Choosing EdTech Wisely

Use learning goals, usability, accessibility, privacy, interoperability and evidence to decide whether a new educational technology is worth adopting.

• Define the problem before viewing the product — A technology is easier to judge when the need exists independently of the sales pitch.
• Evaluate fit, not feature count — Useful technology fits the learning context, users and routines—not just a checklist of capabilities.
• Treat accessibility, privacy and safeguarding as design requirements — A technology that excludes or exposes learners is not a strong instructional choice.
• Evaluate the implementation burden — The product experience includes training, setup, support, integration and ongoing maintenance.
• Pilot for a decision, not for permission to buy — A pilot should produce evidence that could lead to yes, change or no.