Jonny Engelberg
Research Analyst,
University of Maryland
Is it Worth it? The Complex Calculus of EdTech Investments
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 4:00PM–4:45PM CT | EDUCAUSE Commons, Enterprise Central Poster Area
Session Type:
Poster Session
Delivery Format:
Poster Session
Despite the widespread availability of data from educational technology tools, multifaceted questions about engagement and value still remain. This session will explore the dynamic complexities of making decisions using a Return On Investment (ROI) framework with educational technology. During the session, we will walk through the phases we encountered while evaluating usage of higher education technology solutions through regular reporting. Phase 1, Get the Data!, involves engaging with vendors for enterprise-wide reporting access, addressing data storage concerns, and ensuring security protocols. Phase 2, Meaning Making, involves data exploration through visualizations, clarifying definitions with vendors, and integrating systems for meaningful analysis. Phase 3, Calculating Value to the Institution, employs the Phillips & Phillips model to ascertain which insights the calculation of ROI can tell us and?more importantly?what it is missing. Since embarking on this journey during the online learning transition in 2020, our enterprise-wide reporting on educational technology now yields comprehensive insights that we update each semester. By combining data with values, we advocate for a robust foundation in strategic, data-informed decision-making.
