The Impact of Disconnected EdTech on Student Outcomes

Schools today rely on more digital tools and platforms than ever before. These technologies hold real potential—from streamlining instruction to surfacing insights that help improve student learning. In fact, in the 2022-23 school year in the United States, school districts used an average of 2,591 edtech tools. But when those tools don’t work well together, that potential quickly starts to slip away.

What might seem like minor inefficiencies—frustrated teachers, clunky workflows, hard-to-find data—can ultimately have a big impact, not just for staff, but for students too. A confusing or inconsistent digital experience can disrupt engagement, which plays a key role in how well students absorb and retain knowledge.

On the flip side, when tools are thoughtfully connected and work together as a unified tech ecosystem, schools see benefits across the board: stronger learning outcomes, smoother workflows, better use of resources, and less friction all around.

In this post, we’ll discuss a few ways a disconnected tech stack can cause problems and how building a more cohesive system can create a better experience for everyone.

Where a disconnected tech stack breaks down

Duplicated input

When systems aren’t synced, educators and administrators often enter the same information into multiple places. For example, they might record attendance in one tool, then do it again in the LMS, or log assessment results across two or three platforms. This is time-consuming and error-prone, and distracts from instruction.

Overlapping features

It’s not unusual for different tools to offer similar functionality. But when multiple platforms are being used for the same thing—like tracking attendance or managing assignments—schools have to make hard choices. Who uses what? How is data consolidated? If different schools within a district default to different tools, you lose visibility into broader trends like truancy or student disengagement.

Student disruption

For students, especially younger learners, switching between multiple platforms to complete a task or connect with peers and instructors can be disorienting. Instead of helping students stay engaged, too many disconnected tools can create confusion and add unnecessary friction to the learning experience.

Unnecessary spending

When tools duplicate each other’s features, schools often end up paying for more than they need. With budgets already stretched, especially in public education, this kind of redundancy drains resources that could be better used elsewhere, like investing in staff development or student support.

How a connected tech stack supports learning

There’s a better way. A thoughtful, well-integrated tech stack helps schools simplify the digital experience for everyone—students, teachers, and administrators alike. Here are a few criteria to consider when evaluating tools to bring into your stack.

• Integration: How well does the tool work with your existing systems? Seamless data flow between platforms is essential for reducing duplication and maintaining a complete, accurate picture of learning and operations.
• Alignment with priorities: Does the tool support your district’s goals for digital learning? Look for platforms that encourage interactivity, engagement, and personalization, while also meeting your standards for privacy and security.
• Ease of use: Is the platform easy to navigate? Can users quickly learn how to use it? Consider your whole user base, including those with varying levels of tech literacy, and look for tools with accessibility features that make them usable for all learners.
• True partnership: Does the vendor understand the education space and your school system’s unique needs? A strong partner will offer responsive support, education-specific expertise, and a product that’s designed with your goals in mind.
• Scalability and sustainability: While no one loves thinking about procurement logistics, they matter. Is the platform cost-effective? Can it grow with you? Will you be able to clearly measure outcomes to assess impact and justify continued investment?

Strategic edtech decisions have a wide ripple effect. They shape learning outcomes, influence how staff spend their time, and determine how far limited resources can go.

Time to untangle the tech

An edtech stack that doesn’t work well together has wide-reaching consequences that go far beyond IT headaches. It complicates instruction, wastes time and money, and makes it harder for students to stay engaged.

If your current setup feels more like a tangle of disconnected systems than a cohesive solution, it might be time for a change. The evaluation criteria above can help you take the first step, but there’s a lot more to explore.

Want to learn how to build a connected, high-impact tech ecosystem? Reach out to the Class team to start a conversation, or check out our complete guide, Maximizing Impact With a Connected K-12 EdTech Ecosystem, to dig deeper into strategies that can help your district move forward.