"Do not fear the digital world, it will not kill us all."
-Theophilus London
Since the start of the 21st century, we've seen unprecedented advancements in the sector of technology. New technological devices and software have revolutionised the way that we do things. For some, never in a million years did they imagine seeing developments in technology such as FaceTime, online banking, and self-driving cars. However, it's happening and the future is now!
While there are some downsides to certain aspects of the digital world, many employment sectors have greatly benefited from new technology and education is one of them. Education technology has made it possible to teach kids and adults from around the world. Teachers share content using video conferencing platforms that are easy to use and help students of the digital age who need electronic devices to concentrate and view their education as relevant.
So, without further delay, in today's article, we shall focus our attention to answer questions such as, what are digital tools for teachers? What are some of the best digital tools for teachers that education experts suggest? Why use apps for education? How should teachers incorporate technology tools such as apps and resources in the classroom? Let's find out!
What are Digital Tools?
Before we start discussing all of the digital tools for schools, it's worth answering the question, what are digital tools? Digital tools are any online resource that helps make tasks easy to complete. Most digital tools require internet access and can be used for either work or for pleasure.
In the classroom, online teaching software tools have curricula on them or are used to complement a lesson plan or to make courses more interactive for kids and adults. The following list mentions some examples of digital tools:
- Word processing documents such as Microsoft Word or Pages on Apple Products,
- Slide presentation software such as Powerpoint, Prezi, or Keynote,
- Tablet and cellphone apps (we'll discuss some examples further on).
Though technology does have some downsides, when teachers frequently use a digital tool, an app, or software, in the classroom, they greatly benefit because it makes their job easier and captures the attention of their pupils.
What are the Best Digital Teaching Tools for Educators?
If you're not currently using digital tools and apps for education in the classroom, you're stuck in the past! We're living in the digital age and for teachers who want to help their students read, write, speak, and listen to the class content more effectively, engaging lessons must be planned with a balance of traditional methods along with interactive teaching resources.
Nonetheless, since there are so many digital tools presently available to utilise in the classroom, teachers may feel a bit overwhelmed when having to choose only a few electronic tools for teachers. Since you can't try them all, the following are some of the best teaching tools for teachers:
- Socrative: recommended by various media outlets, teachers, and students worldwide, Socrative is fantastic because it allows educators to create exercises or educational games with interactive content that can be finished on sites by students on tablets, phones, or computers.
- ClassDojo: another brilliant software for teachers, ClassDojo can be used by both students and teachers. ClassDojo serves the purpose of improving the attitude and academic performance of students by providing pupils with instant feedback about how they are doing. Also, pupils can gain points in the application. ClassDojo is a fantastic help for students since they feel supported and encouraged.
- Edmodo: known as a social media network for students and teachers, Edmodo allows those in the education community to connect with others by joining groups and collaborating on projects. Also, teachers and students alike have access to education-based content that keeps learning fun, fresh, easy, and interactive.
- Schoology: similar to Google Classroom, Schoology allows educators to send homework, assignments, and track the progress of their students just by using one software. It's easy for teachers to organise using Schoology and also it's relatively simple to embed content such as videos and pictures into lesson plans and projects. Schoology is a one-stop platform that's all you need!
While we only mentioned four fantastic teacher tools online that are highly recommended by education experts, there are so many more that teachers can explore to help their students succeed. However, try out all of the previously mentioned options and if you're not satisfied then you can look for alternative tools for teachers.
Why Use Apps for Teaching?
We're living in a world of applications. In 2022, there are apps for literally everything. For example, there's even an app that assists people who want to connect with others who want to cuddle in their local area!
Therefore, it shouldn't be surprising to discover that there are applications to help teachers teach and students learn in the traditional classroom or through private tutoring.
The following list features the four most prominent advantages of using apps for education if you're a teacher or a student:
- Better for the Environment: instead of printing out loads of paper for your students, teachers can recommend homework assignments with content that can be completed on a learning app and revised the next day virtually without any trace of paper. No wasted paper!
- Fresh Learning Methods: though teachers have years of experience and a university degree under their belt, they may at times struggle to find fresh learning methods. Therefore, we greatly recommend using applications to find engaging technology tools and resources for class assignments that will benefit both you and your students.
- 24/7 Access: if students want to continue brushing up on their skills in a certain subject, they can do so at any time when using a learning app. Great education applications have access to their topics and resources 24/7 that help pupils to succeed.
- Captures Attention of Students: in 2022, kids are more interested in their phones, tablets, or what's on their laptops than anything you have to say. So, teachers are smart to quickly introduce learning apps and online teaching software in the classroom before they lose the attention of their students. Remember to set times and limits for utilising learning apps in the classroom.
Were you on the fence about using learning apps with your class? If so, we hope that the previously mentioned benefits have pushed you in the right direction. Virtual tools for teachers are the way of the future and educators of all ages must recognise this fact.
The list below mentions five outstanding learning applications that can be downloaded off the Google Play and App Store:
- Khan Academy,
- Kahoot,
- Quizlet,
- Piazza,
- Google Earth.
You can use the previously mentioned apps to teach your students important information about geography, science, English, and mathematics. Many of the apps for education are tailormade for educators and have free trials to start you off. Android and iOS accept most of the major learning platforms. The apps like Quizlet and Kahoot allow teachers to create games or quizzes that can be done together as a class for students in primary and secondary school.
Check out jobs for ex-teachers here on Superprof.
How Should Teachers Incorporate Digital Apps and Resources in the Classroom?
Are you a teacher who's not that tech-savvy? Beyond texting, calling, and seldom visits to social media platforms, do you not know how to fully utilise your phone to its full potential? If so, there's no need to worry or feel embarrassed. Technology has moved so fast in the past decade that many older ones have felt left behind, and some younger ones too!
And, while technology may not be your best friend, we greatly suggest implementing interactive tools and applications in the traditional classroom if you're a teacher. But, how? The following are three ways that educators can use digital resources to make their lessons more efficient and technology-friendly:
- Creating Lesson Plans: there are loads of digital tools for schools that help teachers to create and organise their lesson plans. Also, some digital resources allow teachers to incorporate virtual content such as presentations or videos that can easily be seen by students. While kids won't necessarily be using lesson plan technology software for teachers, they will benefit since their educators will be more organised and planned than ever before.
- Alternatives For Boring Textbooks: while textbooks served their purpose for centuries, for 21st-century learners, especially Generation Z, they are an archaic way of studying and grasping new information. Thankfully, there are various apps and online teaching software that supplement textbooks with engaging resources that can be used by all types of students. If you must use textbooks, we suggest downloading the PDF and having students read and participate by writing the answers on your classroom smartboard, if that's an option.
- Connecting with Other Students: digital tools such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet that serve as videoconferencing platforms are great for classrooms to connect despite long distances. Upon the approval of parents and the school, you can work on collaborative projects with students located in other parts of England or the UK through online teaching software.
If you integrate technology teaching tools in the previously mentioned ways, you will please both students and their parents with your innovative methods. Bear in mind that you'll need to have the correct teaching software and hardware in the classroom such as a smartboard or projector, some computers, laptops or tablets, video webcams, and high-speed internet. However, rest assured knowing that most apps for education and tools for teachers are free!
In conclusion, don't be afraid of digital tools and applications in the classroom. They will simplify your teaching methods and bring an innovative perspective that will benefit the minds and learning experiences of modern-day students.
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Therese
Hi Therese,
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion and for reaching out! We’ll definitely look into Exam.net and its potential as a resource for tutors and educators and reach out to you over email to discuss further.