Building edtech with educators, not for them

For educators and IT leaders, true technology adoption in schools comes from co-creating solutions with teachers, not just for them.

At JNUC 2025, Matthew Skrzypczynski and Nick Lamb of Evanston Skokie District 65 presented their session titled "Collaboration Over Configuration: Building tech solutions with educators, not for them." This presentation shared how their partnership between IT and instructional technology led to a successful, human-centered iPad deployment.

Their approach saved money, drove classroom innovation and built a foundation of trust that has paid dividends ever since.

Key facts:

• By replacing expensive single-use document cameras with versatile iPad stands, the district simplified classroom technology and addressed budget deficits simultaneously.
• The deployment's success was built on a pilot program that gathered honest feedback from a wide range of educators, ensuring the final solution met real-world needs.
• An 80% participation rate was achieved by offering hands-on training and respecting educators' time, doubling the engagement of previous rollouts.

Why should IT and instructional tech teams collaborate?

By working together, tech teams can solve multiple problems at once, ensuring new tools are both financially sound and pedagogically effective.

Evanston Skokie District 65 was facing a significant budget deficit while also needing to replace aging 5th and 6th-generation iPads in their middle schools. The challenge was to upgrade devices without overspending.

The solution emerged from a partnership between the technical and instructional departments, which together identified a key piece of redundant technology.

As Mobile Device and A/V Systems Engineer Matthew Skrzypczynski noted, "If we're already handing iPads out to our teachers, why are we also spending an additional $500 on a document camera that just does one thing and it doesn't do it all that well when an iPad is a whole lot more flexible?"

This collaborative insight allowed them to move forward with a plan that provided new devices, delivered clear training and got staff excited — a stark contrast to the old model of simply handing over a device with no support.

How do you structure a collaborative pilot program?

A successful pilot program involves IT sourcing sustainable and budget-conscious hardware while instructional technologists recruit a diverse group of educators to gather honest feedback.

The district's process was structured with parallel tracks: Tech Services focused on the hardware, while Instructional Technology (ITech) focused on the people.

While the tech team evaluated iPad stands based on criteria like durability, vendor trust and cost; the ITech team recruited a pilot group for the new devices and stands.

Crucially, they sought a wide range of technological proficiency. The pilot group didn't have to be well-versed in technology, explained Instructional Technology Supervisor Nick Lamb. "Because that data was going to inform that subset of users as we continued to roll this out."

This approach ensured the technology was tested against the full spectrum of user experience: from early adopters to the tech-hesitant.

The unedited feedback collected from this pilot directly informed the final purchasing decision, building a bridge of trust and empathy with educators.

What tools can streamline a large-scale device deployment?

They integrated a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, a cloud identity provider (IdP) and an asset management platform. This automated device assignments and created a seamless, time-saving experience for educators and IT staff.

The team centralized project management using Google Docs for shared email drafts and a Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed (RACI) document to clarify roles.

On the technical side, the deployment workflow was built on a powerful integration of Jamf Pro, Microsoft Entra ID and IncidentIQ.

The team-built sign-in process

• A teacher signs into a new iPad with their Entra ID credentials
• The device is already set up in Jamf Pro
• The asset information is synced to IncidentIQ, eliminating manual data entry

"I literally could just grab another iPad from the box, hand it to the educator, and I knew that everything would get assigned properly and automatically," Skrzypczynski said. "All of this is because we want to respect their time."

How can a people-first deployment build relational equity?

By respecting educators' time with flexible scheduling, clear communication and hands-on support, IT teams can build the trust and goodwill needed to navigate future, more difficult challenges.

The Evanston Skokie team coordinated with school leaders to provide class coverage. They offered flexible sign-up times before, during and after school as well as sending multiple concise reminders to keep the signup top-of-mind.

They conducted training in small, hands-on groups where staff from both tech and instruction could learn from each other.

Results of this collaborative process

This thoughtful process resulted in an 80% participation rate from middle school staff — a massive increase from the 40% turnout of previous rollouts.

The trust built during this positive experience creates what Skrzypczynski calls 'relational equity.'

"When your teachers feel supported," he concluded, "then you have the relational equity to really lean back on when the unexpected happens."

Audience questions

What indicators drove you toward this people-first project management approach?

This approach was driven by both qualitative data from educators who felt unsupported and the fundamental belief that this is the right way to implement new technology. Time is precious to educators; creating an intentional, streamlined process that respects their packed schedules was critical to earning buy-in and building trust from the start.

What iPad stand did you choose and what case is it compatible with?

The team chose the Just Stand V2 from Pro Computing Products, a powered stand with USB ports for charging the iPad and accessories like the Logitech Crayon. They paired it with the robust Brenthaven Edge 360 case, which does not interfere with the iPad's camera when mounted on the stand.

Where do teachers display the iPad screen when using it as a document camera?

Every classroom in the district is equipped with an Apple TV, allowing teachers to use AirPlay to wirelessly display their iPad's screen on the classroom projector. The team recommended apps like Belkin's Stage Pro and Notability to manage the camera feed and provided annotation tools, completely replacing the need for a traditional document camera.

Key takeaways

• Collaborate from the start: Combine the efforts of instructional and technical teams to address budget, pedagogy and hardware needs simultaneously.
• Pilot with purpose: Recruit a diverse group of end-users to pilot new technology and use their unedited feedback to make informed, trusted purchasing decisions.
• Automate your workflow: Integrate your MDM, IdP and asset management systems to streamline device deployment and reduce manual work.
• Build relational equity: A human-centered deployment process that respects educators' time builds the trust necessary to handle future crises effectively.