An Edtech Bill of Rights

[Commentary] What are educators’ priorities when it comes to education technology? And what should be included in an “Edtech Bill of Rights”?

• The best interests of students must always be first and foremost.
• Tools should fill a REAL need for teaching/learning (not solutions in search of a problem).
• Ask teachers and talk to administrators at every stage of the design process.
• Have open, balanced conversations among all stakeholders.
• The introduction of edtech should include ongoing targeted meaningful staff development that is preferably teacher led.
• Student data must be secure: edtech companies should be open and clear about their use of data and information.
• Education technology should continually be tested in classrooms.
• The larger community should be included in the selection and implementation of edtech.
• If solutions claim to be research-based, they need to be truly research based.
• We need to know more about what works based on real data.
• Access should be reasonable and appropriate for all stakeholders.
• Compensate teachers who are product developers for their works.
• Similarly, compensate educators for providing extensive feedback and help with product development.
• Structure the ways teachers can provide feedback and interact with new tools as forms for professional development.
• Research should include recommendations that address the socio-emotional implications of using technology products.
• Districts should provide thought leadership on their theory of learning to help drive appropriate product development that aligns with district priorities.
• Everything should revolve around the learner.