Evaluate Effectiveness of Tools for Learning

This surely has to be one of the most important ISTE standards for Coaches. If digital tools for learning are evaluated using evidence from research then teaching and learning can be improved if the right tools are employed. Coaches should collaborate with others to determine the return on investment of particular tools or digital learning content, to drive purchasing decisions and to support subsequent implementation to improve learning.

ISTE explains that the ‘coach should partner with educators to establish that a particular tool or content achieves an intended learning outcome, based on research and evidence. The coach should partner with educators and follow a process to evaluate and make decisions about purchasing edtech solutions that may address efficacy, the learning sciences, interoperability, privacy etc, and once decisions are made, incorporate selected resources into regular practice and workflows.’ 

Educators might be engaging with many different areas of technology and many different websites and apps: VR headsets, Minecraft Education, Seneca, Pixton, Reading Coach, Wakelet, Sibelius, Flip, Copilot, Sway, Times-table rockstars, Duolingo, Scratch to name a few. Educators are probably also using platforms like Microsoft Teams and Word, Excel, Forms, OneNote, and PowerPoint .

Some of these sites and platforms have free and paid-for versions and decisions need to be made as to when and where money is spent. There are various factors that could be monitored for each area of technology: the quality of content and impact on pupil learning, the alignment with curriculums, the motivation and engagement of pupils, the support offered, the accessibility and inclusivity, the data privacy and security, the integration with classroom teaching, the assessments offered, and the cost.

There are various tools for gathering these insights: Microsoft Forms can be used for feedback on tools and content, and insights can also be gathered on Teams usage,

Microsoft Forms or Reflect in Teams can be used for pupil voice on what they have found effective and enjoyable. The coach also needs to share feedback so that teachers can make informed decisions on what technology to use and with whom.