This document discusses challenges with educational technology and evidence of its impact. It notes that while UK schools spent £487 million on ICT equipment in 2009-2010, there has been no radical improvement in learning or attainment. It questions what technologies and approaches actually work based on robust evidence rather than anecdotal cases. Several barriers to innovation are explored, including conservative attitudes and a lack of innovative teachers able to integrate new technologies meaningfully.

1. CC BY NC SA
Wayan
Vota
Ed Tech: Failing on
Evidence?
Oliver Quinlan
nesta.org.uk
oliverquinlan.com
@oliverquinlan

2. There is no evidence that technology causes better
learning outcomes.

4. “Schools spent £487 million on ICT equipment and
services in 2009-2010. But this investment has not
yet resulted in radical improvements to learning
experiences or attainment.”

5. V I S I B L E
C L A S S R O O M
F L I P P E D
L E A R N I N G
R E M O T E
T U T O R I N G
T E C H N O L O G Y I N E D U C AT I O N
R E S E A R C H P R O J E C T S
H T T P : / / B I T. LY /
R T T R I A L
H T T P : / / B I T. LY /
F L I P P E D L E A R N
H T T P : / / B I T. LY /
V I S I B L E C L A S S
CC BY NC SA
Michael Newman
CC BY SA
Todd Chandler
CC BY NC
JB London

6. CC BY NC
wader
What works?
!
What *works*?

7. CC BY NC
wader
Proof

8. CC BY NC
hawkesanddoves
Measures

9. V I S I B L E
C L A S S R O O M
F L I P P E D
L E A R N I N G
R E M O T E
T U T O R I N G
R A N D O M
C O N T R O L
T R I A L
C A S E
S T U D Y
P I L O T
P R O J E C T
S TA N D A R D I S E D
O U T C O M E S
T E A C H I N G &
L E A R N I N G
P R A C T I C E
I N N O VAT I O N
D E V E L O P M E N T

10. CC BY NC
wader
Proof Robust
Narrative
CC BY NC
celesterc

11. V I S I B L E
C L A S S R O O M
F L I P P E D
L E A R N I N G
R E M O T E
T U T O R I N G
CC BY NC SA
Michael Newman
CC BY SA
Todd Chandler
CC BY NC
JB London

12. What, in your view, is the main influence determining
which technology is purchased at your school?
10%
31%
23%
17%
Desire to be innovative
School development priorities
Multiple purposes
Specific needs of individuals or groups
Source: NFER Teacher Voice Survey

13. What is the main source of advice/guidance on how
technology will be used?
31%
30%
28%
4%
IT support services/consultants/contracters
IT technician / school network manager
Local Authority advice
Advice from CPD/training
3% Collaborative planning with other schools
Source: NFER Teacher Voice Survey

14. Social Media..?
1%
Source: NFER Teacher Voice Survey

15. Innovators Early Adopters Early Majority Late Majority Laggards
Tech Enthusiasts
Visionaries
Pragmatists
Conservatives
Skeptics

16. Innovators Early Adopters Early Majority Late Majority Laggards
THECHASM
Scarcity Social proofInnovation Impact
Source: Chris Maloney: Innovate or die

17. We need more innovative teachers
We need more impact

18. Innovators
Adoptors
CC BY NC SA
IRRI PHOTOS
CC BY
PAPPAS,
VOUTSALAS

19. Innovation
Impact
CC BY NC SA
IRRI PHOTOS
CC BY
TOMAS
SOBEK

20. Oliver Quinlan
nesta.org.uk
oliverquinlan.com
@oliverquinlan