edtech: how to choose the right edtech platform for your child

“Technology and digital education solutions have removed many barriers to accessing quality learning, leveling the playing field. The world’s best educators and universities are now available to everyone at the click of a mouse. You can even now get certifications and alumni benefits from top global universities online,” said John Kallelil, Founder and CEO of XED.
“The greatest benefit of digital learning solutions has been bridging the gap between the urban and rural educational environment. Digital education solutions are also proving to be a great asset in closely monitoring student progress, including including attendance, exam results, individual assessments, etc.” Kiran Dham, said the CEO of Globus Infocom.
Digital learning offers many benefits through interactive and fun learning, said Maninder Singh Bajwa, CEO and Founder of iScuela. “These digital platforms provide access to personalized, adaptive and anywhere and anytime learning. With the right platform, student engagement can be healthy and it’s easy to track student progress with data. It also has the potential to involve parents in the student’s learning journey,” added Bajwa.
But with many educational technology companies riding the pandemic waves to dominate the online education market, students and parents are being inundated with online education options and blitz marketing. Parents face the dilemma of how to choose the best ed-tech platform for their children. The explosion of the edtech sector has also sparked fear of FOMO among parents, which often prevents them from choosing the right option or deciding whether their children need it or not.
Here are some things that can help you choose the right platform for your child:
Compatibility and accessibility:
It is important that the edtech platform is technically compatible with the digital systems that the child will use. The operating system should have all the necessary plugins and updates to enable a high-quality learning experience. Students also need to consider things like access to different electronic devices. It is important that you can access the platform even offline.
Customization and personalization:
While choosing the right ed-tech platform for your child, “one size fits all” is not the right approach. You should base your decision on what works for you, not what’s trendy, expensive, or chosen by your friends and family. Consider the course content, delivery, feedback mechanism, and instructor ratings to make a wise decision.
“Children and students should keep in mind whether the platform is capable of personalizing the student’s learning journey or not. How adaptive or engaging is the platform for each student? -form is it just watching videos and trying multiple choice questions or is it interactive and using different techniques to engage the student What happens when the student has doubts, Does the edTech platform have provisions for resolving doubts How does the platform use gamification to make learning fun for your child, if it’s monotonous after purchasing the platform, your child might get bored very quickly and not use it at all. Look for value for money, expensive is not always the best,” said Maninder Singh Bajwa, CEO and Founder of iScuela.
Read the financial details carefully:
Always read the payment and refund conditions very carefully. Some EdTech companies offer a “free” model, in which several services are initially offered for free, but later, to access them, students must subscribe to a paid service or in-app purchases.
Do not hesitate to clear all your doubts before subscribing to the new service. Also, make sure the company provides you with a payment receipt or tax invoice.
Feedback
Even with the best digital learning platforms, nothing can replace the direct, face-to-face classroom experience. It is essential to review the feedback feature of the platform before buying it. The platform should offer both the feedback mechanism inside and outside the classroom.
Privacy and Security
Like any other online media, there is always a risk of various malware, spyware and phishing threats. Parents should ensure that children’s personal information remains safe and secure.