have a unique and invaluable perspective on adoption of edtech solutions that no other stakeholders have. They know what learning goals are difficult to achieve, have “on-the-ground” knowledge of what is age- and task-appropriate and know what tools students are more or less likely to use. Educators also have their own requirements for edtech solutions, for example, ease of use and accessible data to help them make informed decisions. However, too often, educators are left out of the evaluation and purchasing process that occurs at the district level. And even when they are involved, educators might not know what questions to ask or may not feel empowered to raise issues or point out potential problems. To take on a greater role in edtech decision-making, educators need to better understand the process and become more informed about the options available. That’s where this guide comes in. Topics include: • Supporting educators as critical consumers to help their school or district make informed decisions. • Alignment with learning and teaching goals, with emphasis on solving real problems for students and teachers. • Implementation and ongoing support to ensure that edtech solutions work in the classroom and that teachers feel supported in implementing them. • Data interoperability and student privacy. • Research and evidence that demonstrates a product’s potential. This guide highlights ways educators can contribute to their district’s purchasing and identifies key areas where educator insight can help others become more informed, critical consumers of edtech.