In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, we dive into the vital role that professional development and implementation play in EdTech success—two often overlooked aspects that can make or break the adoption of new technologies in K-12 education.
Elana sits down with Shelby Danks, founder and principal advisor of ARKEN Research, who has spent decades researching the efficacy of EdTech solutions in education. Shelby brings a wealth of knowledge about the importance of strategic implementation and the critical role professional development plays in ensuring that new tools truly benefit educators and students.
Together, they unpack the differences between implementation and professional development, discuss the common pitfalls that EdTech companies face, and explore best practices for rolling out new tools in a way that supports meaningful adoption in schools. Shelby also shares her insights on the “refrigerator vs. washer-dryer” metaphor, which helps companies understand the different levels of support their products require, and how they can partner with schools for long-term success.
If you’re an EdTech provider, education leader, or educator interested in understanding how to effectively implement new technology and provide professional development that truly supports teachers, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical takeaways and expert insights that will help you make thoughtful decisions when it comes to the adoption and integration of EdTech tools.
Questions asked:
What role do professional development and implementation play in K-12 EdTech?
Can you explain the difference between implementation and professional development in education?
What are the key elements of a successful EdTech implementation program?
How can EdTech companies collaborate with districts to ensure smooth implementation?
What best practices should EdTech companies follow for implementation and professional development?
What are some common pitfalls or mistakes EdTech companies make in implementation?
How can professional development be aligned with curriculum standards and still support EdTech tools?
What are some key trends shaping professional development in education today?
What resources or frameworks do you recommend for better implementation and PD?
What books or resources are inspiring you in your work right now?
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Instruction Partners: offers resources to help districts and schools plan for effective curriculum implementation. They provide guidance on how to align professional development and instructional strategies for better student outcomes.
Curriculum Planning Guide: A detailed guide to help schools and districts plan and implement effective curriculum strategies, ensuring better instructional practices.
Science of Learning Literacy Planning Guide: A resource specifically focused on literacy, providing strategies and best practices based on the science of learning to improve literacy instruction in schools.
Rivet Education: connects districts with vetted professional learning providers to help them select the best partners for their professional development needs.
Professional Learning Partner Guide: This guide reviews and ranks professional learning providers based on their alignment with curriculum standards, helping districts find the right fit for their specific needs.
The Slow Lane: Why Quick Fixes Fail and How to Achieve Real Change by Sascha Haselmayer: a book Shelby recommends which emphasizes the importance of taking a slower, more thoughtful approach to implementing lasting changes, countering the "quick fix" mentality in many sectors, including education.
Get in touch with Shelby: LinkedIn
Elana Leoni, Host
Elana Leoni has dedicated the majority of her career to improving K-12 education. Prior to founding LCG, she spent eight years leading the marketing and community strategy for the George Lucas Educational Foundation where she grew Edutopia’s social media presence exponentially to reach over 20 million education change-makers every month.
Shelby Danks, Ph.D., Guest
Shelby Danks, Ph.D. is the Founder and Principal Advisor at ARKEN RESEARCH. She served as an impact executive and principal investigator for two curriculum companies and as a principal research consultant. She has a PhD in Learning Technologies with an emphasis in Measurement and Statistics.
Dr. Danks has 10+ years experience on the Board of Examiners for the National Baldrige Excellence Program, Panel of Judges/Examiner for the Quality Texas Foundation, Board of Examiners for the Missouri Quality Award, Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, and as an accreditation reviewer for AdvancED.
About All Things Marketing and Education
What if marketing was judged solely by the level of value it brings to its audience? Welcome to All Things Marketing and Education, a podcast that lives at the intersection of marketing and you guessed it, education. Each week, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, highlights innovative social media marketing, community-building, and content marketing strategies that can significantly increase reach, relationships, and revenue.
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