
The average school district spends 1 to 1.2 million dollars each year on educational technology. Devices, platforms, and software are purchased with the hope of transforming learning. But here’s the hard truth: simply buying technology doesn’t guarantee impact.
The real return on that investment (ROI) comes only when teachers know how to use it—and that happens through professional development (PD).
The investment reality
Without PD, technology risks becoming an expensive shelf ornament. Teachers may use it at a surface level—or not at all—leaving leadership to wonder why the results don’t match the promise.
But when schools pair technology with high-quality professional learning, the story changes:
- Teachers gain confidence to integrate tools into daily instruction.
- Usage increases, moving beyond a handful of basic features.
- Student outcomes improve as technology becomes a seamless part of teaching and learning.
Every training session strengthens the bridge between what was purchased and the value it was meant to deliver.
The cycle of value
Professional development sets off a ripple effect:
PD → Increased teacher confidence → Higher usage → Improved instruction → Stronger student results → Demonstrated ROI.
It’s a cycle that ensures the investment in ed tech isn’t just justified—it’s maximized.
Sustainability and advocacy
When teachers receive consistent PD, they don’t just use the technology—they become champions of it. Trained educators share tips with colleagues, model new practices, and keep the momentum alive.
This sustainability means schools aren’t re-starting the adoption process year after year. Instead, they’re building a culture where ed tech continues to grow in value long after the purchase order is signed.
Takeaway: PD protects your investment
Schools don’t just buy devices and software—they buy the potential those tools bring. Professional development is what turns that potential into reality.
When training is prioritized, technology isn’t just another line item in the budget. It becomes a living, evolving part of classroom success, ensuring every dollar spent works toward what matters most: student learning.
Because in the end, ed tech doesn’t change classrooms. Empowered teachers do.

Your investment in the M2 is more than a purchase—it’s a promise of potential. Swivl customizes professional development to ensure teachers learn and master every function, driving higher usage and measurable impact. By empowering teachers with confidence and clarity, we help schools realize the full return on their investment.
For more information book a meeting with our team.