Technology has now become part and parcel of human life. Everyone wants to get the best out of available technological tools, from communication to entertainment to production activities. Education isn’t left behind – teachers are now embracing technology to improve classroom engagement and educational productivity.
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Previously, teachers were skeptical about using some technology in classrooms. For instance, some felt gadgets like smartphones would distract students and reduce their productivity – this is partly true. Also, social media platforms have often been accused of facilitating cyberbullying and promoting addiction, negatively affecting students. However, technology has also proven to be beneficial in the education sector, coming with numerous advantages, including:
- Promoting access to education through online learning.
- Enabling teachers to use different teaching methods, including individualized learning.
- Improving classroom engagement.
- Preparing students for the modern work environment.
Teachers should use the right tools to enjoy the benefits of technology in education. But what are the tools they can capitalize on? Here are the top ones that you should know about.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT has been making headlines of late. Since its launch, the tool has had many versions, the latest being GPT-4. In the education sector, this tool has often attracted negative attention. For instance, instructors claim that students use it to cheat.
It’s time for teachers to embrace this tool in the classroom environment because it’s here to stay. It can write virtually anything from short essays to long research papers. Teachers should encourage students to use this tool to get ideas on writing classroom content. While at it, teachers should warn students that the tool sometimes gives inaccurate information. So, it should just be used as writing guidance, like how one can use a term paper sample from a custom term papers writing service to get a glimpse of how their work should be and how to approach their topic.
How can students use ChatGPT effectively in classrooms? They can type complex concepts in it, and the bot generates simplified responses. It can help students understand concepts better and save time reading tons of pages in the textbook to grasp the content. However, students should be guided in verifying the information from this tool.
Video Conferencing Tools
The days of attending face-to-face classes are over. Online education has made hybrid learning possible. With that has come the need for teachers to choose the right video conferencing tools to make it easy for students to learn virtually. Examples of the video conferencing tools that have come in handy include:
- Zoom
- Webex
- Skype
A video conferencing tool that works in one classroom may not be effective in another class. For instance, some can support more users at once than others. Therefore, a teacher should choose a video conferencing tool that can support the number of students in the classroom. Also, the tool should be easy to use for students and the teacher. It should also have features that can facilitate easy learning, including screen-sharing capabilities and the ability to record class sessions and play later.
Video conferencing tools open limitless opportunities in classrooms. For instance, people with expertise in particular fields can connect with students and offer great insights into their areas of specialization. Moreover, they enable classrooms in different regions to collaborate.
Classroom Assessment Tools
Assessment is a critical part of learning – it helps teachers know if students understand important concepts and whether learning outcomes have been attained. Grading also helps students to determine the areas they should improve in. Thanks to tech, teachers don’t have to assess students manually. There are technological tools to make work easier and offer better assessment results compared to manual evaluation.
One of the best assessment tools teachers can use in classrooms is Parlay. It enables instructors to collect responses from students, give feedback, and grade work – all this within the same platform. Thus, teachers and students can understand where they are and determine what they need to do to improve.
Another useful tool the teachers can take advantage of is the PowerSchool tool. Its features include grading and analysis of classroom attendance. With this, educators can have a clearer idea of the type of classes they are dealing with.
Virtual Field Trip Tools for Teachers
Students don’t just want to learn theoretical concepts. They also want to know how the content they learn in classrooms is applicable in the real world. One of the ways to facilitate this is to organize field trips. Given that field trips are, at times, costly and time-consuming to organize, teachers can embrace technological tools to simplify their work. For instance, they can use tools like Google Streetview. Such a tool enables students to explore geographical features such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and other landmarks without stepping out of the classroom.
Tools to Improve Classroom Engagement
Success in education depends on how participants collaborate. For instance, students should find it easy to interact with one another. Moreover, it should be easy for teachers and tutees to communicate. Communication helps in aspects such as seeking clarification when stuck with an assignment. The student can easily seek guidance from the teacher on handling the task and thus won’t rush to pay someone to write a paper for them. Fortunately, there are technological tools that can facilitate effective engagement in classrooms.
Flip is the first tool that improves the level of engagement between teachers and students. Tutees can record videos providing insights into what they think on a given topic. They then send the videos to their instructors. It helps educators pinpoint the areas on a given topic that they should explain better to students.
Another important technological classroom tool in this respect is Google Classroom. With this tool, teachers can share digital lessons with their students. Also, it facilitates the issuance of assignments and assessment of the same. So, it’s a tool that instructors shouldn’t overlook when trying to improve learning outcomes.
Recapping
Technological advancement is a game-changer in the education sector because the benefits that come with tech far outweigh any potential negatives. The benefits include increased engagement in learning, better learning experiences, and easy and accurate assessment of learning outcomes. Different tools are available for achieving such positives. Great examples include video conferencing tools, assessment apps, and virtual field trip tools. So, educators should keep up with tech developments to increase the quality of education they offer.
