What the Doctor Ordered: When EdTech Is Beneficial for Schools, and When It's Not

Table of Contents:

• What this review is
• 1. Access to Technology
• 2. Behavioral Interventions
• 3. Improvements in Teaching
• 4. Self-learning

In this article, you will get acquainted with the main aspects of the topic, as well as receive useful information and recommendations that will help you better understand the issue. We will consider the key points that are important for understanding and applying in practice. Please note the provided tips and recommendations that may be useful in your work. Read on to learn more.

• Who is monitoring the results of digitalization of education in different countries;
• What effects of technologies are of interest to researchers;
• In what cases does digital improve school learning;
• Who benefits from self-learning technologies.

State technological initiatives in the field of education are actively developing in Russia. The Ministry of Education is introducing digital educational environments, developing models of digital schools and universities, and launching super services on the Gosuslugi platform. New technologies promise to make learning more personalized and effective, facilitating processes for both students and teachers. These changes are aimed at improving the quality of education and adapting the educational process to modern requirements, which contributes to the creation of a more flexible and accessible educational environment.

EdTech projects, despite their high quality and well-thought-out technical aspect, are not a universal solution to all educational problems. It is important to understand what problems they are capable of solving and which ones remain beyond their competence. The success of these decisions depends on many factors. Researchers at the EdPolicyWorks Center at the University of Virginia are conducting an in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of digital educational projects in developing countries to identify the key conditions contributing to the successful implementation of technologies in education.

What is this review?

Currently, the study entitled "Educational Technologies in Developing Countries" includes 81 scientific papers devoted to the introduction of digital technologies in the education systems of 36 countries. The first of these works was published in 2002. This study emphasizes the importance of digitalization in education and its impact on the development of educational processes in countries with developing economies. The introduction of advanced technologies helps to improve the quality of learning and the availability of educational resources, which is a key factor in achieving sustainable development in these regions.

We are reviewing one of the working papers of EdPolicyWorks researchers. The review will be continued and supplemented, so its findings cannot be considered final. However, approximately half of the studies presented in it have been completed and published in peer-reviewed, professionally recognized journals. This confirms the significance and reliability of the data presented, making the document a valuable source of information for further analysis in the field of education policy. Daniel Rodriguez-Segura, the study's author, emphasizes that before introducing digital technologies into the education system at the national level, their impact on educational outcomes must be thoroughly assessed. A key aspect is an analysis of the context in which these technologies were previously used. It is important to understand which schools were involved in implementing these solutions, the conditions under which they operated, the lives of students, and the work practices of teachers. What has demonstrated success in one country, for example, the United States, may not work in another, for example, India. Therefore, it is critical to study educational technologies in the context of the specific conditions and characteristics of each country. This approach will help avoid potential failures and maximize the positive impact of digitalization on education.

This review examines the impact of EdTech interventions in developing countries in Latin America, as well as in Central, South, and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This analysis examines various approaches and technologies used in the education sector, as well as their effectiveness and impact on the quality of education in these regions.

The review presents two studies conducted in Israel and Russia. At the time of their implementation, these countries were classified as developing economies, as determined by indicators such as GDP per capita.

Most of the countries included in the review can be classified as developing. Residents of these countries have low incomes, and educational institutions face problems related to access to the internet, electricity, and basic teaching materials such as notebooks and blackboards. The key findings of the study will also be of interest to us, especially given that conditions in Russian schools in small towns can differ significantly from those experienced by institutions in large cities. This review examines four key areas of digitalization in education. These areas play a significant role in transforming the educational process and provide new opportunities for students and teachers. The first area is focused on the implementation of online learning, which allows students to acquire knowledge at a time convenient for them and in a comfortable environment. The second area encompasses the use of educational platforms and tools that make the learning process more interactive and accessible. The third area focuses on digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, which help personalize the educational process and adapt it to the individual needs of students. The fourth area is focused on the development of digital literacy, which is a prerequisite for successfully mastering modern technologies and preparing for future professional careers. These areas of digitalization have a significant impact on the quality of education and open up new horizons for all participants in the educational process.

