What are the Best EdTech Tools for Your Classroom?

Learn how to make the right call regarding EdTech tools in your classroom. Educational Technology can enhance learning when integrated wisely.

EdTech tools are an integral part of a classroom. With the increasing number of tools available, it is normal to feel either overwhelmed by it or eager to use them all. While the lack of tools is no longer an issue, teachers should be concerned with the effectiveness of them in their classroom.

In the need for technology integration, it is important that one does not stray from the primary requirement, which is to advance or facilitate learning. In order to avoid an excessive indulgence in technology, we have compiled a list of 5 tips to help you select the right EdTech tools.

Tip 1: Goals

The EdTech tool chosen should be able to help you fulfill your goals for the class. This can be in terms of the goals set for the students, such as outcomes or modes for learning or for the teacher as an instructional aid or a scaffold. More importantly, it should help facilitate learning and make it enjoyable for the students.

Tip 2: Student engagement

Will the inclusion of the particular tool facilitate student engagement? For example, while a discussion does stimulate participation, not all students may actively contribute to it. The more introverted or shy students may refrain from making their points. By using various discussion sites, these students are more likely to participate and voice their thoughts.

Another point for consideration is whether the tool enables students to learn in a more creative manner. For example using Google Earth, students can learn about and explore the Earth with a simple click.

Tip 3: Accessibility

When choosing a tool it is important to judge whether it is accessible to all students in the classroom and at home. It is important that every student have to chance to use the device if needed.

Also choose tools that can be easily accessed using a simple Internet connection or Wi-Fi, allows for a single login in and are safe and secure. Tools with a provision for classroom use are more useful as they enable monitoring of student use and engagement.

Tip 4: Ease of use

Students should be able to easily use, navigate and troubleshoot for problems on the device if any. Teachers should not have to spend considerable amount of their time in teaching the functions of the tool. Tools with tutorials, guides and a support team are more useful as it enables students to use the technology with minimal or no supervision from the teacher.

Tip 5: Research

Before you select an EdTech tool for your classroom do your research. One simple way to do so is to read reviews online. The reviews will give you a clearer idea about the tool, the practical difficulties involved and its uses. You can also talk to colleagues or peers who have already tried the tool, to learn more of its effectiveness.

While it is important to be technologically aware and current, it is not necessary that we include them all in our teaching process. The true success of an EdTech tool lies in how it is integrated into the classroom by the teacher.

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