Finding the right edtech tools for your classroom can be a challenging and time-consuming task. With so many options available, it’s essential to have a streamlined way to compare products and make informed decisions. This guide will help educators use the EdTech Index to add products to their personal list, focus on important characteristics, compare tools side by side, and share their findings with colleagues. By using the EdTech Index, educators can be better prepared to select tools that will reimagine learning and create student experiences that support the ISTE+ASCD Transformational Learning Principles. 

1. Add Products to Your List

Adding products to your list is the first step in organizing and comparing edtech tools. The "My List" feature allows you to save products of interest, making it easier to review and compare them later. This feature is particularly useful for educators who are researching multiple products and need a convenient way to keep track of their findings.

          ● From the Homepage: On the homepage, each product listing card includes an "Add to               List" button. Simply click this button to save the product to your personal list. This                           allows you to quickly gather a selection of potential tools without navigating away from               the main page.

          ● From a Product Page: When viewing a specific product page, you will find the "Add to                List" button displayed on the bottom of the page. Click it to add the product to your list.              This method provides an opportunity to delve deeper into each product's details before              adding it to your list.

          ● Cross-Device Access: If you are logged into your account, your list will be saved across                 devices. This means you can access and manage your list from any device, whether at                   home, at school, or on the go. This cross-device functionality ensures that you can work               seamlessly, regardless of where you are.

By adding products to your list, you can easily keep track of tools that catch your eye and revisit them when you have more time to explore their features and benefits. This feature also helps in systematically narrowing down your choices based on initial impressions.

2. Focus on Important Categories

Once you have added products to your list, you can view and manage them by clicking "My List" at the top of the page and using the dropdown to focus on specific characteristics. This feature allows you to narrow down your options based on the criteria that matter most to you. By concentrating on categories like audience, subject area, and tech specifications, you can ensure that you are selecting tools that align with your teaching objectives.

          ● Access Your List: Navigate to your "My List" page from the top header. This page is your               central hub for managing all the products you have saved.

          ● Filter by Category: Use the filtering options to focus on particular categories such as                   audience (e.g., early education, K-12, higher ed), subject areas (e.g., math, science, ELA),                 or other relevant criteria. These filters help you quickly eliminate products that do not                   meet your specific requirements.

          ● Review Details: Analyze the results to help you determine which products best meet                   your specific needs and preferences. Taking the time to review these details ensures                     that you are making informed decisions based on comprehensive information.

Focusing on important categories allows you to streamline your list and prioritize the products that are most relevant to your educational goals. This step is crucial for effectively managing a wide range of options and zeroing in on the best tools for your classroom.

3. Compare Products Side by Side

Comparing products side by side is a powerful feature that helps busy educators make quick and informed decisions. By viewing multiple products and their attributes simultaneously, you can easily identify the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. This comparison tool is designed to save you time and provide a clear visual representation of how different products stack up against each other.

          ● Select Products to Compare: On your "My List" page, select the products you want to                 compare by checking the boxes next to their names. This allows you to choose the                         most relevant tools for direct comparison.

          ● Click the Compare Button: Once you have selected the products, click the "Compare                   Selected" button to bring up the comparison tool. This action will open a new interface                 where you can see detailed comparisons.

          ● View Comparison Details: The comparison tool will display the selected products and                  their information in categories, such as features, pricing, and validation badges, side by                side. This visual comparison makes it easy to see how each product stacks up against                    the others. You can quickly identify key differences and similarities, which is crucial for                  making an informed choice.

Use the side-by-side comparison to evaluate which products best meet your criteria and requirements, helping you make well-informed decisions about which tools to implement in your classroom. This ensures that you are selecting products based on a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and benefits.

4. Share Your Findings with Others

Sharing your findings with colleagues is an essential step in the decision-making process. By exporting your list or comparison data, you can facilitate collaborative discussions and ensure that the selected tools meet the broader needs of your educational team. Effective communication and collaboration are key to successful technology integration in schools.

          ● Export List as PDF: You can export your list as a PDF document. This format is easy to                 share via email or print out for discussions in meetings. PDFs provide a clear and                             concise presentation of your findings, which can be easily distributed to others.

          ● Export Comparison as CSV: For a more detailed and editable format, export your                         comparison as a CSV file. This allows you to manipulate the data in spreadsheet                               software, making it easier to analyze and present your findings. 

          ● Export with Decision Rubric: You can also export your comparison as an Excel file with               our Decision Guide embedded. This guide asks some questions to help you further                       evaluate the product for your specific needs.

By sharing your findings, you can get valuable input from other educators and technology coaches, ensuring a collaborative approach to selecting the best edtech tools. This collaboration helps in making well-rounded decisions that benefit the entire educational community.

Having the ability to compare edtech products efficiently is invaluable for time-strapped educators. By using the "My List" feature, focusing on important categories, leveraging the side-by-side comparison tool, and sharing your findings, you can make well-informed decisions that enhance your teaching and support student success. These tools streamline the process of evaluating and selecting edtech products, saving you time and effort while ensuring you choose the best solutions for your classroom needs. With these features, educators can confidently navigate the vast landscape of edtech tools and implement the most effective and appropriate technologies for their students. Happy comparing!

For more EdTech Index features, see our complete guide.