We have long acknowledged that education technologies are best used to enhance teaching and learning environments – not to detract from the role of a teacher. There are a wide range of technologies available to you on the market and it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the bright lights of the latest edtech gadgets, but the magic happens where there is a strategy in place to ensure the right solution is chosen. Investing in the right technology that meets the needs of the schools, its teachers and students is crucial.
Here are four key considerations schools should make before investing in new classroom technology:
1. Using Edtech as an Enabler
Investing in technology is a big decision for schools, so it’s important that you’re doing it for the right reasons. At Promethean, we know that technology is best used when it makes the lives of teachers a little easier and helps to deliver innovative and engaging lessons that are proven to improve learning outcomes. 9 in 10 educators who took part in the Promethean State of Technology in Education Report 2019/20 agreed technology helps them do their job better. Think carefully about what teachers and learners are looking to gain from new technology and seek options that best suit these needs.
2. A Connected Classroom
One of the main factors that should be considered when selecting new technology should be whether it will integrate with your current provisions. Can you use the same software as you do now, and will the new technology boast connectivity with existing class devices? It can help to do an audit of what you already have – you can then keep this in mind when making purchasing decisions.
3. Get All Teachers Involved
This is really important. As the primary user of teaching technologies, teachers need to participate in the procurement process and have the chance to get a feel for edtech solutions being considered. Staff should be given the opportunity to decide whether the functionality and usability meets their needs and those of students. By including teachers in the buying process, they are more likely to become advocates of the edtech you’re investing in and will be more confident and resourceful using the new technology.
4. Choose the Right Edtech Partner
When investing in new technology it pays dividends to think about the wider value edtech providers offer, as well as choosing an established edtech partner that is going to be around for the lifetime of the technology you’re investing in. Promethean hosts a suite of free online training materials for schools to help you get the most out of your edtech investment, as well as supplying award-winning lesson delivery platform ActivInspire as standard with every ActivPanel interactive screen. We also pioneer education initiatives like the Promethean Grant – giving schools the chance to win free edtech – and State of Technology in Education Report – providing a fresh insight into the thoughts of educators across Australia.
Through strategic planning, consideration and taking the time to evaluate what edtech solutions will make the biggest impact in the classroom, you can be confident you’re making the right edtech investment. Edtech is always the most effective when implemented carefully – feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out more about how we can support you through procurement.