• access to technology;
• behavioral interventions;
• improving teaching;
• self-learning.

Technologies are used in different areas to achieve specific goals and are not always suitable for all contexts.

To determine whether a particular technology solution is suitable for your situation, it is important to answer several key questions. First, you need to assess the specific needs of your business and the goals you want to achieve. You should also consider the budget and resources available for implementing the technology. Equally important is an analysis of the existing infrastructure and the compatibility of the new solution with current systems. In addition, it is necessary to explore the potential risks and benefits associated with using the chosen technology. The right approach to these questions will help you make informed choices and optimize processes in your organization.

• What problems does it aim to solve?
• How can it impact educational outcomes?
• How cost-effective is it?
• What could be an obstacle to its implementation?

The author of the review provides answers to these questions, analyzing each of the four areas of digitalization.

2. Behavioral Interventions

The root of many problems in the educational process often lies not in the lack of educational materials, but in the behavior of the participants. For example, regular student absenteeism or the teacher's absence from the classroom for a significant portion of the lesson can significantly hinder the learning process. In such situations, modern technologies can be an effective solution for improving the educational process. They can help optimize learning time and increase the engagement of both students and teachers.

The most common approach is to inform parents about school events, which allows them to promptly influence their children's behavior. In recent years, electronic diaries have become popular in Russian schools. Systems such as the Moscow Electronic School (MES) allow parents to track their child's arrival and departure times and monitor their meals at the school. This promotes more active parental involvement in the educational process and improves communication between the school and the family.

Russian projects are not unique in their kind, as similar tools have been tested in other countries for a long time. A review by a researcher from EdPolicyWorks presents several examples from developing countries that confirm this.

The goal of educational projects is to improve the behavior of participants in the educational process. Research shows that, when properly prepared, technology does have a positive impact: parents become more active and skip school meetings less often, students skip classes less often and behave better during recess, and teachers can devote more attention to each student. However, it is worth noting that radical changes in the quality of education should not be expected from such solutions.

Simple technological solutions are sufficient to achieve behavioral changes. In Chile, for example, regular SMS messages to parents proved effective. These messages informed about the academic progress and behavior of children. As a result, just four months after the start of the project, students began to demonstrate greater responsibility: attendance increased, and the number of conflicts at school decreased. There was also a slight improvement in test scores in school subjects, although the increase was only a few percentage points.

Monitoring tools such as video surveillance can be effectively used to monitor the work of teachers. In developing countries, one of the most common problems is teacher absence from work during school hours. Installing cameras in classrooms can help solve this problem, but the impact on student learning outcomes remains indirect and minor. It is important to consider how such measures can help increase teacher accountability and improve the educational process as a whole.

This product effectively addresses the following problems:

• lack of awareness among students and their families;
• low responsibility, failure to fulfill responsibilities.

The educational effect refers to the changes that occur during the learning process and affect the level of knowledge, skills, and personal development of the student. It includes both academic achievement and the development of critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. Educational impact can be seen in both formal and informal learning and depends on many factors, including teaching methods, student motivation, and the quality of educational materials. Effective learning promotes not only the assimilation of information but also the development of sustainable skills necessary for successful professional work and personal growth. Given the importance of educational impact, educational institutions strive to implement innovative approaches and technologies to maximize learning outcomes and prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.

• low.

Economic efficiency is a key indicator that reflects the relationship between costs and performance in various areas. It helps assess how wisely and appropriately resources are used, as well as determine the degree of profitability and success of a business. In a highly competitive and constantly changing market environment, understanding economic efficiency becomes especially important for strategic decision-making. Cost optimization, increased productivity, and improved quality of products or services contribute to increased economic efficiency and, consequently, increased profits. Analysis tools such as SWOT analysis can help identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats, allowing you to fine-tune your company's strategy to achieve maximum economic efficiency.

• High: Does not require complex hardware and software; such solutions are fairly easy to scale.

