Better Edtech Buying for Educators

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. Based on interviews from multiple experts in the field, with real-world examples illustrating each topic, this booklet helps educators become active players in the procurement decision-making process. 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.