This document discusses 5 common barriers to educational technology (EdTech) transformation and provides solutions to overcome them. The barriers are: 1) unnecessary delays caused by stakeholders who resist change, 2) reduced cooperation due to fear of change, 3) reluctance to let go of old systems, 4) slow cooperation even from supporters due to feeling overburdened, and 5) ignoring new technology if stakeholders don't see its value. The solutions provided include clear communication, long-term planning, training, acknowledging concerns, rewarding timely adoption, and demonstrating how technology supports learning goals. The overall message is that technology can enhance education when combined with great teaching and student engagement.

1. 5 Barriers to
EdTech Transformation
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and How to Remove Them

2. “Technology will never replace great teachers.
But technology in the hands of great teachers is
transformational.”
—George Curous
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“Technology alone isn’t going to improve student achievement.
The best combination is great teachers working with technology
to engage students in the pursuit of the learning they need.”
—Arnie Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education

3. Implementing
ever-changing
technology is hard.
The digital transformation you’ve been dreaming
about may not be as easy to embrace for the people
who will be implementing it.
When teachers, staff, or students resist technology
transformation, key projects can face serious
barriers.
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4. Barriers to EdTech
Transformation
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unnecessary delays
reduced cooperation
holding on to old systems
slow cooperation
Ignoring technology

5. 5© 2018 Vartek | Education’s IT Partner
Stakeholders cause
unnecessary delays.
BARRIER 1

6. Team members
worried about change
will
object and stall:
BARRIER 1: Unnecessary delays
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“It’s not in
the budget.”
“It will create
too much
instability.”

7. Solutions
BARRIER 1: Unnecessary delays
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1. Communicate clearly.
Timing for change is never perfect, but technology transformation is a
vital part of school strategy.
2. Create a long-term implementation plan.
Ensure the new technology is in the budget and show teachers, staff,
and students how they fit into and will benefit from the change.

8. 8© 2018 Vartek | Education’s IT Partner
Fear and uncertainty
reduce cooperation.
BARRIER 2

9. Stakeholders hesitate
to help implement
change.
BARRIER 2: Reduced cooperation
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Will I be
less
valuable
?
What if I
can’t learn
the new
system?
Will
they
replace
me?

10. Solutions
BARRIER 2: Reduced cooperation
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1. Provide training.
Make it clear that you expect team members to accept and become
proficient with the new technology.
2. Be authentic.
Let people know that the learning curve may be steep so that they
understand that the new system will take time to master.

11. 1© 2018 Vartek | Education’s IT Partner
People won’t let of old
systems.
BARRIER 3

12. “What’s wrong with the
system we have?”
BARRIER 3: Holding on to old systems
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Long-time stakeholders might take the change
personally. And you may have a hard time answering
this question because the system may not be broken;
it’s just not as robust and effective as it could be.

13. Solutions
BARRIER 3: Not letting go
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1. Don’t compare.
Explain the advantages of the new technology without saying (or
implying) that the old technology is defective.
2. Remind people of their value.
Tell them that they have been critical to the school’s past
accomplishments and will be critical to the success of the new system.

14. 1© 2018 Vartek | Education’s IT Partner
People cooperate. But
slowly.
BARRIER 4

15. Even those who buy in
might drag their feet
BARRIER 4: Slow cooperation
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if they already feel overburdened. This can throw the
project off schedule, creating complications and
adding expense.

16. Solutions
BARRIER 4: Slow cooperation
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1. Acknowledge the extra work.
But remind people that the “extra” is temporary.
2. Reward timely work.
Find meaningful perks for those who keep the project moving
successfully. Most people enjoy a challenge that leads to visible
results, especially when their work is appreciated.

17. 1© 2018 Vartek | Education’s IT Partner
People ignore
new technology.
BARRIER 5

18. If teachers, staff, and students
don’t see value
BARRIER 5: Ignoring new technology
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in the new tools, they won’t use them. Without
enthusiastic participation from stakeholders, new
technology won’t have the educational benefit
you need it to have.

19. Solutions
BARRIER 5: Ignoring new technology
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1. Connect the dots.
Help stakeholders understand how the technology supports
classroom learning goals.
2. Monitor progress.
Set the expectation that the new technology will be an active
part of your school’s curriculum, and check in with teachers and
students periodically on their comfort levels.

20. Transformational technology
engages students and enhances their achievement;
2© 2018 Vartek | Education’s IT Partner
improves teacher effectiveness; and
positions your school as a center of innovation.

21. “Effective technology is
always about the
impact on the student.
The driving force is
instruction.”
SECTION 1: APPLE VALUES
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