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Technology is always changing and advancing with new information. When it comes to education tech, it is not far behind. With a hands-on approach, digital tactics are becoming more important in an increasingly online learning environment. Let’s explore some of the newest and latest technologies that teachers are integrating into their classrooms.
Blended learning tools
Blended learning is when teachers combine online education with in-person methods. Obviously, technology plays a large role in this kind of learning and new tools are being developed every day. More and more teachers are using blended learning to teach their students, especially on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Edweek , “about two-thirds of educators are expecting their use of the approach to increase during the 2021-22 school year.”
Video meeting platforms
With many students learning from their homes, a reliable video meeting platform is more important than ever before. These tools need to be efficient and secure to provide an easy way for students to join the learning process, regardless of where they are located. Here are some online platforms that are being used in classrooms across America:
Zoom. Microsoft Teams. Pexip. Vidyo
With these online technologies, physical tools are needed to make them work to the best of their ability. These include laptop cameras, speakers, and mobile internet connections.
Learning Management System
Education technology developers, Owl Labs, suggest more schools are investing capital into reliable learning management systems (LMS). While these tools were being used in some spaces previously, the technology behind them is constantly improving as more teachers utilize the available management systems. Popular examples include Canvas and Blackboard, which have both been working to add new features.
For example, Canvas recently implemented a tool called “ New Impact, ” which was created to “improve edtech tool usage and adoption.” In addition, the LMS continuously updates its systems as new tools and resources become available .
Digital textbooks
With some students not returning to the physical classroom, digital textbooks are becoming more important for educators to make available if possible. Not only can it be more efficient, but it can also save the school district or college money in the long run. The transition started way back in 2012 , and many students were already using digital textbooks before the pandemic.
Digital devices Students on computers With all the online learning that K-12 students are participating in, they need reliable devices to use. Many students and their families do not have the means to provide all their children with the right technology, and because of this, schools often give kids computers or tablets. This practice is not something new. For example, the National Science Board found that “ 97 % of K–12 public school teachers reported that they had one or more computers in their classroom,” and this was back in 2009.
While digital devices are not new to the classroom, the kind of assistive technology and ways that it is used are. New methods are emerging to increase student engagement, regardless of where they are learning from. According to the instruction software company CourseKey, digitizing already existing processes can make it easier for teachers to track and respond to data instantaneously.
These are just some of the new and improved classroom technologies that are being developed and used by educators around the world. To learn more about the ever-shifting land of educational digital developments, reach out to Agile today.
