Sometimes you don’t realize the treasure until you lose it. In education, it’s important to discover the treasure and hold onto it. It takes more than just assuming it’s valuable. Proof is necessary. That’s what schools use to justify keeping resources, like effective edtech programs.
What kinds of proof do schools use to measure success? There isn’t just one reason why edtech resources are worthy of continued investment. Various factors come into play with edtech renewal strategies, including improved test scores, student engagement data, research-backed efficacy, and data security.
Why edtech justification is a top priority
Shrinking budgets are top of mind, making scrutiny around the return on investment (ROI) and return on learning even more critical. Data-driven justification is a high priority for edtech ROI. Educators don’t take the impacts lightly because they directly affect student outcomes and the overall teaching experience.
"ROI in edtech can’t be measured by logins or cost-per-student alone. Educators and leaders need to know whether a product is truly ‘moving the needle’ and make decisions grounded in real classroom impact," said Dr. Megan Conrad, ExploreLearning Senior Researcher.
Schools want to see results with edtech resources. Educators look at how programs enhance student learning and prepare students for future academic courses and careers. They also want information about how teachers use edtech tools to allow for differentiation, improve accessibility, and monitor progress.
Does the resource provide valuable data insights to inform their instruction? When data shows that edtech helps teachers create more engaging and effective learning environments, there’s a case for keeping the resource. Why invest the limited funds and valuable time if the results aren't there?
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Metrics that matter most to decision-makers
There are many edtech resources out there touting features and results. Which are important? How can educators truly know that the programs do what they say they’ll do in real classrooms? Key factors stand out when decision-makers evaluate resources. Schools prioritize edtech metrics that demonstrate the effectiveness of the tools. Which key areas provide actionable insights? Evaluating the impacts of edtech resources relies on solid data across a variety of factors that affect teacher and student success.
Let’s take a closer look at the metrics that make a difference.
Academic performance and test score gains
Test scores show a level of achievement, and academic performance measures a broader sense of learning and success. Test score improvement tools are important for teachers to have in their toolboxes. When considering the results of edtech programs, school leadership looks for both quantifiable improvements in state assessments and benchmark tests and real-world proof of student achievement. For example, a recent study showed ExploreLearning Reflex users were 2x more likely to meet ambitious math growth goals compared to non-users.
Student engagement and motivation data
Finding resources that increase student engagement and motivation is like discovering gold. Teachers know that student engagement fosters a deeper understanding of concepts and encourages active participation. Edtech resources that provide data about usage reports, completion rates, and time-on-task while offering actionable student feedback help teachers evaluate progress and help students set ambitious yet realistic goals. When students also have access to their data, they develop a sense of ownership because they are actively participating in the process.
Research-based efficacy and outcomes
ExploreLearning products use research-proven, evidence-based strategies to support optimal learning for all students. Our research comes from qualitative or descriptive data (surveys, interviews, and case studies) and quantitative or numerical impact research using high-quality and rigorous statistical analyses.
We also incorporate third-party efficacy studies when gathering study and result data. When considering the effectiveness of edtech resources, validated results lend confidence to continue with program adoption.
Teacher impact and instructional support
If educational tools don’t streamline the teacher process, there’s a good chance that educators won’t want to use them. ExploreLearning resources understand what it’s really like in the classroom. We involve teachers in the development process through Collab Crew – a community of educators who participate in everything from beta-testing new features to providing feedback.
Professional development is robust, helping teachers from set-up to implementation strategies. Teachers trust the advice of other educators, and they aren’t shy about sharing their successes.
Data privacy, equity, and security compliance
Choosing edtech resources that protect sensitive information is crucial. Data security compliance should be a non-negotiable. Data protection keeps personal identifying information secure. High-quality resources, like ExploreLearning, meet modern data privacy edtech and equity standards through certifications like ISO/IEC 27001:2013.
This information security management system standard was published in October 2013 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Compliance affirms an organization’s adherence to leading data security practices.
Framing the justification for stakeholders
When the time comes for budget planning discussions about the impacts of edtech resources, let the data speak for itself. Through progress monitoring as well as formative and summative evaluations, teachers know exactly how programs helped their students.
"Our research shows that when used with fidelity, ExploreLearning tools support engagement, equity, and achievement across diverse student populations. But those outcomes don’t always show up in a usage report. The right edtech partner provides the tools and support educators and leaders need to uncover what’s working and to strengthen implementation for the success of all students," said Dr. Conrad.
Spotlight the wins in test scores and student achievement. Talk about the students who understand fractions – finally! Or the ones who can’t wait to share their scientific results from working with interactive simulations.
Continue the impact with ExploreLearning
When the right metrics align—engagement, results, and research—edtech becomes indispensable. That’s the treasure! Every teacher deserves to have it, and all students sitting at those desks are worthy of educational experiences that are proven to help them learn and grow. Keep the treasure for all of them.
Haven’t experienced ExploreLearning edtech resources yet? Take a free trial today and discover the difference research-backed edtech can make with your students.
