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a ready-to-run workshopVetting EdTech Tools
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Vetting & Choosing EdTech Tools (Workshop)

There are endless edtech tools, and most do not improve learning. Choosing well means asking what learning problem a tool actually solves, whether it is worth the time and privacy cost, and whether the evidence supports it, before adding one more app.

Key takeaway

Most edtech does not improve learning; choose tools by the learning problem they solve, their privacy and time cost, and the evidence, not by novelty.

Format
PLC / team meeting
Length
45 minutes
Group size
Any (works 4-40)
Who can run it
A teacher-leader or coach
You will need
Slides (5)Printed handoutA tool to evaluateA timer
Aligned to
Learning Forward: Transformational ProcessesISTE Standards for EducatorsStudent data privacy (FERPA/COPPA)
Share / assign

Why it works

Schools adopt far more technology than improves outcomes, and many tools add workload, distraction, and privacy risk without a clear learning benefit. A simple vetting habit, start from the learning goal, ask what problem the tool solves, weigh time and privacy cost, and look for evidence, prevents tool overload and protects student data.

The research: Research on edtech effectiveness; FERPA and COPPA privacy requirements.

The run-of-show

Choose your slot. The agenda, timings, and length update to match.

    The core activity: vet one tool

    Teachers leave having vetted one tool against learning value, privacy, and cost.

    Start from the learning, not the toolThe question is never is this a cool app, but what learning problem does it solve, and is it worth the cost. Most tools do not pass.

    Facilitator notes

    Never use a tool you cannot vet for privacyIf you do not know what student data a tool collects or whether it is compliant, do not put students on it. Privacy is non-negotiable.

    Adapt it

    Participant handout

    One page for every teacher. Print it, or save it as a PDF.

    K12 Academics · Professional Learning

    Vetting EdTech: learning, privacy, evidence

    <b>Choose on purpose:</b> what problem it solves, the time and privacy cost, and whether evidence backs it.

    1. The tool:
    2. The specific learning problem it solves:
    3. Whether a simpler approach would do:
    4. The time and privacy cost (data, FERPA/COPPA):
    5. My decision (adopt, drop, simplify):

    Make it stick

    Fewer, better tools:

    Common questions

    How do I know if a tool is worth it?
    Start from the learning goal, not the tool. Ask what problem it solves that a simpler approach does not, what it costs in time and privacy, and whether there is evidence it helps.
    What privacy questions should I ask?
    What student data it collects, where that data goes, and whether it complies with FERPA and COPPA. If you cannot answer those, do not use it with students.
    Isn't more technology better for engagement?
    Novelty engages briefly, then fades, and tool overload adds friction. Fewer, well-chosen tools that solve real problems beat many flashy ones.

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