The US government wants to help devs make more edtech apps

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Ed Tech wants developers to build more apps for teachers and students.
Officials like Office of Ed Tech Director Richard Culatta have been beating the drum at events like February’s Baltimore Tech for Schools Summit.
“The demand for high-quality educational apps is increasing as communities become more connected, devices become more affordable, and teachers and parents are looking for new ways to use technology to engage students,” Culatta said in a statement released Tuesday. “Yet, many existing solutions don’t address the most urgent needs in education.”
On Tuesday, the Education Department released a guide to help devs with the process. The 68-page “Ed Tech Developer’s Guide” looks to break down the process of getting access to data, reaching teachers and operating within a school system.
The guide even identifies 10 areas where more apps could be used.
According to the acknowledgements, the guide was developed by Culatta and other Office of Ed Tech officials. Among them is recently appointed senior advisor Katrina Stevens, a familiar face in Baltimore who recently stepped down from roles directing EdTech Maryland and EdSurge summits to take the federal post. The acknowledgements also list more than a dozen active people in the edtech community who provided input, editing and other insight.