Exploring the Cost of Technology in Education

Funding has long been a careful balancing act in education, with schools continuously making thoughtful decisions about where to invest limited resources. In HMH’s 2025 Educator Confidence Report, 55% of educators stated lack of funding as a top concern. As districts prioritize essential needs, every investment requires careful consideration. 

The cost of technology in education is often a part of these discussions. One recent article discusses the importance of being intentional when selecting edtech tools and prioritizing those that best address learning needs. This reflects the idea that educational technology must be used purposefully and responsibly, however, when implemented thoughtfully and with deliberate attention to how it fits into teaching and learning, it can improve student learning and create more personalized learning experiences. 

Defining the cost of technology in schools

The cost of technology in education covers a range of investments that support effective teaching and learning. Some of these costs are upfront investments on equipment or tools, such as: 

• Devices and hardware (e.g., laptops, tablets, interactive displays) that provide access to digital learning.
• Digital curricula and instructional materials that support high-quality, standards-aligned instruction.
• Software programs and platform licenses, including learning management systems, which many teachers use as part of daily instruction.
• Connectivity and access, including internet service, bandwidth, and Wi-Fi infrastructure that enable reliable access to digital tools and content. 

Other important costs may be harder to estimate. These investments often take place over time and help ensure technology is used effectively and consistently. They may include: 

• Professional learning that builds educator confidence and supports purposeful integration into instruction.
• IT infrastructure, support, and troubleshooting, including technical staff who maintain performance and reliability.
• Ongoing maintenance and updates to keep systems current, secure, and responsive to evolving needs.

Why schools investing in technology matters 

When technology is integrated into everyday classroom experiences, it can help schools strengthen instruction, support every learner, and monitor student progress. These tools contribute to more connected, responsive learning environments where instruction can adapt to meet student needs. 

The following benefits show how these investments can translate into measurable impact on teaching and learning: 

• Data-driven instruction: Educators can use real-time insights to better understand student progress and make data-informed instructional decisions. Programs like HMH Performance Suite, which includes NWEA’s MAP Growth, provide a real-time view of student performance and offer actionable recommendations that help guide next instructional steps.
• Personalized learning: Students benefit from learning experiences that are tailored to their individual needs, allowing them to build skills at the right pace and level. Solutions like HMH Personalized Path use assessment data to place students onto learning pathways, providing tailored intervention or adaptive practice as needed.
• Engagement: Interactive learning experiences can increase motivation and encourage active participation. Digital tools like Waggle incorporate game-based elements and interactive activities that make practice more engaging.
• Differentiation: Technology helps educators provide multiple entry points into learning so all students can engage with content in meaningful ways. Programs like Personalized Path use adaptive practice and targeted intervention to provide students with the right level of support and challenge.

Reframing the cost of technology as an investment in student success

Think of the cost of technology in the classroom not as an expense to manage, but as an investment in student success. When schools thoughtfully integrate technology into the classroom, they are creating opportunities for deeper engagement and more personalized learning. With that being said, technology is most effective when balanced with the guidance and expertise of educators, who help shape how and why it is used in the school community. Over time, this thoughtful integration, grounded in both innovative tools and strong educational leadership, supports stronger outcomes and helps students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.  

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Find more lesson plans and classroom resources on Shaped.

This blog post, originally published in 2019, has been updated for 2026.

This article was adapted from a blog post initially developed by the education technology company Classcraft, which was acquired by HMH in 2023. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.