But it is (all but) impossible to do both.<\/strong><\/p>\n Photo by Cristian Bortes<\/p><\/div>\n As I wrote in my first post, The 5xWhys<\/a>, far too much edtech is created without clear reasoning behind it. One of the hardest conversations to have with a client or programme lead, once the 5xWhys<\/a> have been worked through, is: Where do you want to be; leading or following?<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Let’s say you’ve cleared up ‘Why?’ you want to create edtech and are set on your path.\u00a0You\u2019ve probably also told yourselves :<\/span><\/p>\n Except, these statements are also true:<\/span><\/p>\n Can you see the problem? The dream of aligning both these goals misunderstands the nature of the education sector. Being part of the formal institutions of learning, most teachers work in places that move very slowly. Innovation struggles at the edges, only breaking through to the mainstream despite (not because of) the \u2018wisdom\u2019 of that crowd. <\/span><\/p>\n The children might need and want more exciting edtech – but they do not get to select or pay for it. And highly innovative teachers rarely make it into SLT\/Administrative roles. <\/span><\/p>\n Of course, notable exceptions exist, in terms of people (Dawn Hallybone<\/a>, Dan Roberts<\/a>, Nick Dennis<\/a>, for example), and organisations (NightZooKeeper<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n So – here are some hard truths for those creating edtech:<\/p>\n Of course, there are other compromises that can be made, and although you cannot lead <\/span>and <\/b>\u00a0follow at the same time, you can find other ways to reach a mass market without creating lumpen, but nutritious stodge; or open new doors in learning without scaring the horses. How might that be possible?<\/span><\/p>\n You need to be really clear about why you doing this (see the previous post<\/a>), decide whether you want to lead or follow,<\/span>\u00a0read the rest of my posts in this series<\/a>, and…get talking to those you want to create for.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This post is the second\u00a0in a series, giving tips for your next edtech endeavour. (Update: Thanks to Dai Barnes for his feedback on this post) It is possible to follow the majority of professionals or to lead (with the support … Continue reading ![\"Photo](\"http:\/\/www.ezekiels.co.uk\/eylan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/6312962230_2f822c70d5_z-300x200.jpg\")
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