The head of a dynamic educator community details the way ahead.
GUEST COLUMN | by Christine Feenstra
MUHAMAD CHABIB ALWI
The sustainability of educational technology is facing a critical juncture, overshadowed by the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in education. While AI’s transformative potential is undeniable, a more immediate crisis looms: the sustainability of edtech investments made during the pandemic. As federal and state funding that flooded into educational technology during COVID-19 begins to dry up, districts find themselves in a familiar yet uncomfortable position, struggling to maintain their technology investments with shrinking budgets.
‘As federal and state funding that flooded into educational technology during COVID-19 begins to dry up, districts find themselves in a familiar yet uncomfortable position…’
The Widening Digital Divide
Sustainable funding and resource allocation are critical to implementing digital learning equitably across districts. A silver lining of the pandemic was our substantial progress in closing the digital access divide, with under-resourced districts, economically disadvantaged, and rural students finally gaining full access to essential technology. However, this progress is now at risk of being undone. The assumption that technology is now a given in all classrooms is dangerously premature. Without adequate funding and strategic planning, digital access risks becoming dependent on limited resources, disproportionately affecting underserved students.
Teachers on the Front Lines
Many educators spent the past five years adapting, learning, and reshaping their classrooms around technology. They’ve embraced digital tools and curriculum, created hybrid learning plans, and discovered ways to use data-driven insights to personalize instruction to meet student’s individual needs better. Yet again, they’re being asked to do more with less. Professional learning, often a secondary concern in edtech deployment, is one of the first areas to face cuts when budgets tighten. This approach is not only misguided but represents a fundamental flaw in our approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
To address this crisis, several key actions are necessary:
1. Prioritize Long-Term Sustainability: Policymakers, district leaders, and edtech providers must prioritize the long-term sustainability of technology investments.
2. Secure Ongoing Funding: Efforts must extend beyond initial purchases to include funding for technology renewal and maintenance and champion environmentally friendly technology practices
3. Ensure Equitable Access: Underserved students, especially in rural and low-income schools, need reliable connectivity, devices, and training—not just for digital learning but also to develop the skills essential for college and career readiness.
4. Invest in Continuous Professional Learning: Empowering educators through ongoing professional learning is essential for effective technology implementation and integration into instruction.
The Role of CUE
At CUE where I serve as the Executive Director, we recognize the urgency of this situation. Our work explores impactful, efficient, ethical, and equitable technology use to increase access to high-quality education and career opportunities. We’re committed to fostering mutual learning and collective action, bringing together educators and leaders to ensure innovation continues to improve student learning experiences.
Looking Ahead
While AI in education remains an important discussion, we must not lose sight of the urgent sustainability crisis in educational technology. The progress in closing the digital divide is at risk, demanding immediate action to protect and expand these gains. Prioritizing sustainable funding, equitable access, and ongoing professional learning ensures that edtech benefits all students. Edtech’s actual value lies not in the latest trends but in its power to democratize education and provide equitable opportunities for every learner. Let’s commit to making sustainable, equitable edtech a reality for every classroom, educator, and student.
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Christine Feenstra is the Executive Director of CUE cue.org , a dynamic community of technology-using educators that spans the entire educational spectrum, from preschool to higher education. Their members include classroom teachers, administrators, librarians, IT professionals, media specialists, and industry leaders, all united by a shared passion for leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-feenstra-43a82922/
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Original Article Published at Edtech Digest
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