4 ways to maximise your EdTech spend 

[Sponsored content by Discovery Education]

As the new academic year gets underway, UK schools face an unprecedented budget squeeze. Amid rising energy costs, pay increases and spiralling inflation, school leaders will have to make difficult decisions as they strive to preserve the richness of their teaching and learning provision. 

In these challenging times, all school spending will come under increasing scrutiny. But thankfully, EdTech is one investment that can deliver lasting value. 

Here are four ways that schools can maximise their EdTech spend, this year and beyond. 

1. Have a clear digital strategy

Like all teaching tools, EdTech is most powerful when used with purpose. And in order to optimise its value, schools should make sure that they choose their EdTech with clear outcomes in mind. School leaders should ask: “What are we trying to achieve here? How does this fit with our teaching and learning strategy? Does it help us to deliver the National Curriculum? Can we use this across the whole school?” Products that are chosen as an ‘add-on’ or single purpose, rather than as part of an overall strategy, rarely deliver lasting value.

2. Choose multitasking software

With thousands of solutions on the market, choosing new EdTech can be daunting, but schools can simplify their search while ensuring value for money. When looking at teaching and learning software, for example, it’s a good idea to prioritise products that integrate with what you already have. For example, do they integrate with your MIS? Look for platforms that are easy to use, can be accessed anywhere, and offer a range of features in one place, such as high-quality resources, personalised learning, assessment tools, and instructional support. By choosing an all-in-one solution, you’ll save teachers time and boost student engagement, without the need for expensive additional resources. 

3. Buy with the future in mind

While it’s impossible to future-proof any tech spend, schools can make choices that will extend the life of their investment, and one of the best ways to do this is by selecting products that are always evolving. When choosing a digital learning platform, make sure that content is regularly updated and reflects current events. This doesn’t just demonstrate that the service is right up-to-date. It will also help you to keep pace with statutory changes, without having to invest in extra schemes of work.

4. Realise potential

If a new spend is out of the question, consider how you can extend the life of your existing EdTech by using it to its full potential. Ask yourself: “Do we know how to get the most out of our software? Are we familiar with all of its features?” In many cases, a little professional development is all that’s needed. Schools can also economise by upcycling old devices or by printing less – something which good teaching and learning platforms now actively encourage. By assigning activities online, they remove the need for printable worksheets, not only saving schools money, but helping them to operate more sustainably too.

Discovery Education provides an all-in-one solution with engaging, high-quality content, ready-to-use lesson activities and creative collaboration tools. Secure all four of their curriculum-aligned services for one low package price! Request a full trial

Howard Lewis is Managing Director UK and International of Discovery Education, the global edtech company and makers of award-winning digital learning services including Espresso, Coding, and Health and Relationships.