Educational technology that facilitates student learning

Choosing educational technology that facilitates student learning can be a daunting task for a new teacher. There are many software programs available, and one may not know where to start. I recommend speaking with your team to find out about the programs that are well known in your school. Your students may already be familiar with some software programs, and it may be a good starting place for you. 

For example, when I started at my first teaching job, all the students were already experts at using Kahoot. As I tried to find my way through the new-to-me program, my students were able to help guide me and show me what they liked about the program, and bring me up to speed with the program's capabilities. Since then, I have learned that Kahoot can be used for many different aspects of the student learning experience - such as practice, assessment, even creative projects. 

As a next step, I would like to offer three resources that can be used to research educational technology.


1.  Best EdTech Tools of 2021: Ultimate Guide to Technology in the Classroom

This curated list was made with the expertise that has arisen from schools navigating the novelty of quarantines and distance learning. You can facilitate student learning when you find tech on this list that will improve, enhance, or augment your classroom experience. 


2.   The 92 Hottest EdTech Tools According to Education Experts (Updated for 2019)

This tool can be used to find more online software that can help in various aspects of teaching. There is a short description of each program and a link for more information on each. You can facilitate student learning when you find tech on this list that will improve, enhance, or augment your classroom experience. 


3.  19 Educational Technology Tools for 2019 

This tool can be used to see a shorter, more curated list of software that can help teachers decide what technology to bring into the classroom. You can facilitate student learning when you find tech on this list that will improve, enhance, or augment your classroom experience. 


Methods for Integrating Educational Technology to facilitate student learning. 

There need not be new technologies introduced into your classroom every day. I recommend starting with one new technology at a time. As you feel you have a grip on what your current tech can do, you can branch out and start researching what new tech you might like to introduce to your classroom. Here are a couple of methods that you may find helpful. 


Method 1:  Cover your basics first

Before you stack up different ways to play games in your classroom, consider if you have a tool that will do these basic functions. When I started my first math teaching job, I had to learn to navigate these tools one at a time. It is now clear that it was essential to have a functioning tech for each of these basic classroom functions. 

1. A way to post assignments and grades for students to see. Your school may already have something set up for you, such as canvas. (For example, google classroom.) 

2. A way to give quizzes and tests digitally. It will save you a lot of time if you are able to set up assessments that can be graded automatically. (For example, google forms.) The automatic feedback on formative assessments is extremely valuable for student learning and progress.

3. A way to assign content when distance learning is suddenly necessary? (Consider Khan Academy for math.) This is necessary for a classroom in 2022! Despite the pandemic and the quarantines, student learning must press forward. 

4.  A tech that will allow students to practice fluency. (Consider Kahoot or Blooket.) Flashcards are great, but with our modern tech, we can make drills into engaging individual or group games. 


Method 2: Consider the function of the new tech

It may be tempting to bring in technology to your classroom that may turn out to be redundant or does not add any value. It takes class time for a student to learn how to use new technology and it takes (likely more) time for a teacher to climb the learning curve required in order to implement it. Once you have your lesson objectives well defined, consider whether the tech you are bringing is worth the investment of time. If you find that truly, this new piece of tech enhances or augments student learning, then you can go forward with confidence that your plan is worthwhile. If you find that your new tech is redundant, you may choose to simplify your lesson by removing that new tech or saving it for another lesson. 



References

iD Tech. (2021, April 1). Best EdTech Tools of 2021: Ultimate Guide to Technology in the Classroom. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.idtech.com/blog/best-edtech-tools-for-the-classroom

Marty, N. (2019, January 22). 19 Useful educational technology tools for 2019. Retrieved from https://medium.com/innovate-624/19-useful-educational-technology-tools-for-2019-af75dab6fd51

Tutorful. (2018, March 20). The 92 hottest EdTech tools according to education experts (updated for 2019) [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://tutorful.co.uk/blog/the-82-hottest-edtech-tools-of-2017-according-to-education-experts

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