Inclusive Innovation in EdTech - A Necessity in the Age of AI

As schools increasingly rely on edtech tools to address diverse learning needs, the demand for products that are both evidence-based and inclusive has never been more urgent.

The Importance of Evidence-Based EdTech

Despite the growing reliance on educational technology, a striking number of tools lack credible evidence supporting their efficacy. The previous year's report highlighted that only 39% of the most-accessed learning solutions provide published research to support their usage, with an even smaller percentage meeting federal standards for evidence-based practices. This gap between usage and proven effectiveness underscores the need for rigorous research and validation in the edtech industry.

Why is there such a shortfall in evidence-backed edtech? Several factors contribute to this issue:

• Lack of Demand for Evidence: Historically, many school districts have made purchasing decisions based on peer recommendations rather than a product's evidence base.
   
• Noisy Credentialing Environment: With numerous organizations offering badges and credentials without regulatory authority, it becomes difficult for decision-makers to identify genuinely evidence-based products.
   
• Cost and Time: The high cost and time-consuming nature of third-party evaluations often discourage companies from pursuing rigorous research, especially in a fast-paced tech environment.

However, as AI-driven edtech solutions become more prevalent, there is a growing recognition of the importance of selecting tools that are not only innovative but also backed by solid evidence. Schools and districts are increasingly scrutinizing products for their effectiveness in improving learning outcomes.

The Role of Collaborative Networks

In response to these challenges, a growing number of collaborative networks and coalitions are emerging to guide the development and adoption of edtech tools. These networks bring together educators, researchers, and technology developers to create standards and frameworks that ensure new tools are both effective and inclusive. For instance, organizations like 1EdTech, CoSN, and Digital Promise have launched the Edtech Quality Indicators, which help identify products that are safe, evidence-based, inclusive, usable, and interoperable.

These initiatives are important for building a more cohesive and evidence-driven approach to edtech.
The collaboration between edtech companies and educational institutions enables the co-creation and iterative improvement of products, based on direct feedback from teachers and students, which is essential for addressing the diverse needs of today’s classrooms.

The Challenge of Usability and Inclusive Innovation

While evidence-based tools are essential, their effectiveness is limited if they are not used properly. This highlights the need to focus on usability and ensure that edtech tools are designed to be accessible and effective for all learners, not just a select few.

Inclusive Innovation is important in addressing this challenge. Its core principles include:

• Collaboration with Users: Actively involving teachers, students, and other educational stakeholders in the development and testing of products at all stages, from initial concept to final implementation.
   
• Diverse Consideration: Designing solutions that take into account the diverse needs and characteristics of different user groups, ensuring that the product is useful and accessible to everyone.
   
• Iterative Testing and Improvement: Continuously gathering feedback and making adjustments based on real user experiences to create more effective and inclusive solutions.

By integrating these principles, edtech companies can develop tools that are not only innovative but also practical and equitable.

Langly exemplifies this approach by incorporating feedback from both students and teachers into its development process. This commitment to inclusive innovation, combined with its adherence to an Oxford-approved methodology, ensures that Langly’s tools are not only effective but also accessible to a wide range of learners.

By rigorously aligning with evidence-based practices, Langly supports the broader goals of improving educational outcomes through AI-powered solutions.