With $1.86 billion flowing to nearly 200 US edtech deals in 2015, investor interest is at an all-time high. Yet, all this deal-making belies the fact that sellers, buyers, and investors alike do not have a clear understanding of how well most edtech products—particularly those serving the K–12 classroom market—actually work to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Why is there not more focus on impact in Edtech?Â
EdSurge has developed a set of four tips for investors who want to identify investments that advance teaching and learning while earning a financial return. Namely:
1) Determine whether the impact is a priority for the company and whether there’s credible evidence.
2)Â Look for systems of feedback that inform ongoing improvement.
3)Â Understand where educator insight and expertise informs the product.
4)Â Ask how the product is integrated into the classroom and school
–Read the details of EdSurge’s 4 tips for Edtech investors