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Technology has drastically changed the way we learn in the classroom. It’s no surprise that there are many new tools and gadgets to help students learn in more exciting and interactive ways. If you’re a teacher who is looking for some new methods to engage your students, this blog post is for you!
Here we will list 15 different tools that will aid classroom learning and help you teach more effectively. But first, let’s take a step back and look at how technology has drastically changed how we learn in general.
How Has Technology Changed the Way We Learn?
The way we learn has changed dramatically with the integration of technology. Here are some examples of how technology has changed the way we learn.
- Access to Information
We have more access to information than ever before. We can find almost anything we want to know with a simple Google search.
- Interactive Learning:
Technology has made learning more interactive and engaging. There are now many online tools for teaching that allow students to learn through simulations and games.
- Personalized Learning:
Technology has allowed for more personalized learning experiences. With tools like SplashLearn, students can receive tailored instruction based on their individual needs.
Now that we’ve seen how technology has changed the way we learn in general, let’s look at some excellent teaching tools that teachers can use to aid classroom learning.
15 Best Teaching Tools and Gadgets for Teachers
We’ve divided our list of tools for teaching into five different categories: digital resources, organization tools, presentation tools, assessment tools, and classroom management tools. So let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the best teaching tools out there!
Related: How to plan classroom management + helpful tips for teachers
Digital Resources
Online Libraries
Online libraries are an excellent resource for teachers and students. They provide access to millions of books, articles, and other resources that can be used for research projects or in the classroom. Teachers can also find lesson plans and other resources on online library websites.
- Archives
There are many online libraries and archives that teachers can use to supplement their lesson plans. These resources provide primary source material, images, videos, and other multimedia content to help students better understand the concepts being taught.
- Digital Textbooks
Digital textbooks are becoming more and more popular in schools. They offer several advantages over traditional textbooks, such as interactive content, multimedia resources, and regular updates. Digital books can also be cheaper than traditional textbooks since they don’t need to be printed.
Organization Tools
- Online Calendar
An online calendar is a great way to keep track of your classes, assignments, and other important dates. It’s also a great way to share information with students and parents. Google Calendar is a popular option for online calendars, but there are many other choices.
- To-Do List
A to-do list is an essential tool for any teacher. It can help you keep track of your daily tasks and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. There are many to-do list apps available, such as Todoist and Wunderlist.
- Note-Taking App
A note-taking app can be beneficial for teachers who want to keep track of their thoughts and ideas. Evernote is a popular note-taking app that allows you to sync your notes across all of your devices.
Presentation Tools
- Presentation Software
Tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Prezi are great for creating engaging presentations that capture a student’s attention. You can use these tools to add multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio clips to your slideshows. These presentation tools also make it easy to collaborate with others and share your work online.
- Document Camera
A document camera is an excellent tool for teachers who want to display physical documents, books, or 3D objects in their presentations. Document cameras can be beneficial when you want to show students a close-up view of something without having to pass it around the room.
- Digital White Board
Digital whiteboards are quickly becoming a staple in the modern classroom. These boards allow teachers to display images, videos, and text in an engaging way that is easy for students to follow. Additionally, digital whiteboards can be used to create interactive games and activities that make learning more fun and interesting.
Assessment Tools
- Online Quizzes and Games
There are some online quizzes and games that teachers can use to assess student learning. Quizlet is a popular website that offers millions of user-generated quizzes on various topics. SplashLearn is another popular website that offers educational games for math, reading, and other subjects.
- Survey and Polling Tools
Survey and polling tools can be used to gather feedback from students or to assess student understanding. Google Forms is a popular option for creating surveys and polls. SurveyMonkey is another popular choice that offers a wide variety of question types and survey templates.
- Rubric Maker
A rubric is a great way to assess student work. It can help you provide clear and consistent feedback to students. Rubrics can also be used to grade student work more efficiently. There are many online rubric makers that you can use, such as Rubistar and EasyRubric.
Classroom Management Tools
Related: 30 best classroom management strategies for better engagement
- Online Gradebook
An online grade book is a great way to keep track of student grades and progress. It’s also a convenient way to share information with parents and guardians. Google Classroom is a popular option for online grade books, but there are many other choices as well.
- Parent Communication Tool
A parent communication tool can be very helpful for keeping parents up-to-date on their child’s progress in school.
- Student Information System
A student information system is a database that stores student data. This data can include contact information, grades, and attendance records. Student information systems can be beneficial for keeping track of all of your students’ data in one place. Blackbaud PowerSchool is a popular student information system that schools across the country use.
Let’s Use Technology to Enhance Learning
As you can see, there are several different technologies that teachers can use to enhance classroom learning. These tools allow teachers to engage students in more interesting and interactive ways.
Tools like SplashLearn and Quizlet make learning fun, while tools like Google Forms and SurveyMonkey help teachers assess student understanding. If you’re looking for new ways to improve your teaching practice, consider using some of these tools in your next class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are some of the best technologies for classroom learning?
The best technologies for classroom learning vary depending on the needs of the teacher and the students. Popular options include online quizzes and games, survey and polling tools, and student information systems.
- How can technology help teachers engage students more effectively?
Technology can help teachers engage students more effectively by providing new and exciting ways for them to learn. With so many new tools available, students can learn in more interactive and engaging ways.
- How can I get started with using technology in my classroom?
If you’re new to using technology in the classroom, an excellent place to start is familiarizing yourself with some of the most popular tools. Google Classroom, SplashLearn, and SurveyMonkey are all great options for teachers looking to use technology in their classrooms.
- What are some of the benefits of using technology in the classroom?
Some of the benefits of using technology in the classroom include increased engagement, improved assessment, and more efficient communication. Technology can also help you save time and money by providing various resources that are readily available online.
- What are some of the challenges of using technology in the classroom?
The biggest challenge of using technology in the classroom is finding the time to learn how to use all of the different tools for teaching available. With so many new technologies emerging every day, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends. Additionally, some teachers may feel like they need to be “tech experts” to effectively use technology in the classroom, which can be overwhelming.
- How can I overcome the challenges of using technology in the classroom?
One way to overcome the challenges of using technology in the classroom is to start small and gradually incorporate new tools for teaching as you become more comfortable with them. Additionally, many resources are available to help teachers learn more about using technology in the classroom, such as online tutorials, webinars, and professional development courses.
SplashLearn is a game-based, digital learning program and covers Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 for math and reading. Trusted by over 750K teachers worldwide, SplashLearn makes lesson plans more interactive!
Teachers and schools can access SplashLearn for free here.
