What To Look for When Selecting a Tech Vendor

Find a Responsive Customer Service Team You Can Vent To

It’s OK for school IT decision-makers to be unsure of the specific solutions they need, because the right tech vendor will help them figure things out. The right partner won’t make a sales pitch right away but will start with a closed mouth and open ears. They will need to keep an open mind as to what the school needs to facilitate the best possible outcomes for staff and students.

K–12 school leaders should be able to communicate openly with their vendors, explaining all short- and long-term technological goals and the obstacles in the way, along with any other hopes, concerns and present experiences.

This communication should open the door to a broader discussion — not a sales pitch — further exploring the school’s current state and desired future state. Subsequently, schools should expect their vendors to return with recommendations on which conversations and solutions are worth a deeper dive.

Framed another way, school leaders should look for vendors who can help them make well-informed decisions unique to the school, not just preset options for them to evaluate on their own.

It’s important that this kind of support is ongoing. As schools experience wide-ranging evolutions and sudden challenges throughout each year, they’ll best benefit from a service provider who is responsive to their calls and able to assist in whatever manner is most helpful, be that virtually or in person.

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This human connection is essential. Availability, likewise, is paramount.

School leaders should ask vetted, detailed questions about how prospective vendors handle customer service. After all, a provider that has completely disbanded its customer service team in favor of artificial intelligence chatbots is unlikely to provide the substantive and efficient help schools need in a pinch. Instead, it’s important for K–12 leaders to speak with a human being to get closure on any issues and determine next steps.

Identify Worthwhile Professional Development Offerings

Having the right technology solutions in and out of the classroom is one thing. Knowing how to use them is another. That’s why schools must pay close attention to the professional development offerings of prospective providers.

Will the vendor send out a team to train school staff on new technologies in person?

Is there a virtual course teachers and other personnel can take at home on their own time?

Are there ongoing, low-stakes development opportunities (e.g., lunch and learns), or is training a one-time thing?

Asking detailed questions such as these can help school leaders identify which vendors are true partners.

Look for a Fair Price and Resources That Come at No Cost

Price is and will always be a key factor when choosing an education technology provider, especially amid budget constraints. It’s important to evaluate what’s included in each prospective provider's recommended package and ensure that the corresponding price is reasonable.

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Paid-for solutions are only some of the resources worth considering, however. Schools should also take a look at the resources a provider may offer at no cost.

For instance, CDW has dedicated, no-cost resources on esports and education strategies, as well as the CDW Education Collaborative. Schools can tap into these resources at any time, for any reason.

Ultimately, schools should be on the lookout for teams that will support them beyond a set package. They must ensure their personnel are treated with respect, whether they’re presenting their challenges, training or attempting to bolster school programs on a budget.