Episode 55

Unpacking What EdChoice and ESAs Mean to EdTech

Brief description of the episode

Morgan Camu, Head of Programs at Outschool.org, dives deep into the world of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and their impact on edtech in this episode. She offers unique insights into how these programs are changing families’ approach to education. Learn from Morgan’s experience about the challenges and opportunities ESAs present for edtech providers and gain valuable advice on developing learning products for ESA-eligible families.

Key Takeaways:

- Demand is highly dependent on state rules and how funds can be used. Families generally prefer having a wide range of options, allowing them to piece together their child’s education in a personalized way.
- Families seek flexibility in how funds are allocated, from private school tuition to technology, transportation, and enrichment activities.
- Technology infrastructure is a common request, especially for families engaged in online or hybrid learning models.
- Many families have children with special needs and need support in recreating the services their children receive in traditional school settings, such as occupational or speech therapy.
- Families prioritize services that allow for dynamic, flexible learning and access to specialized service providers that fit their schedules.
- Edtech products that are designed with the specific needs of users in mind tend to be the most successful in adoption and effectiveness.
- Many ESA programs are broad, lacking the nuance needed to serve marginalized families effectively. These students often face more barriers to learning and need customized solutions.
- Accessibility should be a priority from the start, ensuring that students without laptops, iPads, or digital fluency can still use the product.
- Edtech providers should consider families where children might share a single device or where parents lack digital literacy or English fluency.
- ESA programs often target low-income families or those with children in low-performing schools or with special needs. These families are looking for edtech products that fit their specific situations.
- Edtech providers may need to adapt products originally designed for wealthier families to meet the needs of these underserved communities.
- Edtech companies should offer clear, honest disclaimers, making it easy for families to unsubscribe if the product isn’t serving their needs.
- Subscription models should not trap users with hidden terms; unsubscribing should be as simple as signing up.
- Many families are new to edtech products, so companies need to provide clear, plain-spoken guidance to avoid overwhelming or frustrating parents.
- Honest communication about how the product works for different types of learners is crucial. This includes explaining any supervision or assistance required from parents, especially for younger children.
- Offering onboarding tools, quick tip sheets, or user manuals for parents can significantly improve the first experience, ensuring a smooth and positive start for both the parent and child.

Unpacking What EdChoice and ESAs Mean to EdTech

Brief description of the episode

Key Takeaways:

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