Five Quality Indicators for Ed Tech Purchases
With the vast selection of educational technology on the market today, it can be difficult for IT leaders to know what is appropriate for their institutions. The organizations at the helm of the EdTech Quality Collaborative — Digital Promise, 1EdTech, CAST, CoSN, ISTE and SETDA — have developed the EdTech Quality Indicators Guide, which lists five quality indicators for technology selection. This helps educational and technology leaders employ evidence-based decision-making to streamline procurement and select the tools that best suit their district’s needs.
DISCOVER: Successful technology rollouts start with procurement.
- Safety – Does the tool adhere to industry standards, data minimization and data transparency to protect user privacy?
- Evidence – Is the tool grounded in research, educational standards and empirical validation?
- Inclusivity – Does the tool prioritize accessibility and equitable design for diverse students?
- Usability – Does the tool focus on intuitive design to ensure a seamless digital experience and eliminate technical barriers for users?
- Interoperability – Does the tool use open data standards to seamlessly connect with existing technologies and securely aggregate instructional data?
Spending Wisely
The 2026 CDW Cybersecurity Report identified the top areas in which organizations are prioritizing their security spending. Here are the top four responses:
- 38% - Advanced threat detection and response tools
- 38% - Cloud security solutions
- 36% - Data protection and encryption technologies
- 34% - Security awareness and employee training programs
