By Cheryl Miller and Steve Halliwell
The World Economic Forum estimated that more than 1.2 billion students were learning outside the classroom during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools shifted to remote instruction, digital learning platforms and educational technology (EdTech) became essential tools for continuing instruction and maintaining student engagement.
Across the United States, districts—many already on summer break when closures began—are investing in technology and services to adapt to this new reality. CARES Act funding gives K-12 leaders a timely opportunity to purchase devices, software, and professional development to support both remote and hybrid learning models. The federal package includes $13.2 billion in K-12 formula grants distributed to states based on their share of Title I-A funds, and local districts may use those funds for coronavirus response activities, including EdTech purchases and allowable activities under elementary and secondary education law.
Even prior to the pandemic, investment in education technology was rising. Now that much teaching is happening online, choosing the right tools and using them well is more important than ever. But selecting and deploying EdTech comes with pitfalls: budget constraints, unclear priorities, insufficient training, and too many product choices can limit impact. To maximize return on investment and boost student outcomes, school leaders should approach EdTech decisions strategically.
Key challenges to address before investing in EdTech
Recent surveys of education professionals show both enthusiasm for learning technology and real obstacles to widespread adoption. While many educators see technology as a powerful lever for improving engagement, nearly half of administrators cite budget limitations as a primary barrier to expanding EdTech and training. With dozens of possible expenditures—devices, adaptive software, interactive displays, 3D printers, robotics, data platforms—it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
Before committing funds, consider the following practical guidelines to ensure your investment supports effective teaching and learning, whether in the classroom or remotely:
- Try before buying: Pilot products with teachers and students when possible so you can assess usability and impact before large-scale purchases.
- Align investments to your technology roadmap: Ensure every purchase supports district goals, curriculum priorities, and infrastructure plans.
- Prioritize teacher training: Choose solutions that include professional development so educators feel confident integrating tools into instruction.
- Partner with innovative providers: Work with vendors who are committed to continuous improvement and to deepening the learning experience.
- Learn from peers: Talk with other districts to learn what has worked in similar contexts and why.
- Measure impact: Collect teacher and student feedback and run periodic surveys to evaluate whether technology is improving learning outcomes.
- Focus on engagement: Select tools that promote creativity, collaboration, and active learning—engaged students learn more effectively.
- Plan for dual use: Prefer tools that support both in-classroom instruction and remote learning so the district can adapt to changing conditions.
Once you select EdTech, confirm that vendors will provide hands-on training on lesson design, content creation, classroom management, and data privacy best practices. New classroom technology is a major investment; districts should take advantage of vendor support and professional learning to ensure sustained adoption and success.
Balancing classroom engagement with remote learning
Schools already face learning loss from long breaks such as summer; extended or repeated closures can increase that risk. Reopening plans involve complex logistics—enhanced sanitation, staggered schedules, and social distancing—that may require blended or hybrid models. Some students and staff may need to remain remote due to health concerns, making flexible solutions essential.
EdTech investments should therefore be chosen to support a balance between in-person engagement and effective remote instruction. Platforms that enable synchronous and asynchronous participation, formative assessment, and differentiated instruction can help teachers reach students regardless of location.
Start planning now
With application deadlines for pandemic-related funding approaching, school leaders should assess what worked and what did not during emergency remote instruction. Addressing inequities in home internet access, prioritizing meaningful professional development for teachers, and selecting scalable, sustainable technology solutions are all critical steps.
Thoughtful, data-informed EdTech investments can strengthen instruction, improve student engagement, and prepare districts for multiple scenarios this coming school year. By aligning purchases with district goals, investing in training, and measuring outcomes, schools will be better positioned to support teaching and learning—whether students are in the classroom, at home, or in a hybrid setting.
About the authors
Steve Halliwell is Chief Product Officer and Executive Vice President at Promethean. He previously held executive leadership roles at Amazon Web Services where he established the Education and Healthcare/Life Sciences verticals and led other commercial operations. Before that, he held sales leadership positions at Hewlett Packard and Microsoft.
Cheryl Miller is Chief Marketing Officer at Promethean. With more than 20 years in the technology industry, she joined Promethean from Microsoft where she led global go-to-market efforts for partner teams. Her prior experience includes senior marketing roles at F5 Networks and product leadership at Symantec.
This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research and news organization focused on the shift to digital curriculum in education.