How to Get the Most Out of Ed Tech Data

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How to Get the Most Out of Ed Tech Data. (2017, February 21). Retrieved March 1, 2018, from http://www.kajeet.net/extracurricular/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-ed-tech-data


This article discusses the ways to use data to assess ed tech. The author states that there are two types of tools used to determine the effectiveness of an ed tech program: digital tools and non-digital tools.  Digital tools would be gradebooks, Common Core assessments, or digital instruction tied to textbooks.  Non-digital tools would be student observations, in class projects, student journals, and in-class group discussions.  The author also brings up using evidence as a way to support what kind of ed tech programs or devices you are purchasing.  Forms of evidence could include personal experiences, marketing infographics, or other word of mouth reviews.

Administrators and educators are using data to research ed tech programs.  The author states that there are three things to keep in mind when using data:  data should be comprehensive, organized, and accessible.  There is a new tool for school districts to use called “Ed Tech Rapid Cycle Evaluation Coach”.  This tool “offers teachers and administrators a solid, helpful guide to navigating the complexities of using data to determine whether a particular ed tech tool is right for a school district’s needs (“How to get to the most,” 2017).

The author suggests researching tech tools quickly but effectively due to the fast speed at which ed tech tools change.  

My school district’s ed tech program relies heavily on researching what other schools are doing and making sure we are staying current with tech trends.  Our district has no high school, so our students filter out to another district after middle school.  We look at what technology tools that district is using so we can better prepare our students for the experiences they will have in high school.  I don’t know how much data our administrators look at, but most of the tools we try are tools that have positive reviews from other schools.  

I think to have a successful ed tech program we need to make sure our teachers are properly trained, we have enough funds to purchase the devices we need, and our students are actually gaining knowledge from the tools we present them.

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