The effectiveness of billions spent on educational technology remains uncertain

The rapid growth of the education technology (edtech) sector during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the effectiveness and impact of these tools on students. With the global market projected to reach US$132.4 billion by 2032, there is a pressing need to assess the quality of edtech programs and apps.

Many edtech apps targeted at students may have negative effects, such as excessive advertising and manipulative features that keep children engaged without actually teaching them anything new. As edtech becomes an integral part of the learning process for children, it is crucial to determine whether these tools are truly beneficial.

To address this issue, research consultancy firms are being called upon to conduct thorough assessments of edtech programs to provide developers with valuable feedback on their effectiveness. Collaboration between tech developers and learning scientists is also recommended to ensure that existing research and knowledge are integrated into the design of edtech tools.

However, establishing standardized metrics for assessing the impact of edtech remains a challenge. The lack of uniform evaluation criteria makes it difficult for businesses and investors to determine the quality and effectiveness of these products. With numerous frameworks and methods available for evaluating edtech, there is a need for greater clarity and transparency in the assessment process.

As edtech continues to evolve and play a significant role in education, setting minimum standards for its effectiveness is essential to ensure that students are truly benefiting from these tools. By promoting collaboration, transparency, and ethical considerations in the evaluation process, the edtech sector can strive towards providing high-quality and impactful learning experiences for students worldwide.