Even as technology becomes more and more central to lesson delivery, schools can’t always afford all of the education technology resources that they need. Technology might be a key factor in lessons, but it is just one part of the overall budget. The question is, how much budget is being invested in education technology?
The State of Technology in Education Report 2021 revealed the following levels of agreement in relation to budget allocation being ‘at the right level’ for edtech:
- 16% of teachers agreed, compared to 24% in 2019
- 45% of Senior Management Team (SMT) members agreed, up from 37% in 2019
- 36% of IT managers agreed, compared to 37% in 2019
We can see that far fewer teachers are confident in their school’s allocation of budget to technology than SMT members or IT managers. Overall, relatively few respondents were happy with their school’s edtech budget allocation – and if technology spend is limited, it’s even more important that schools secure value with their purchases.
Key considerations for edtech investments
By following these three ‘golden rules’, schools can make the most of their edtech spend even if the budget available is limited:
- Ensure compatibility and continuity
Schools should try to invest in edtech solutions which fit their existing strategy and are compatible with technologies they already have in place. In doing so, they will develop a fluid edtech ecosystem which is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Consider everybody’s requirements
It’s quite likely that not everybody wants or needs the same thing, so by listening to the requirements of each group (teachers, IT managers, support staff, administrators etc.), school leaders can equip themselves with the knowledge they need to make edtech purchases that benefit as many stakeholders as possible.
- Seek long-term functionality
Not all edtech solutions are equal, and one of the best ways for schools to achieve value is to ensure their investments will stand the test of time. One factor on this front is to make sure that the product itself is high-quality, but equally important is checking that the supplier is reputable; secure for the future; and can offer reliable support and warrantees to guarantee peace of mind.
For more insights into school budgets, download your copy of the State of Technology in Education Report 2021 today: www.prometheanworld.com/au/stateoftechined