How to Increase the ROI on your EdTech Purchase
Discovery and Analysis is a vital first step to increase the return on investment (ROI) of a technology purchase in education.
When planning a product purchase or implementation, it is important to take the time to analyze and discover the needs of the district. A sure route to success is to establish the outcomes needed and explore what would ultimately make the purchase a success. This will help to ensure that the right product or systems are chosen and that it is implemented in a way that meets the desired outcomes.
Outcomes can take a variety of forms:
o You need more time and less questions from staff.
o To increase efficiency, you need all the right information in the same spot.
o It is a challenge to figure out what a year’s worth of Professional Development looks like by August.
o You are required to show district leadership we are making gains towards compliance.
Purchasing an educational technology product comes with both physical change management, as well as behavior change management. When outcomes are established, the consulting group can utilize a line of questioning and observations to ensure they focus on your priorities. This aids in the development of the strategy necessary to implement the change.
Example Story
1. Original Need: A Special Education Director communicated a need for more time to get more of their [big picture] work done.
2. Discovery Questioning: This unveiled that the Sped Director’s inbox was filled with questions each day. It led to analysis of the types of questions, frequency, and urgency.
3. Desired Outcome Determined: The Director is looking to provide asynchronous resources and support to teachers when they have questions.
Discovery, in this case, created a project to position the axis3 resource library AND a dedicated coach to provide both timely answers and the corresponding resource to do the specific work. Additionally, the teachers learned it wasn’t “ANOTHER THING” they had to learn but saw the alignment to the district’s strategic plan and local needs. Most importantly, by establishing the outcomes with the purchaser, we were able to help communicate the WHY behind the purchase. Teachers were given more access to the right information which gives leadership more opportunities to build structure that benefits everyone long term. A win for everyone involved
The Discovery/Analysis phases are essential for purchases because they help to ensure that the right implementation science is chosen, meeting the needs of the key stakeholders. By taking the time to do this upfront work, you can save time and money in the long run.
If you are considering a product purchase or implementation, I encourage you to take the time to do analysis and discovery. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run. If the vendor you are working with isn’t asking the questions, be sure to take the time and do the diligence internally.
Here are some tips for conducting an effective analysis and discovery phase:
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Start with a clear understanding of the project’s goals and objectives. What do you hope to achieve with this purchase?
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Identify the key stakeholders who will be affected by the project. What are their needs and concerns?
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Gather information from a variety of sources. This could include interviews, surveys, and competitive analysis.
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Explore different options for meeting the project’s needs. This may involve researching different products, talking to experts, and prototyping different solutions.
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Get feedback from stakeholders throughout the process. This will help to ensure that you are on the right track.
Putting together a list of hopes and dreams around a purchase, places you in the driver’s seat to establish the right implementation plan and get the return on your investment every time.
Written by Daryl Vavrichek, Success Team Director, Creatively Focused
