How do you handle conflicting opinions on the effectiveness of different educational technology trends?

In my experience different industries will likely require a specific type of tools. For example, people who are working on the floor in a manufacturing plant will likely benefit greatly from using VR to practice complex tasks before completing them on expensive product or machinery. For a customer service representative working in a contact center, they may learn best by having an interactive digital adoption platform (DAP) that overlays their CRM to access knowledge articles, process transactions, and get guidance as needed.

First things first, understand your specific needs and goals. Is your focus on improving student engagement, or perhaps enhancing accessibility? Knowing what you're aiming for helps filter out irrelevant opinions. For instance, if you’re prioritizing interactive learning, focus on tech that excels in that area. 🎯📚

I've found using AI and Google helps me research trends. I gather information quickly. For example, if you work in a contact center and want to leverage a digital adoption platform (DAP) there are many to choose from. You need to be sure that you approach it from the lens of your organization's learning needs. If you are working with employees who perform hands-on tasks, such as a production line, explore the variety of VR options out there. The features and prices vary greatly! Once you have looked at 4-6 options for a new technology, narrow it down to your top three. Then, create a list of use cases that are specific to your org. Note whether the tech will support that specific need. Work with your stakeholders to make a decision.

Stay informed! Dive into the latest research and reports on educational technology trends. Check out reputable sources, attend webinars, and join ed-tech communities. For example, following thought leaders on LinkedIn can provide valuable insights. Keeping up with the latest trends helps you make informed decisions. 📰🔍

Don't just take opinions at face value; critically analyze them. Look at case studies, user reviews, and academic research. For instance, if someone claims a new app improves learning outcomes, find studies or real-world examples that support or contradict that claim. Being critical ensures you’re not swayed by hype. 🧐📊

Pilot programs are where you test your hypothesis. It's very important to set up your data requirements ahead of time. What do you want to measure? What expectations do you want to set with the facilitator and/or the participants? I have found that daily surveys for longer classes are critical, but people can get survey-fatigue. Participants may start randomly clicking boxes or not completing surveys, and your data is incomplete or inaccurate. Set the expectation with the pilot group that there will be surveys and that they are so critical to ensure their future coworkers have the correct information and training. Emphasize that their input will help create a strong team and is valuable to everyone.

Before fully committing, pilot the technology with a small group. This allows you to see firsthand how it performs in your specific context. For example, test a new learning management system with one class before rolling it out school-wide. Piloting helps you gather real data and user feedback. 🚀👩🏫

In my experience it is important to articulate the value of measuring the outcomes. People don't know what they don't know. So, before you begin a pilot program, first explain the 'why' and how you will evaluate outcomes. If you have an existing or prior program that has data sets, this will make it even easier and more impactful. If you don't have data, that's okay, you can still do an effective evaluation. Be sure to use the correct evaluation levels to set up any surveys or knowledge assessments. For long-term knowledge retention, set up performance goals and measurements at intervals to measure impact of the new knowledge or behavior on business outcomes.

Once the pilot is complete, evaluate its effectiveness. Gather feedback from users, analyze data, and compare it to your goals. Did it improve engagement? Were there technical issues? For example, if a new tool was meant to enhance collaboration, check if students are actually collaborating more. Evaluation helps make evidence-based decisions. 📈🔍

The ed-tech landscape is always evolving, so commit to continuous learning. Attend professional development workshops, read up on emerging trends, and stay flexible. For example, what works today might be outdated next year, so keep your skills and knowledge current. Lifelong learning keeps you ahead of the curve. 📚🔄

Consider creating a collaborative decision-making process. Involve teachers, students, and IT staff in discussions about new technologies. This diverse input can highlight potential issues and benefits you might not have considered. Also, keep an eye on funding and sustainability—sometimes the best tech isn't the most expensive one! 👥💡