K–12 education is in the midst of an ongoing digital evolution. From established programs such as one-to-one devices to new technology-driven, project-based learning initiatives, approaches to education are rapidly moving to the digital realm. 

While some schools take these transformations in stride, many struggle with the process. 

EdTech sat down with Adam Garry, director of education strategy for Dell EMC, to hear what his team has learned about the primary barriers to K–12 digital transformation and how schools can overcome them. 

MORE FROM EDTECH: Check out how superintendents can lead a digital transformation in their districts.

EDTECH: What are some of the most pressing concerns in K–12 education that educational technology can help to solve?

Garry: One of the main things K–12 schools need to do is create a common language for projects in K–12. Right now, at the top level, we’re doing “visioning days,” where we bring together students, teachers, principals, superintendents, parents and CIOs to discuss their goals. The purpose is to help them create a sense of urgency around the need to shift their learning strategies. 

If schools are really going to enable their visions, they need to understand things like what it means to be a technology coach in a school district and how you operationalize that. We are also working in some programs to switch to blended learning environments. 

We also work a lot with the concept of looking at the full portrait of a graduate instead of just a slice at a time. This means learning how to build a rubric and a shared language for important skills, which comes down to collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving. 

These tools can be used to figure out how schools can engage students within the curriculum. 

EDTECH: What important factors may K–12 schools be missing when planning a digital transformation project?

Garry: Early on, when we held these conversations, students were not involved in the decision process. However, having the students there is one of the most important things, and it’s crucial to have different student voices. 

Part of what we help schools understand is we’re not looking for them to pull suggestions only from the kids that do well in the current environment. They’re already doing great; the system is working for them.