Procuring digital learning at scale: a guide for ministries

Digital learning procurement can deliver great value or wasted money. Clear criteria help ministries choose well.

1. Curriculum alignment

Does the product cover the practical outcomes in the national curriculum? Ask for a mapping to your syllabus.

2. Evidence of learning

What evidence exists that learners improve? Plan an independent evaluation as part of any contract.

3. Infrastructure fit

• Does it run on devices schools already have?
• How much bandwidth does it need?
• What happens when the connection fails?

4. Language and accessibility

Is it available in the languages of instruction? Does it support learners with disabilities?

5. Teacher support

Is training included? Are teacher guides and lesson plans available?

6. Data protection

Where is data stored? Does the provider comply with national data protection law? Can data be deleted on request?

7. Total cost of ownership

Include licences, devices, connectivity, training and support over several years, not just the first year.

8. Local presence

Is there a local partner who can train teachers, respond to problems and adapt content?

9. Pilot before scale

Run a time-limited pilot with clear success measures before any national roll-out.

Contact us to discuss a pilot designed around these criteria.