Nearly five years after the pandemic prompted massive investments in educational technology, district leaders are asking: How can we ensure the success of our edtech systems and tools while addressing mounting concerns about digital fatigue and whether these technologies are really meeting the fundamental needs of our teachers and students?
With a clear-eyed view of both benefits and challenges, district and school leaders can make their edtech investments more likely to solve problems, improve student performance, and meet the needs of students and educators alike—rather than becoming yet another cause of overwhelm and burnout.
Edtech can help educators efficiently respond to students’ varying learning needs with relevant, personalized learning experiences. Edtech also provides school systems with immediate access to assessment data, while increasing student engagement and preparing kids for a high-tech future.
On the other hand, edtech can lead to digital overwhelm for educators, while “app juggling” can similarly create a cognitive burden for students. Without thoughtful integration, technology can displace face-to-face interactions, leaving students with fewer chances to build relationships with their teachers—and with each other. In some cases, edtech may also hinder focus, limit deeper engagement with learning, and create temptations to engage in academic dishonesty.
Educators and leaders can take intentional, common-sense steps to ensure that digital tools enhance, rather than disrupt, learning and connection. Consider the following strategies:
To make the most of current edtech tools, and to assess the alignment of future purchases with district goals, consider asking:
Each of these questions may lead to further discussion and analysis, bringing schools and districts closer to realizing the full potential of edtech and bringing about the changes and improvements identified as district priorities.