Project background
With the current financial climate, difficult educational technology (EdTech) decisions may be required. Funding for currently supported and newly desired EdTech, such as Wi-Fi improvements for larger classrooms and software for the creation of accessible course content, will not be as readily available and will have to be prioritized with other expenditures.
At present, EdTech is a combination of technologies that are funded:
- Centrally through the Provost’s enterprise software budget; and
- Through the faculty or department for specific programs or use cases; and
- By individual instructors; and
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By students, if required for a course and not otherwise funded.
This model is no longer sustainable. Not only is it problematic from a cost perspective, but it is also harmful to the student learning experience. Students frequently express concerns about multiple EdTech tools that do roughly the same thing, and the current model is out of alignment with the University's Digital Learning Strategy commitments towards consistency of learning environments and ensuring adequate student access to educational technologies.
Project overview
Under the oversight of EdTech governance and with the support of Deans Council Plus, a small working group will identify potential solutions to address or mitigate the impact of the current funding constraints on EdTech. The project team will benchmark with other higher education institutions, consult with instructors, students, and support staff at Waterloo, and take into consideration the output from previous initiatives designed to address optimal use of EdTech. Possible solutions to be investigated include any or all of the following:
- Addressing growing costs of EdTech through standardization and reduced duplication of technologies
- Assessing a student ancillary technology fee, similar to those in place at some other Ontario universities
- Improving student and instructor feedback opportunities in priority and decision-making processes with respect to EdTech funding decisions
- Endorsing a common process and rubric for procurement and use of EdTech tools
- Eliminating one-off technology expenses for students, except in circumstances that would be defined up front
- Creating increased awareness of the portfolio of centrally supported and funded EdTech tools
- Highlighting the cybersecurity, privacy, and accessibility compliance risks to the University associated with the use of ad-hoc EdTech
- Highlighting the value of an appropriately tiered support structure
The project team is currently working with student groups and faculty leadership to schedule consultation sessions. Watch out for opportunities to provide your feedback.
Work plan
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2025
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Sep
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Consultations
Held September 2025 to February 2026
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Sep
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2026
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Jan
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Analysis and recommendations
From January to March 2026
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Apr
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Recommendation endorsement
From April to June 2026
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Jun
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Implementation
From June to September 2026
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Jan