Student Voices: What Truly Makes EdTech Effective

Educational technology often fails to achieve its potential when it ignores the perspectives of its primary users—students. A recent study by ISTE+ASCD, in collaboration with In Tandem and Sesame Workshop, sought to change that by directly interviewing high school students across the United States about their experiences with digital learning tools. The research uncovered five critical areas that determine whether edtech resonates with learners or falls flat. Below, we explore these findings through a series of questions and answers, offering actionable insights for educators and product designers alike.

What prompted ISTE+ASCD to study edtech from the student perspective?

After spending years evaluating how teachers interact with educational technology, the research team realized something was missing: the student voice. Teachers might find a tool easy to use, but if it fails to engage or accommodate learners, it remains ineffective. With this gap in mind, ISTE+ASCD partnered with In Tandem and Sesame Workshop to explore how the technical and pedagogical design of digital tools shapes students’ learning experiences. The goal was to move beyond assumptions and gather authentic feedback from teenagers who use edtech daily in real classroom settings.

How was the research conducted, and who participated?

To capture genuine insights, the team conducted in-depth interviews with high school students from diverse backgrounds across the United States. Rather than relying on surveys or secondhand reports, researchers spoke directly with learners in real learning contexts—whether in-person, hybrid, or fully remote. This approach allowed them to observe how students actually interact with digital tools, including their frustrations, workarounds, and moments of genuine engagement. The partnership with Sesame Workshop brought expertise in child development, while In Tandem contributed user research methods. The result is a rich, qualitative dataset that reveals what truly matters to students when using edtech.

What are the five areas that matter most to students in edtech?

The study identified five key areas that students consistently emphasized:

1. Intuitiveness: Tools should be easy to navigate without extensive instruction.
2. Meaningfulness: Content must connect to students’ lives and interests.
3. Engagement: Interactive features and varied formats keep learners motivated.
4. Flexibility: Students want control over pace, sequence, and how they demonstrate learning.
5. Feedback: Timely, constructive responses help students understand their progress.

These five pillars form the foundation of what students consider effective edtech. When any area is weak, learners disengage, even if the tool is technically sound.

How can educators apply these findings when selecting edtech tools?

Educators should use these five areas as a checklist when evaluating digital tools. For example, before adopting a new platform, teachers can ask: Does the tool have a clean, logical interface that students can figure out quickly? Does it offer real-world examples or allow personalization? Are there options for different learning modalities—video, text, audio, interactive simulations? Does it let students set their own pace or choose assessment formats? And does it provide feedback that is immediate and constructive, rather than simply marking answers right or wrong? By prioritizing these criteria, educators can avoid flashy but shallow products and instead invest in tools that genuinely support student learning.

Why is it crucial for edtech to “meet students where they are”?

The phrase “meet students where they are” captures the essence of effective edtech. It means acknowledging that students have varying levels of prior knowledge, different learning preferences, and unique emotional and social contexts. A tool that assumes a one-size-fits-all approach will alienate many learners. For example, a reading app that only offers advanced texts frustrates struggling readers, while one that never challenges advanced students bores them. When edtech adapts—through differentiated content, adjustable difficulty, or multiple pathways—it honors students’ starting points and helps them grow. The research makes clear that this adaptability is not optional; it is a prerequisite for engagement and success.

What specific guidance does the research offer to product designers?

Product designers are urged to embed student feedback loops from the earliest stages of development. Instead of building tools based solely on pedagogical theories or adult assumptions, designers should prototype with real students and iterate based on their reactions. The five areas—intuitiveness, meaningfulness, engagement, flexibility, and feedback—should serve as design principles. For instance, an intuitive interface might use consistent icons and minimal text; meaningful content could incorporate student choice and cultural relevance; engagement might be boosted through gamification or collaborative features; flexibility could include adjustable text size or speed controls; and feedback should be specific, supportive, and actionable. By centering the student experience, designers can create tools that students actually want to use.

When will the full framework and guidance be available?

The research team plans to release a comprehensive framework and detailed guidance for both edtech buyers and product providers in 2026. This document will expand on the five key areas, offering rubrics, case studies, and implementation strategies. Early adopters can already access the initial infographic (linked in the original research), which summarizes the findings visually. The forthcoming framework promises to be an invaluable resource for schools, districts, and developers who are committed to creating and choosing edtech that truly works for students.

How can stakeholders stay informed about the upcoming framework?

Educators, administrators, and product designers interested in the 2026 release can follow ISTE+ASCD’s official website and social media channels for updates. In the meantime, they are encouraged to engage with the existing research by reviewing the full infographic at the link provided in the original study. The infographic offers a visual summary of the five key areas and direct quotes from student participants. By sharing these findings within their networks, stakeholders can begin conversations about what makes edtech effective and start applying the principles even before the detailed framework arrives.