How can you show the value of educational technology to your district leaders?

1 Identify the goals and needs of your district

Before you present your educational technology proposals, you need to understand the goals and needs of your district and how they align with your vision. What are the priorities, challenges, and opportunities of your district? What are the standards, frameworks, and expectations for teaching and learning? How can educational technology help achieve the desired outcomes and address the gaps? By identifying the goals and needs of your district, you can tailor your educational technology solutions to match them and show how they align with the district's mission and vision.

2 Gather evidence of impact and effectiveness

One of the best ways to show the value of educational technology is to provide evidence of its impact and effectiveness on student learning, teacher practice, and school culture. You can use data, testimonials, case studies, and portfolios to demonstrate how educational technology has improved student achievement, engagement, motivation, and creativity; how it has supported teacher professional development, collaboration, and innovation; and how it has fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment. You can also use evidence from research, best practices, and standards to show how educational technology supports the development of 21st century skills, digital citizenship, and lifelong learning.

3 Communicate clearly and persuasively

When you present your educational technology proposals to your district leaders, you need to communicate clearly and persuasively why they should support them. You need to use language that is simple, concise, and relevant to your audience. You need to highlight the benefits, advantages, and opportunities of educational technology, as well as address the potential challenges, risks, and costs. You need to use stories, examples, and visuals to illustrate your points and make them memorable. You also need to anticipate and answer any questions, concerns, or objections that your district leaders may have and provide solutions and alternatives.

4 Involve stakeholders and build relationships

Another way to show the value of educational technology is to involve stakeholders and build relationships with your district leaders and other key decision-makers. You can invite them to visit your classrooms, observe your teachers and students using technology, and participate in your educational technology events and activities. You can also solicit their feedback, input, and suggestions on your educational technology plans and projects and incorporate them into your proposals. By involving stakeholders and building relationships, you can create a sense of ownership, trust, and collaboration among your district leaders and show them that you value their opinions and perspectives.

5 Showcase successes and celebrate achievements

Finally, you can show the value of educational technology by showcasing successes and celebrating achievements of your teachers, students, and schools. You can share stories, photos, videos, and artifacts of your educational technology projects and initiatives on your website, newsletter, social media, and other platforms. You can also organize events, presentations, exhibitions, and awards to recognize and appreciate the efforts and accomplishments of your educational technology team and community. By showcasing successes and celebrating achievements, you can demonstrate the positive impact and outcomes of educational technology and inspire your district leaders to support and sustain your educational technology goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?