Obstacles are factors that can hinder or stop the achievement of goals. They can manifest themselves in various forms, including internal and external barriers. Internal obstacles are often related to psychological aspects, such as fear of failure, low self-esteem, or lack of motivation. External obstacles can include economic conditions, lack of resources, or support from others.

Understanding and overcoming these obstacles is an important part of the process of achieving success. Working on yourself, developing skills, and finding alternative solutions can help minimize the impact of negative factors. Overcoming obstacles not only promotes personal growth but also allows you to achieve your goals more effectively.

It is important to remember that every obstacle can be viewed as an opportunity for learning and development. Instead of viewing them only as challenges, we should look for ways to overcome them, which will ultimately lead to success.

• technical problems (for example, messages not getting through due to a poor connection);
• poorly thought-out project design. Preliminary research will be needed to know exactly what behavioral problems affect learning, what they are associated with, and how to fix them.

3. Improvements in Teaching

Since the early second half of the 20th century, developing countries have seen an increase in the number of schools, but two key problems remain. First, the education system does not reach children living in the most remote and sparsely populated areas, which leads to serious imbalances in access to education. Second, in those regions where schools exist, they are significantly overcrowded: the middle class in such educational institutions is three times larger than in schools in developed countries. Moreover, teacher qualifications often leave much to be desired, and attracting highly qualified teachers is difficult due to low salaries. These factors significantly impact the quality of education and its accessibility for all segments of the population.

Fair salaries for teachers are essential, but research presented in a review by a specialist from EdPolicyWorks demonstrates that simply increasing teacher salaries does not guarantee improved educational outcomes. The effectiveness of the educational process depends on many factors, including the quality of teaching, access to resources, and administrative support. Therefore, achieving high educational outcomes requires considering a holistic approach, rather than focusing solely on financial compensation.

Despite a doubling of teacher salaries in Indonesia, education quality has not improved in the subsequent two to three years. Although teacher satisfaction with their jobs has increased significantly, this has not led to positive changes in student achievement. Without the implementation of programs to develop teaching excellence and change teachers' attitudes toward their work, the salary increase had no impact on the level of learning.

EdTech can be an effective solution to the problem of teacher shortages or low teacher qualifications. However, its impact is not always uniform across all regions and educational systems, the author of the review notes. Technology can improve access to high-quality educational resources and enhance teacher training. However, the success of such initiatives depends on a number of factors, including infrastructure, government support, and teachers' willingness to adapt to new teaching methods. It is important to remember that technology should complement, not replace, the human factor in education.

Technology plays an important role in supporting teachers by providing simplified access to professional development at leading educational institutions and methodological materials, such as ready-made lesson plans. In remote areas, the use of digital content to supplement traditional live lessons or replace them entirely has a significant impact. Various projects actively use pre-recorded lectures from teachers from top schools and television broadcasts, which contribute to improving the quality of education and accessibility of knowledge for all.

Context is key. In remote areas where there is a shortage of qualified teachers and schools are underequipped, online lessons from experienced educators are becoming especially relevant. During the closure of schools due to the pandemic, video content played a vital role in the educational process. However, as the situation stabilizes, new learning formats may only appeal to a select group of students. The effectiveness of online lessons largely depends on the quality of the content and its relevance to student needs. A sudden transition to new educational methods can negatively impact learning outcomes. A study conducted in Costa Rica demonstrates that changes in teaching should be implemented gradually. As part of the experiment, the teaching methodology was modified: traditional lectures were replaced by "active learning." The project involved 85 schools, where geometry instruction in high school grades was adapted to the new conditions. Along with the transition to active methods, classrooms were equipped with interactive whiteboards and computer labs. However, the results were negative—students began to show worse results. The authors of the study concluded that, under the new conditions, teachers lost contact with students, which negatively impacted the learning process.

Solution to problems such as:

• shortage of teachers and/or gaps in their knowledge;
• lack of some in-person training courses in a particular area;
• limited access to education in general in emergency situations and in isolated settlements.

