7 Resolutions for Edtech in 2025

#Technology

Erin Werra

by Erin Werra

Erin Werra Edtech Thought Leader

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1. Implement MFA yesterday

Seven years ago, we pondered whether edtech was ready for multi-factor authentication. The conclusion seven years ago weighed a clunky user experience with tighter security, and considered whether MFA or something even more stringent would become the standard in education technology.

Here we are as a new calendar year dawns and MFA is no longer an option to weigh—it’s a no-brainer in the Swiss-cheese model of risk management for district security. In fact, it’s non-negotiable for your edtech vendors for sure. While we cannot control the security choices different edtech vendors make, your district can definitely take every action to protect your own data.

Here’s how to implement MFA in your district.

Here are four tips from a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

2. Create or revisit your security response strategies

Is your security strategy proactive or reactive? If you’re waiting for disaster to unfold before creating an action plan, strike that and reverse it immediately.

In fact, schools are a prime target for ransomware, phishing, and other security threats. It’s true that planning ahead takes time and money, but avoiding downtime, data ransom payments, and a huge (unfair) ding to your district’s reputation is worth the investment.

Here’s how to get started—and what you risk by waiting.

Take a quiz to see if your disaster plan is airtight.

3. Ditto your data backups

You may choose to host your servers on-site or pay for a cloud backup partnership. While pros and cons exist for on-site server maintenance, placing your precious data into the trust of others can feel equally daunting.

Weigh the pros and cons between cloud storage and DIY methods like 3-2-2.

…but pick one and back up your data ASAP and regularly.

4. Aim to expand accessibility for all

The brilliant part of universal design for accessibility is that it doesn’t matter what a person can or cannot do—the system is designed for everyone.

Sure, it takes extra effort. That’s just fine.

While edtech vendors catch up with the latest laws designed to make software usable for truly anyone, you can do your part by insisting any new systems meet accessibility standards. Don’t do it for kids today—insist on accessibility for the kids you haven’t yet met, with challenges we can’t imagine yet.

Accessibility is good design.

5. Audit and streamline applications across the district

A survey of over 100 school districts reavealed over 2,000 apps in use across the district. Do you know every single app downloaded via your district network? On each device? For each individual?

For districts of a certain size, this is a pretty impossible question. However, in creating a culture of security, it’s possible to impart good advice to everyone in your staff and student population.

Help staff and teachers learn more about vetting applications.

6. Fight the good fight against AI

Just because generative artificial intelligence is worming its way into just about every application doesn’t mean we have to sit idly by and use it. Students must learn how to wield these types of systems. But district IT administrators, teachers, and staff do not need to grant AI carte blanche in every niche. AI is inaccurate, not secure, and on many occasions biased and racist.

Explore the future of AI and the workplace.

Find out what your career of the future might look like in this fun quiz.

7. Use data to enhance the lived experiences around you

For teachers, lightening the mental load and tracking behavior patterns can make or break retention and culture. The very best use of data is to cut down on time spent on tasks and streamline the experiences of students and staff alike.

Making educational data analytics easier to quickly understand unlocks decades worth of insight into the patterns of student life. A highly visual, real-time education analytics platform can help.

Lighten the mental load for teachers.

Use behavior data to retain teachers.

Whether you’re resolving to improve this new year or to keep on keeping on, we can all agree edtech must continue to evolve and grow.

Students and staff in K12 schools deserve it.