Evidence Over Intuition: Identifying Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Large Scale EdTech Initiatives

Abstract

We analyze four EdTech initiatives in India to identify relevant factors that determine their effectiveness. We use a two-fold data analysis technique to first comparatively analyze these EdTech interventions and then use a broader theoretical framework to further probe the identified factors. This study reveals that the primary factors involved in effective implementation of EdTech initiatives are: learners’ interest in the device and content, the support provided by teachers and mentors, the interest shown by the learners’ own community, the functionality and a provision for maintenance of the devices, the mode of implementation, availability of appropriate pedagogical and technical support, the socio-cultural-economic background of the learners, and cost, scalability and sustainability of the initiative.