Technology has never been more important for improving student outcomes, streamlining operations, and enhancing digital learning experiences across K-20 institutions. But implementing the right technology is only half the battle—choosing the right EdTech partner is arguably the most critical decision in implementing new technology.
A strong EdTech partner doesn’t just provide software; they help institutions strategize solutions, navigate complex integrations, ensure interoperability, and future-proof their digital ecosystems—all while adhering to a multitude of standards. But with so many technology consultants in the market, how can institutions identify a partner that truly understands education and aligns with their needs and goals?
Let’s break down the key factors to consider when selecting an EdTech partner that will drive collaboration and long-term success.
Factor #1: Understand and define your needs and goals
Before RFPs and sales consultations, institutions must clarify what they truly need from a technology partner. Consider questions like:
- Do you need a learning management system (LMS), student information system (SIS), AI-powered tutor or advisor, or something else?
- Do you need a custom-built solution? Off-the-shelf product? Does it need to integrate with existing systems?
- How will the technology align with and support your student success strategy?
- What are your priorities: scalability, interoperability, ease of use, affordability?
- If you don’t know exactly what you need, can your partner help you strategize how to achieve your goals with technology?
- Do you have an engineering team that needs enhancing, or do you need a full team?
- Can you handle project management, or do you need your partner to do that?
Even if you don’t have the answers to all those questions, an EdTech partner can help you navigate them and help you think through requirements, success criteria, and potential challenges. (Many partners will help you through this discovery work for free or for a low-cost engagement.)
A true EdTech partner is not there to sell you a solution—they are true partners that will ensure any technology you implement is built for the ultimate purpose of enhancing student learning and institutional efficiency.
Factor #2: Look for expertise in education and technology
Tech is only half of EdTech. Institutions absolutely need a partner that understands the challenges specific to education, such as core frameworks like Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), WCAG, and FERPA. Your ideal partner should:
- Understand the specific needs of education (whether K-12, higher ed, public/private, etc.)
- Be familiar with industry standards and educational regulations and standards at a state and federal level
- Have substantial experience partnering with educational institutions
- Recognize the unique needs of nontraditional learners, online students, and educators
- Understand the concerns of workforce development in education
- Provide insights into best practices for integrating technology into student success initiatives
For example, Unicon specializes in helping institutions navigate complex interoperability challenges and integrate new technology with existing systems and platforms. We also specialize in identity and access management, crafting education-specific solutions to elevate access and empower learning safely.
Factor #3: Assess their interoperability and integration capabilities
It is critical that institutions work with an EdTech partner that is well-versed in interoperability and integration. Otherwise, your new technology could end up siloed from the rest of your platforms. Ask potential EdTech partners:
- Can their solutions integrate with your specific existing platforms, or would it require migration to new systems?
- Are they familiar with standards like Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), Open Badges / Comprehensive Learner Record Standard (CLR), and the Ed-Fi Data Standard?
- Will they be able to support future expansions as your institution’s needs evolve?
- Do they build solutions that are extensible?
- Will they build platforms with low operational costs that won’t require pricey licenses?
Interoperability is one of Unicon’s unique strengths. We specialize in building scalable, standards-aligned systems that prevent vendor locking, harness open-source software, and ensure long-term flexibility and affordability.
Factor #4: Prioritize long-term support, strategy, and partnership
Often, institutions bring in an EdTech partner halfway through a project, or even after building what they think is the correct strategy. But a great EdTech partner doesn’t just execute; they’ll help you strategize from the ground up, providing visionary strategies and innovative solutions that will help your institution achieve its goals.
You should also ensure you’ll get ongoing support, guidance, and innovation. Look for:
- Subject matter experts who can develop innovative technology solutions that account for your specific educational standards
- A team with the size and experience to build a solution from scratch
- Strength in project management across teams, technology, and partners
- Dedicated support teams to help with troubleshooting and updates
- A commitment to training and onboarding for faculty, staff, and students
- Years of experience working in the industry, not just at the corporate level, but at the individual level as well
Unicon offers technical implementation alongside ongoing consulting and advisory services to ensure institutions maximize their investment in technology. Most of our engineering staff is highly senior, with roughly half having accumulated at least 20 years of professional software development experience.
Factor #5: Evaluate their results
Make sure you look at a potential partner’s track record, not just in technology but in EdTech specifically. Ask them to provide:
- Real-world case studies showcasing successful implementations
- References from institutions similar to yours
- Proof of measurable outcomes
Unicon’s teams are deeply experienced in education and have contacts in every area. We are always happy to refer you to a previous or existing customer (under NDA) to prove the outcomes we help institutions achieve every day.
Remember, selecting an EdTech partner isn’t just a technology decision—it’s about choosing a collaborator with educational expertise who understands your mission, prioritizes interoperability, and offers strategic visions as well as ongoing support.
Unicon brings decades of experience specifically and exclusively in EdTech consulting to help institutions navigate digital transformation with confidence.
Ready to find the right EdTech partner? Contact Unicon today to explore how we can help you build a tailored, future-ready solution.
