The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Dealing With Speech Issues: Everything You Need to Know

  • Indoor and Outdoor Recess Games That Your Students Should Be Playing

  • Trends The EdTech Industry Should Pay Attention To

  • 4 Ways To Build Classroom Community During Distance Learning

  • Combating Reading Issues In Children: Everything You Need to Know

  • Myths About the SAT and ACT

  • How AI Helps Student Outcomes

  • Choosing A Reading Program: Everything You Need to Know

  • Reading Intervention Strategies That Work

  • Calculating Reading Comprehension Scores: Everything You Need to Know

EdTech Policy & Reform
Home›EdTech Policy & Reform›The True Price of Freemium Edtech Products

The True Price of Freemium Edtech Products

By Matthew Lynch
February 1, 2017
3
Spread the love

Freemium is a Marketing Strategy. If you can remember that simple piece of information, you will successfully negotiate the use of freemium products in the classroom. The vast majority of companies which create and distribute freemium edtech items are FOR-PROFIT BUSINESSES. They are giving you their software to increase sales.

A retailer’s dream is to develop a dedicated consumer base who trusts them and is somewhat dependent on them. Freemium products are a great tool for building a following. We all want to find goods and service providers that we trust. Think how committed most of us are to our hair stylist or auto-mechanic. We don’t have time or energy to research each interaction we have in the marketplace.

Freemium products are a marketing tool used to hook new consumers and make them customers. Venture capitalist and blogger, Fred Wilson, coined the term “freemium” nearly ten years ago in a blog post. Here is his definition of freemium:

“Give your service away for free, possibly ad supported but maybe not, acquire a lot of customers very efficiently through word of mouth, referral networks, organic search marketing, etc., then offer premium priced value added services or an enhanced version of your service to your customer base.”

Simply put, If not loaded with advertisements, which would make it against the principles of most school districts, a freemium product is the truncated version of a company’s premium product, offered for free. With pressure to maximize technological enhancement in the classroom, and no budget increases to back this push, a free edtech tool is enticing for teachers and administrators alike.

Be a Wise Consumer

Identifying and maximizing the usefulness of freemium edtech products is key to minimizing the risk and cost of getting something for nothing. Most products are only limited, functioning therefore like an advertisement for the real thing. But beware, some freemium products are dangerous.

Freemium products function as an advertisement in two primary ways. The first technique is to provide the user with a few completely functioning parts of the actual program. The consumer tries the unfinished product, and then, with built-in ads, or follow-up emails, etc., the remainder of the program they are already enjoying, is made easily available.

Other products offer all the features of the premium product, but each feature is limited in function. The product entices you with its various capabilities, but at some point, you will need or want to use advanced features which are locked or nonexistent, offered as a for-purchase enhancement or upgrade. At this point, the entrepreneurs hope you have become dependent on their program, or trust it enough, to purchase the advanced options or upgrades.

Is It Safe?

Finally, the danger of using freemium edtech products. Protecting us all against cybercrime is a billion dollar industry. But no antivirus suite, built-in security system or IT department can protect us against crime when we leave our back door open. Freemium products pose a threat in many ways. The initial product may not offer proper protection, or the security issues could arise from the lack of updates provided without a contract. The products can open schools, students, and families to safety threats. If you use a freemium product, be sure you research the security features and have it evaluated by your IT people.

You Get What You Pay For

If you are preparing to purchase a program to enhance your classroom, freemium edtech products can be a great tool in the process of researching and evaluating. Some educators also use them as alternative resources in their classroom, integrating them within their limits as engaging enhancements as opposed to a major component of their system.

To make a freemium edtech product work for you, be certain to have the IT team examine it. Also, incorporate the product within its inherent limitations or use it as the marketing tool it is when you are researching a purchase. Without these precautions, the real price of freemium could be too high.

 

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
Previous Article

The Tech Edvocate’s List of 20 Must-Follow ...

Next Article

Applied Math Learning: Free Challenge to Award ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    How EdTech Companies Can Persevere Through Superintendent Turnover

    February 7, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Cyber-safety or cyber-maturity? Teaching ethics in a virtual world

    July 28, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Ask An ExpertEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech

    For Edtech to Actually Work, it has to Embrace Neuroscience

    January 25, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Uncategorized

    Trailblazing Companies in Edtech: Noodle

    July 6, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Online education: can we bridge the digital divide?

    August 10, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Why Edtech Companies Don’t Make It

    November 3, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch

3 comments

  1. Tiffanie Bosson 1 February, 2017 at 17:54 Reply

    Marketing is an essential part of any business.I am happy to learn that Freemium offers such services to the wider student population.There is more to learn about Freemium and I must admit I am one of the first casualties of being obsessed with edtech products. Freemium is the best platform to have a feel of these products. Thanks Mathew for making me aware.

  2. Tiffanie Bosson 2 February, 2017 at 19:11 Reply

    That Mathew for the great piece.I look forward to seeing more of your educative work.You always inspire me.

  3. Personalized Learning Success Starts with the Right Platform - RoomToDiscover : RoomToDiscover 17 April, 2018 at 12:07 Reply

    […] a business, the product is likely “Freemium.” Be very careful with this pricing model, says Matthew Lynch, The EdTech Advocate. The $0 price tag acts as bait to gets you to invest time and energy into implementation, before […]

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Dealing With Speech Issues: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 7, 2023
  • Indoor and Outdoor Recess Games That Your Students Should Be Playing

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 7, 2023
  • Trends The EdTech Industry Should Pay Attention To

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 7, 2023
  • 4 Ways To Build Classroom Community During Distance Learning

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 6, 2023
  • Combating Reading Issues In Children: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 6, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.