At FETC in Orlando, a panel of ed-tech company investors and advisers weighed in on the latest trends in the market and pitfalls for vendors to avoid.
Breaking Down Rewards and Risks for Ed. Companies Staging Product Ambassador Programs
Having Educators Talk Up Your Products Can Pay Dividends, But Ethics Must Be a High Priority

Having educators talk up your products and services can pay dividends, but lack of attention to ethical concerns could put educators and companies in a difficult spot.
A new report scrutinizes the growing practice among ed-tech companies of using teachers as brand ambassadors to spread the word about products.
The most-read EdWeek Market Brief articles in 2018 focused on what educators want from ed-tech products, Chinese investors’ interest in the U.S. education market, and K-12 sales strategy.
What were the biggest news stories about the K-12 market in 2018? Check out Marketplace K-12’s 10 most popular blog posts over the past year.
Chief Academic Officer Puts High Value on Data, Engagement, and Ease of Use in Digital Tools
K-12 Administrator Wants to Compare ‘Apples to Apples’ When Examining Product Research by Vendors

The chief academic officer of a 13,000-student district says he weighs vendor-produced research as he investigates whether a digital product or service is right for students.
The Federal Way system in Washington will expand its wireless network to accommodate more mobile devices; a New Hampshire district seeks a new website; and a Georgia district wants new Chromebooks and arts.
The largest school district in Maryland is looking to buy a new student information system, and the Buffalo school district is seeking to buy an array of pre-K resources.
The Round Rock, Texas school district is offering a five-year contract for a career- and college-readiness provider; a Virginia district seeks to upgrade its digital infrastructure; and the Buffalo district wants new audio-visual equipment.
When Districts Don’t Advertise Purchasing Plans, Vendors Can Still Get In on the Action
Even When There's No Formal RFP, Education Companies Can Find Creative Ways to Land Contracts

There are many reasons why K-12 districts don’t put out public bids for purchases. But proactive companies can put themselves in a position to win that under-the-radar work, anyway.