Creating Effective EdTech Solutions with Francie Alexander

Surveys and case studies are useful tools in understanding the mindset of teachers. This year, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s 8th Annual Educator Confidence Report asked teachers about issues that impact them daily, with a focus on technology and their current needs. The purpose of this report is to give voice to educators and for those who didn't participate to learn from their colleagues. The key takeaways from this year's report include topics like educator retention and well-being and the role technology is playing for teachers and students. In this episode, our guest, Francie Alexander, discusses this report and shares her advice for making a positive impact in EdTech. This report revealed that EdTech is a bright spot in education, with teachers saying that tech is essential. Alexander elaborates:

“It is an integrated part, just like it is in your work and mine. And you won't find anyone who will say technology is not an important part of every child's future in how they're going to learn and how they're going to live. So if they're learning using these tools, they're more future ready, and that becomes another important part of what teachers do.”

Technology is an important tool that teachers have and it’s going to make teachers more effective in their work. The survey points to three significant ways that teachers are using technology - to be connected, to build community, and to customize. Furthermore, Alexander mentions that there were four major ways that teachers use technology: for productivity tools, data insights, social networking, and instructionally.

In conclusion, Alexander shares her advice for making a positive impact in EdTech. She encourages asking experts and examining the evidence. A guiding acronym that she uses is TOO - Think Of Others. Alexander adds that she wants to encourage people to keep learning.

“You're gonna make mistakes because we all do. But if you are doing it from the perspective of thinking of others, then you're gonna fix it.” - Francie Alexander

Recommended Resources from the Interview:

HMH's 2022 Educator Confidence Report