The educational effect is the positive influence of the educational process on personal development and the expansion of their knowledge. It includes not only the acquisition of new skills and abilities, but also the development of critical thinking, creativity and social responsibility. Effective teaching promotes a deep understanding of subjects, improves analytical and problem-solving abilities. In addition, the educational effect is manifested in increased motivation for learning and the desire for self-development, which ultimately leads to successful professional activity and personal growth. An important aspect is the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills, which makes the learning process more holistic and meaningful for students.

• from average to high.

Economic efficiency is a key indicator that reflects the effectiveness of resource use in production and business. It is measured by the ratio between the results obtained and the costs required to achieve them. High economic efficiency indicates the rational use of resources and time, which contributes to increased profits and the company's competitiveness.

To achieve high economic efficiency, it is necessary to optimize processes, reduce costs, and implement innovative technologies. Analysis and monitoring of economic efficiency help identify weaknesses in the business model and develop strategies for improving them.

Understanding and applying the principles of cost effectiveness allows organizations not only to increase their profits but also to ensure sustainable development in a changing economy.

• is quite high: quality content is expensive, but it can be distributed to any number of students.

Obstacles can come in many forms and have a significant impact on our lives. They can be physical, emotional, or psychological. Physical barriers often require us to make extra effort to overcome them, for example, in sports or everyday activities. Emotional and psychological barriers, such as fear, doubt, or low self-esteem, can prevent us from achieving goals and realizing our potential.

Overcoming obstacles requires strategy and persistence. It is important to recognize that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and development. Effective methods for dealing with obstacles include setting clear goals, developing an action plan, and seeking support from others. It is also useful to analyze the causes of obstacles and find ways to overcome them.

By overcoming difficulties, we not only develop our skills but also become more resilient. Each overcome barrier brings us closer to success and helps strengthen our self-confidence. Obstacles are a part of life, and the ability to cope with them makes us stronger.

• It takes getting used to new things. Teachers and students will most likely not be able to cope with abrupt multiple changes that are implemented simultaneously.

4. Self-study

Technologies that allow each student to create an individual learning path are popular in all countries of the world. This need arises not only because of the special interests and talents of children, but also because of the shortcomings of standard educational programs. Often, such programs are overly ambitious, oversaturated with information, and set too fast a pace that not all children can cope with. The use of technology in teaching helps adapt the educational process to the unique needs of each student, increasing their motivation and learning efficiency.

Many developing countries inherited their school curricula from the colonial past, which negatively impacts the educational process. In other cases, curricula were quickly adapted to modern foreign models. This results in students being asked to absorb too much information in a short period of time, while the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic are not given due attention. It is important to reconsider approaches to educational standards to ensure high-quality acquisition of the fundamental skills necessary for successful learning and development.

Students who are not keeping up with the curriculum often lack special support measures. Teachers face a lack of time to devote individual attention to each student in the class. This creates learning difficulties and can negatively impact academic performance. It is important to develop effective strategies and resources to help such students catch up and improve their results. Support from the educational institution and an individualized approach to each child can play a key role in their success.

In today's environment, EdTech tools are becoming an important aid in meeting students' individual learning needs. They allow for the selection of learning materials and assignments based on each student's knowledge level, challenges, and interests. Given the heavy workload of teachers, it is difficult for them to prepare enough individual assignments for 30 students in a class. Using technology significantly simplifies this process, providing a more personalized approach to learning and increasing the effectiveness of the educational process.

Self-learning technologies demonstrate the best results in the educational process. Their implementation is an effective and cost-effective solution, as ready-made online services and applications can be launched immediately. In contrast, training additional teachers and tutors requires significant time and resources. The use of self-learning technologies allows for the optimization of the educational process and increases its accessibility.

Self-learning technologies represent one of the most complex categories of educational innovations. These technologies allow students to adapt the learning process to their individual needs and pace, significantly increasing the effectiveness of material assimilation. Self-learning requires a high degree of self-discipline and motivation from students, as well as the ability to think critically and introspectively. The introduction of such technologies into the educational process opens new horizons for the personal and professional growth of students, but also poses certain challenges.

