All teachers want to see their students perform better with the help of technology. The challenge now is in choosing the right apps and tools. If you know how to choose the best educational technology for your classroom, everything will be a lot easier. You’ll be able to pick the best options for creating easier instructions.
Virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technology tools help to streamline assignments, foster communication, provide immediate feedback on tests, assess, and boost collaboration. It also allows students from all over the world to access interesting classrooms regardless of their location.
Not only it can make the class more lively, but the combination of structure and freedom also offers more inclusive learning environments that sharpen digital skills.
__________
>>>Looking for a tablet? We reviewed the 14 best tablets for teachers.
__________
How to Choose the Best Educational Technology for Your Classroom?
1) Pick Relevant Classroom Tech Tools
Classroom technology is a free web-based platform that combines the G Suite for Education account with G Suite services. This allows you to use Google Docs, Gmail, Google Calendar, and of course Google Classroom. All these can be incorporated into school classrooms, labs, lecture halls, auditoriums, and other learning spaces.
Pick EdTech tools that are compatible with your audio or visual platforms. Is a certain material appropriate for your lessons?
They should allow students to access online courses and modules, digital resources, and online textbooks at the speed that suits their learning paces. Are they helpful to your students?
Using relevant classroom tech tools sync remote classes and help teachers stay in control of their classes. Does it align with your learning goals?
2) Which video conferencing platform suits your classroom?
The biggest benefit of video conferencing in education is interaction. This helps teachers teach their students in a perfectly synchronized learning environment. It encourages collaboration in pushing self-paced modules and activities.
During these pandemic times, the ability to use both video and audio communication makes out-of-the-real-classroom learning easier. Thanks to the rise of video conferencing platforms like Skype, Webex, and Zoom, immediate feedback makes collaborative learning stronger.
Give your class user-friendly platforms for them to understand and learn to participate better. Consider that which allows them to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, and other important people.
Your video conferencing should support the intended size of your virtual classroom and the number of students. Does the material use the touchscreen effectively and efficiently?
Add variety to your remote sessions to keep the interaction alive. Use screen sharing, breakout rooms, meeting recording, or annotating.
It is helpful if a video conferencing platform provides tech support or 24/7 service so you can always seek help when needed. If the material comes with a tutorial, all the better.
3) Use smart virtual classroom equipment
Students are still adjusting to remote learning and the right devices help to ease that transition. Although laptops and desktops today have web cameras, consider those with sure or advanced features that are perfect for remote learning.
Are your devices user-friendly? Do they have customization features? Is the material inviting to use?
Web cameras that pivot at 360° have the ability to follow whoever is speaking. A whiteboard equipped with a 360° lens can also capture a wide and sweeping view of your classroom.
Document cameras also make it easy to present your content by magnifying objects and texts.
4) Use asynchronous learning tools
Asynchronous learning tools provide comprehensive, hybrid distance learning that syncs all sessions. So even when just learning online, the learner leverages technology to directly interact with content at their own schedule and within a certain timeframe.
A balanced hybrid class will keep your students engaged. Students, as well, can revisit materials if they needed more time. Examples of asynchronous learning tools include pre-recorded lectures, self-paced modules, online workshops, discussion boards, or any other self-guided materials.
Watch pre-recorded lecture videos and lessons, or view video demonstrations. You can create videos, visual presentations, podcasts, narrative PowerPoint presentations, or other multimedia. Record your demonstration in the form of video clips.
Research and assign individual or group projects including reading and writing assignments. You want to pursue opportunities and push collaborations between students through workshops and brainstorming sessions.
Since there is an option to lecture or not, you may consider using PowerPoint or developing a document with step-by-step illustrations. For example, creating an ebook.
You can use discussion boards for online class discussions. Provide online interaction tools to students like Google Docs and Dropbox, video conferencing tools (Google Hangout, Skype, Zoom), and/or a platform for brainstorming ideas like Mindmeister.
5) Utilize online textbooks
Another tool, the online textbook marketplaces, allows students to buy or rent digital copies of textbooks that are typically less expensive compared to hardcovered books.
These are electronic textbooks that include tutorials, practice problems, practice quizzes, and other electronic versions of a text that can be read on a desktop, laptop, or e-reader. Digital textbooks are not only collaborative but are time efficient.
While you as the teacher have the full discretion of the resources to use for remote + hybrid classes, this can depend on your students’ strengths and tech-savviness.
6) Make everything work together
From apps to the devices your class can use, the best educational technology for your classroom include tech gadgets that connect without issues. Also, students joining the class from home will find it more accessible to see and hear their teacher and fellow students.
These educational technology tools employ collaborative workspaces and apps that facilitate online education for teachers and students. From blended learning to computerized testing, digital and classroom technologies makes it easy to create and organize classes, save time and paper, as well as redefine the classroom experience for students.
__________
Top Classroom Technology Tools Today
You will find hundreds of tools that are in different categories depending on what they do. But the following are so far the top classroom education technology tools that you need to succeed with hybrid learning.
- Education technology
- Video conferencing platform
- Smart video cameras
- Hybrid technology
- Asynchronous learning tools
- Synchronous learning tools
- Online textbooks
- Learning Management Systems
__________
Conclusion
Technology in the classroom is best when it brings teachers and students together. So that you can navigate the technology world with ease and confidence, I have organized the things you need to make sure you get the best options for your classroom.
Education technology is the backbone of today’s remote classroom. By using some of the tools discussed above, you can continue making meaningful connections with your students and welcome them properly to hybrid learning.
What do you think? You might want to leave your comments.
