Measuring ROI is complicated, but when you get it right it feels like winning the jackpot.
Education technology is a huge investment for a school district. Even shopping around takes hours and hours of an entire committee’s time. How can you be sure you’ll get the bang for your buck?
Take the before picture
This is a crucial step that often gets missed in the implementation of a new system. We get it—everyone is eager to move on to something better. However, to build a strong data set, we must establish the baseline from which we’re growing.Figure out your usage stats, including family and staff engagement, before implementing a new program. Be neutral and report the facts, even though your pain points might feel extra sharp. By capturing a solid and accurate picture of edtech use before, you’ll have a clearer view of improved user experiences after implementation.
Identify your must-haves
Next, figure out your dealbreakers. This wish list is pretty easy to figure out. What are you looking for in a new edtech solution? Think about those specs and software must-haves, but don’t forget the clues that your vendor partnership will work out long-term. Low turnover, reliable contacts, impeccable customer service, and top-notch support are all hints a vendor is ready for a long-term investment.Get ready to measure
Now you’re ready to identify your goals and success markers. This is the framework for gathering data about how users are embracing a new solution. While users’ feelings will provide useful information, you’ll want to decide which data you’ll compare to the previous system usage data. Your new edtech solution needs to include instructional utilization reports to display how users behave in the software. This data is crucial to making informed decisions about big edtech investments.Let’s play a game
All this data-driven ROI discussion doesn’t have to be a chore! Check out the ROI Edtech Bingo card for a fun glimpse into what winning the edtech jackpot might look like. Here’s a video explainer. Best of luck!
(Hint: Save a copy to print for your stakeholders!)
Follow-up resource: Subscribe for more in this series
Curious about measuring edtech ROI? This series will dive into the details. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to have the next videos delivered right to your inbox!
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOUR EDTECH? The right combo of tools & support retains staff and serves students better. We'd love to help. Visit skyward.com/get-started to learn more.
|
Erin Werra Blogger, Researcher, and Edvocate |
Erin Werra is a content writer and strategist at Skyward’s Advancing K12 blog. Her writing about K12 edtech, data, security, social-emotional learning, and leadership has appeared in THE Journal, District Administration, eSchool News, and more. She enjoys puzzling over details to make K12 edtech info accessible for all. Outside of edtech, she’s waxing poetic about motherhood, personality traits, and self-growth.
