Education technology changed radically overnight as a result of the global school closures caused by COVID-19. Teachers had no choice but to learn how to conduct video lessons, assign homework online, and use virtual testing. At the same time, parents became involved in the educational process, and children got used to a new way of studying.
However, many believed that this tendency was temporary and would end once schools reopened. However, it did not happen that way.
On the contrary, schools found out that technology can help to solve some problems existing since the emergence of the first schools. Educational software allows personalizing lessons, monitoring student performance, contacting parents, and providing learning resources regardless of the location. Nowadays, schools still invest in education technology as they understand its potential.
However, we should not have any qualms in admitting the fact that online learning is not ideal. Some educators raise some legitimate concerns like the amount of time spent looking at screens, lack of face-to-face communication, unequal access to devices, and the problem of distracting younger students. These concerns are real. But, the current education technology is not meant to replace teachers; it is only supposed to improve teaching.
However, as the number of startups joining the education industry grows, schools now have more options than they did before. It may appear to be good news, but it becomes hard when there are too many educational solutions, all claiming to improve the student learning outcomes.
Just as schools collaborate with SAP learning management systems (LMS) consultants for enterprise learning platform integration, choosing an EdTech startup necessitates looking past scheduling gazillion demos, ticking off flashy features, comparing prices, etc.
Below we have listed five useful suggestions to help you make a better choice.
1. Identify the the Classroom Problem
Each institution is unique and has different problems. Some need more effective systems for recording attendance. Other schools may have challenges with homework management, evaluation, engagement, or parent communications.
Before making a comparison of the various platforms, there is just one question to consider: what problem are we addressing?
Without a clear idea about the problem at hand, all the platforms are going to look equally impressive.
You need to talk to teachers, school administrators, parents and even pupils. They interact with these tools on a daily basis, hence their input counts.
2. Move Beyond Ostentatious Features
It is tempting to become distracted by things like artificial intelligence, gamification, flashy interfaces, and animated elements.
These are certainly valid considerations, but should not form your basis for choosing the platform.
Rather, you should be asking yourself questions such as:
➔ Is it an interface that is easy for teachers to learn?
➔ Is it something that young students can use without continuous support?
➔ Does it decrease administrative tasks?
➔ Is it easily accessible to parents?
Schools assessing the digital platform would usually consider it in relation to the best ERP systems for K-12 schools as both have to integrate seamlessly with everyday activities without adding further complications. The more streamlined the whole process for all parties becomes, the higher the chance that the platform will be utilized.
3. Check Whether the Startup Understands the Education Sector
Every technology business does not necessarily understand how the education industry functions.
An emerging business can come up with great software without recognizing some educational factors like curriculum requirements, grade system, workload of teachers, accessibility policies, and even students' privacy issues.
Spend some time to investigate the background of the company.
➔ Do they have experience working with K-12 schools?
➔ Do they have case studies to share with you?
➔ Are they updating their product regularly according to educators' comments?
Those startups that collaborate with teachers create products which can address actual problems.
4. Consider Long-Term Scalability
Consider Long-Term Scalability
It is not common practice for schools to switch platforms yearly. The last thing anyone wants is for teachers to be uncomfortable using the new system.
That’s why scalability should matter.
The student body can increase. There may be a new campus opening. Reporting requirements can become stricter. Other integrations may become a need at some point.
Go with a company that thinks ahead and beyond what is currently needed.
Customer support should be considered, as well.
➔ Does anyone get back to you if there are issues?
➔ Do they have onboarding services?
➔ Is there technical support available during school hours?
Having reliable customer support can become more important than another feature on the list.
5. Put Security and Data Privacy First
Schools deal with confidential data on a regular basis, including student files, performance records, attendance, health data, and even contact details for parents.
This is why data security is one of the major evaluation factors.
Inquire from the vendors whether the startup uses data encryption, permissions for users, backup plans, any compliance certifications, and procedures for recovery from disasters.
A reliable startup will be able to answer these questions without relying on technical terms.
It is also critical to know who owns the data, its storage place, and the process of getting rid of the data in case of termination of services.
Final Thoughts
The EdTech sector has grown dramatically since the pandemic and continues to evolve every year. Schools now have access to creative solutions that would have seemed impossible ten years ago. Therefore, choosing the right platform requires careful thought.
But keep in mind that the objective here is not to identify the startup with the longest feature list. It is to find one that genuinely makes teaching easier, helps students learn, and makes parents' and administrators' lives easier. If we focus on addressing real educational problems, take the feedback from the end users of the software, and evaluate startups from a long-term perspective, we are much more likely to choose a solution that provides long-term value.
Technology might never be able to replace great teachers, and it shouldn't try. But when used properly, it can be one of a school's most effective allies in enhancing each student's educational experience.