For the successful implementation of the educational process, it is necessary to prepare an extensive set of high-quality learning tasks that correspond to the curriculum, age, and characteristics of the children. It is important to develop effective algorithms for delivering these tasks to students. This includes creating specialized online platforms and organizing convenient access to them, which will significantly improve the interaction between students and educational content.

When implementing self-study projects, it is impossible to say with certainty what exactly contributed to the improved academic performance of children: the presence of additional tasks or the technologies that facilitate their completion. Spending money on digital resources is not necessary to organize independent study; providing children with printed materials may be sufficient. Two studies in the review confirm that effectiveness depends on the specific context.

In China and El Salvador, the results of mathematics learning were compared using two methods: computer-based instruction and additional classes in a traditional format. In both countries, a positive effect on the level of student mathematical proficiency was observed. However, in China, the differences in results between computer-based and traditional instruction were not significant, while in El Salvador, the use of digital technologies demonstrated higher effectiveness.

The author of the review points out that differences in educational systems are due to the conditions in which they operate. In China, the school system is well-structured, with teachers possessing significant experience and high qualifications. Meanwhile, in El Salvador, a weak economy and political instability have negatively impacted educational traditions. As a result, digital learning in El Salvador demonstrates a higher quality than traditional methods. This contrast highlights the importance of a stable economic and political environment for the development of an effective educational process.

A drawback of digitalization projects is that the most capable students achieve the greatest results from independent work. Alternative tools are needed to support those lagging behind, and in this case, the personal involvement of the teacher becomes indispensable. It is important to develop methods that allow each student to reach their maximum potential, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

It is important to understand that increasing the time spent using an educational app does not always lead to a proportional increase in understanding of the topic. If a student has improved their understanding of the material after the first hour of class, this does not mean that a second hour of study will provide them with twice as much knowledge. The educational effect does not directly depend on the duration of technology use. The quality of interaction with educational material and teaching methods plays a more significant role in the process of assimilation of information.

Self-study technologies demonstrate high effectiveness, but their use must be taken into account the specific context. It is important to determine whether digital tools are necessary in a given situation or whether more effective results can be achieved through additional classes in a traditional format. A key point is also how much time children need to devote to additional classes to achieve a noticeable result. The answers to these questions will help understand whether the EdTech intervention will bring real benefits to the educational process.

It addresses many problems, including:

• individual knowledge gaps or unmet additional knowledge needs of students;
• learning pace that is not suitable for the student;
• lack of practice in the classroom.

The educational effect is that the learning process promotes the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. It allows you to assimilate new knowledge and apply it in practice, which improves the quality of education. Methods such as active participation in the learning process and interaction with teachers and classmates contribute to a deeper understanding of the material. The educational effect also implies the development of personal qualities such as independence and responsibility, which are important for successful professional activity. Thus, the educational effect is a key factor in the development of qualified specialists prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

• high.

Economic efficiency is a key indicator that allows us to evaluate the productivity and effectiveness of various economic processes. It reflects the relationship between the results obtained and the costs required to achieve them. In a modern business environment, understanding economic efficiency helps companies optimize resources, increase profits, and reduce costs.

To achieve high economic efficiency, it is important to regularly analyze financial indicators, use modern management methods, and invest in innovation. The main aspects influencing economic efficiency include labor productivity, the level of automation, and the quality of the resources used.

Optimizing processes and implementing new technologies and management strategies can significantly improve the economic efficiency of enterprises, which, in turn, contributes to their sustainable development and competitiveness in the market.

• high, if any number of students can study from a single device or account.

Obstacles often arise on the path to achieving goals and can be both internal and external. Internal obstacles include self-doubt, fear of failure, and low motivation. External obstacles can manifest as a lack of resources, unfavorable conditions, or negative social influence. To successfully overcome obstacles, it is important to understand their nature, develop a strategy, and persistently move forward. Applying self-development methods and time management can significantly increase the chances of success. Overcoming obstacles promotes personal growth and strengthens self-confidence.

• the complexity of development.