Educational Technology (EdTech)

Educational Technology (EdTech)

Educational Technology (also known as edtech) is the combination of information technology (hardware, software, data, and infrastructure) with sound teaching and learning practices. The goal of edtech is to strategically and purposefully use available resources to enhance the individual and collective educational experience, facilitate instruction and learning, and ultimately support students and educators in lifelong learning.

DESE envisions a world where all K–12 students in Massachusetts regularly engage in opportunities to learn, explore, and innovate through relevant, contemporary technology and do so with well-prepared and inspired educators. With strategic and thoughtful planning and implementation, edtech has the potential to support the Department's educational vision and:

  • ensure all students are known and valued,
  • create learning experiences that are relevant, real-world, and interactive, and
  • provide individualized support that enables students to excel at grade level and beyond.

EdTech Guidance, Resources, Support:

DESE provides edtech guidance, resources, and support in these primary areas, which you can find more information about on the linked pages.

  • Expand equitable access to technology, including sufficient bandwidth, 1:1 devices, and high-quality digital materials and experiences.
  • Identify, evaluate, and promote effective uses of edtech that serve to enhance student learning.
  • Leverage research and innovation in K–12 edtech that may provide solutions to persistent problems and support next-generation learning.
  • Navigate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and support educators and leaders in harnessing these tools to enhance teaching and learning, while also addressing emerging concerns related to academic integrity, bias, data privacy, misinformation, and instructional quality.

Sustaining Progress in Access and Equity: EdTech Strategic Planning Guide

The Department, in partnership with local, state, and national stakeholders, developed the Sustaining Progress in Access and Equity: EdTech Strategic Planning Guide for district and school leaders in Massachusetts. The guide offers strategic planning support for the strategic, equitable, and effective integration of EdTech in K–12 schools.

The guide provides insights, recommendations, and resources on foundational EdTech systems, and is designed to be flexible and adaptable to each district's unique mission, vision, and learning priorities. It should complement overall strategic plans, instructional visions, and budget planning efforts. DESE encourages district administrative teams to collectively assess and utilize the guidance to shape the future of EdTech in their organizations.

EdTech Strategic Planning pyramid including the sections EdTech leadership, instruction, staffing and personnel, professional learning, data management, infrastructure, and business management.

Awards and Accomplishments

Massachusetts has received three State SETDA State Achievement Awards in 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022 for the categories of Digital Learning, Digital Content, Equity of Access, and Digital Learning, respectively. These awards celebrate the impact of DESE's EdTech programs and projects, including the body of work in Artificial Intelligence, the EdTech Strategic Planning Guide, the EdTech Peer Learning Cohort, and the EdTech Systems Guide. The SETDA State Achievement Award recognizes outstanding initiatives from SETDA state and affiliate members and their teams that address meaningful challenges in teaching and learning.

Last Updated: August 19, 2026

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EdTech Strategic Planning Guide

EdTech Systems Guide

Links

DESE Educational Vision

DESE Coherence Guidebook

Commonwealth Virtual Schools

Digital Learning Advisory Council (DLAC)

Contact Us

Office of Educational Technology

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