There’s no doubt that edtech resources boost engagement and motivation for students. In an increasingly digital world, learners from elementary to high school are comfortable with technology. But how safe are the edtech tools used for supplementing classroom instruction?
The importance of student data security
Edtech products can help amplify teachers’ ability to support a diversity of learners and expand learning beyond the school walls. For example, they allow students to perform virtual labs using interactive simulations or learn math facts using adaptive, game-based practice. Edtech programs often leverage student data to offer valuable instructional tools like real-time feedback, assessments, and accessibility features that support personalized learning experiences. All that student data makes protecting sensitive information a critical part of reviewing edtech.
Risks of free edtech solutions
With more edtech resources on the market comes “free” products. What does that mean for schools and districts? It implies that guardrails need to be in place for secure usage. Free or freemium products make it easier for teachers to supplement lessons or sample programs. This can bridge budget gaps and provide much-needed information for review. Will the resource perform as promised? Is the resource truly effective and/or time-saving? Is the program user-friendly? What about the research behind the resource?
While teachers experiment, risks could be sneaking in along with the free resources. Sure, free programs are available, such as our rotating collection of free Gizmos, that are safe to try because of measures like our ISO 27001:2013 certification. That isn’t always the case, though. When considering free programs or trials, educators should look for key data security aspects of more secure programs. As part of the process, most districts require teachers to get approval for free edtech solutions before classroom use.
How paid edtech protects student data
With paid edtech products, districts are paying for more than the resources. They are also buying staff, systems, and processes that can support more rigorous data security practices and controls that safeguard K-12 educational data.
Paid edtech resources can protect students in various ways, including certifications that audit data security compliance, contracted legal terms of usage, and systems that constantly monitor usage to detect and respond to attempted data breaches.
Equity in education through paid edtech
Equitable access to paid edtech resources means every student has access regardless of age, physical ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other defining qualities. When schools purchase edtech for schools, this puts each student on a level playing field. Planning assignments with those tools should also keep the idea of equity in mind. Before sending edtech resources to work at home, find out if every student has internet access. If not, save those assignments for the school day.
Why is equity important in education?
"Fair isn't everyone getting the same thing. Fair is everyone getting what they need in order to be successful!" This quote can be found in classrooms throughout every school district. While it addresses fairness between students, it also fits the idea of equity. What is equity in education? It means that all students have opportunities and resources to achieve their potential regardless of background or other circumstances.
The limitations of freemium models
Freemium versions of programs are free for a reason. The goal is to spotlight resources teachers find helpful for their students, resulting in purchasing the complete program. Teachers can only get a taste of the full program with freemium models. There may be limitations to the number of features or support options available. They aren’t designed to allow for the full scope of the resources; therefore, freemium models may not meet the needs of all students or the objectives of grade-level standards.
Supporting successful and sustained edtech implementation
It’s not enough to simply add edtech programs. There also needs to be resources available for successful implementation, which paid edtech programs typically offer. Educators should look for training opportunities, onboarding tools, and technical support. Professional development that delivers more than just product training also helps schools and districts get the most out of their paid programs.
Why investing in edtech matters
As previously mentioned, the world relies more and more on technology. It’s used in daily life, careers, hobbies, and sports. It just makes sense to make an edtech investment part of the school experience, too. The benefits of edtech are clear.
Long-term benefits of paid edtech
21st Century skills will be expected of students as they grow up and build successful lives. Edtech resources help them develop critical thinking, creativity, flexibility, communication, and information literacy skills. Evidence-based paid edtech resources allow students to develop the knowledge and skills to become lifelong learners, which is the goalpost for all educators.
Enhancing classroom instruction with secure tools
Teachers work hard to design lessons and units that are interesting, effective, and meet the needs of each student while keeping standards and pacing in mind. Secure edtech tools make it possible for teachers to bolster the subject and content as they plan lessons. Edtech programs can help teachers improve efficiency, personalize lessons, utilize real-time progress monitoring, and offer student feedback.
Conclusion: Choose paid edtech for a safer, more equitable future
Bringing technology into the classroom is no longer a question. It’s already there! Now, teachers and school administrators continue with the next steps of ensuring safety and equity with the edtech resources they choose to provide. With the flexibility to expand lessons, enrich the learning experiences, and improve student achievement, paid edtech pays for itself in the long run.
If you’re searching for math and science solutions that are serious fun for students (and teachers!), look no further than ExploreLearning. Because we take data security seriously, too, you can count on our programs for safety and security whether you are taking a trial or purchasing a subscription.
