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Our webinar featured a research presentation and panel discussion on key themes in quality EdTech adoption. Our expert panelists were:
- Nicole Langford, who leads research on EdTech product quality and usability at ISTE+ASCD. With expertise in mixed-methods research and a decade of experience spanning academia and K-12 education, she manages grant-funded initiatives focused on helping educators select high-quality educational technology.
- Luke Mund, the Manager of Educational Technology for Denver Public Schools. He and his team support the instructional implementation of technology including everything from robotics to AI to curriculum software. He also runs the approval process for all digital HQIM apps and resources.
- Isabel Huff, who leads EdTech Remix, a collaboration between the Stanford Graduate School of Education, d.school, and StreetCode Academy. She facilitates a community of 400+ stakeholders focused on equitable EdTech design and is currently developing a “Designer Guidebook” to spotlight products that excel in accessibility and equity.
Along with moderators and presenters from EdSignals Studio:
- Sophie Cleff, an education consultant and K-12 educator working on improving the adoption of HQIM at EdSignals Studio.
- Maraki Kebede, an education Project Lead at EdSignals Studio with a background in educational equity who spearheads most of our education work.
Key Discussion Points from the Panel
Defining Quality in Edtech
Nicole identified three evolving priorities in EdTech adoption: teacher usability, data privacy (especially with AI), and culturally responsive design. Quality products should help students think critically, act as responsible digital citizens, and see themselves in their learning.
Making Quality Visible
Luke emphasized the critical need for research-backed claims and third-party certifications (ISTE seal, Digital Promise, Common Sense Media). He noted that vendors without evidence or certifications raise “huge red flags.” Isabel highlighted the challenge for smaller companies balancing certification costs with limited resources.
Understanding District Fit
Luke stressed the importance of clear value propositions for specific use cases, warning against multi-tool pitches. He urged vendors to understand local requirements (state-specific laws on accessibility, AI, and data privacy) before approaching districts.
Addressing Bias in Product Design
Both Nicole and Isabel emphasized the importance of including underrepresented groups in co-design processes. Isabel introduced the “curb cut effect”: the concept that designing for edge users (like students with disabilities) benefits everyone. They recommended partnerships with organizations like ISTE CoLab, build.org, and Street Code Academy.
AI and Adoption Challenges
The panel discussed how AI misinformation creates teacher distrust of new tools. Nicole recommended education as the antidote, emphasizing that AI requires human input and control.
Positive Trends
All panelists celebrated growing teacher involvement in product design, with Luke noting he’d like to see more EdTech companies hiring former educators. They also highlighted the expansion of product certifications and co-design initiatives as promising developments in the ecosystem.
