Evaluation Mechanisms: A Way to Increase Trust in Educational Technologies?
(2024)Abstract
With the rapid advancement in educational technology (EdTech), particularly in AI-based
EdTech, and the increasing risks associated with sensitive learner data, the importance of trust in
data protection, security protocols, and transparency has never been more critical. Being able to
seamlessly integrate educational technology into diverse learning environments has become
essential. This integration demands not just technical and pedagogical expertise but also a
fundamental trust in the effectiveness and safety of these technologies.
However, a significant trust deficit persists among users. According to a 2023 survey conducted
in India, based on 32,000 responses, a staggering 81% of EdTech platform users experience
some trust issues (LocalCircles, 2023; The Economic Times, 2023). Based on a report published
by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA, 2023), only 8% of educators in the UK
trust the claims made by EdTech companies. As these studies indicate, trust issues in the
EdTech sector do not only stem from the users of the technologies, but also from those who are
making procurement and usage decisions in schools.
More broadly, trust is a key aspect of relationships and social interactions, reflecting the integrity,
reliability, and ethical standards of individuals and organisations. Social trust is a multi-level,
socio-culturally variable concept and different levels of trust have been documented across the
countries of the world (Delhey & Newton, 2004), see Figure 1. In its widest sense, ‘trust’ is to be
understood “as the basic feeling that others will not deliberately do us harm, at worst, or will try
to look after our interests, at best” (Delhey & Newton, 2004, p. 4).