Who's Actually Evaluating EdTech?

The edtech market is exploding — but who's making sure any of it actually works? That question drove my MA research: a deep dive into the K-12 edtech evaluation industry, an under-examined corner of education that quietly shapes which tools end up in classrooms. I studied the companies doing this work — like LearnPlatform and Edtech Impact — mapping how the industry evolved, what gaps exist, and where it's heading. The finding that stuck with me: educators are drowning in options but starving for trustworthy evaluation data. Part of what made this research unique was the global lens. The way the US approaches edtech — shaped by its politics, funding structures, and market dynamics — looks very different from how other countries evaluate and integrate technology in schools. Understanding those differences isn't just academic; it changes how you think about what "good" edtech policy actually looks like. Presented at the MEITE Innovation Showcase, Chapel Hill, NC — July 2024.