Most schools were somewhat late to jump on the technology bandwagon. Most corporations, with their constant focus on cost-savings, implemented digital records systems, computers for all employees, email, etc. early on to try to reduce costs with technology. Other sectors such as health-care and government, while later than the private sector, have embraced technology heavily as well. Now the push is on in schools to digitize everything.

With any big change, there can be a tendency, however, for the pendulum to swing from one extreme to the other. So it’s worthwhile to ask the question, is today’s focus in schools on technology the right amount or too much? In other words, are ed tech products and services being purchased from a cost/benefit framework, or as part of a frenzy to “catch up?”

Moreover, this question can be asked on both a macro and micro level. How much of a districts budget should be devoted to technology vs. other needs (macro)? Is a given system under consideration by a school the right amount of technology to accomplish the objectives of the project, or is it layered with lots of extra features that raise the price but will go unused (micro)?

There are no easy answers to any of these questions. However, when school budgets and the education of children are at stake, its imperative to seek answers to the tough questions.