Every education conference features sessions about schools using technology to support teaching and learning in creative, interesting ways. But are schools and districts really nurturing innovative thought and practices? We polled SmartBrief on EdTech readers this month to take a pulse on whether or not innovation is a primary concern for their schools and districts.
As it turns out, schools are split down the middle on this issue. When asked if their schools encourage them to think of out-the-box ways they can use technology, 50% of readers responded “yes” and 50% responded “no.” Different barriers stand in the way of ed-tech innovation. Topping the list are tight budgets at 47%. Other obstacles include lack of time, tedious approval processes, limited tech-savvy educators and poor leadership support.
But educators do want to know how their peers are pulling off these projects. When asked what kinds of information they’re interested in, 56% of readers said they want details on the how – the nuts and bolts of the plans – from idea to deployment. Thirty-four percent want to know how schools are getting funding for these projects.
Here’s a full look at the poll data:
Most — if not all — schools are using some form of technology to support learning and instruction or operations. But has your school made a priority of encouraging out-of-the-box ed-tech initiatives?
- My school/district encourages us to think of creative — but productive — ways we can use technology. 50%
- No, for many reasons, such as tight budgets, lack of knowledge and low support for tech. 50%
What barriers typically prevent your school or district from getting creative with technology?
- Tight budgets. 47%
- Lack of time. 17%
- Approval processes (getting ideas past my IT and legal departments) are tedious. 10%
- Limited number of tech-savvy educators. 17%
- Lack of leader support for tech initiatives. 9%
Seeing how other schools and districts are getting creative with tech initiatives can be a great inspiration and knowledge source. What kinds of information do you want to see?
- Tell me where they got the money for the program. 34%
- Buy-in. How did they sell it to their stakeholders? 9%
- The plan. How they did it, from idea to deployment. 56%
Is your school making innovation a priority? What kinds of creative ed-tech projects are happening in your classrooms? We want to hear! Drop us a line or leave a comment in the space below.