Pedagogue Blog

For many students, math and science have always been boring subjects, too bogged down with technical details to ever be fun or exciting. Teachers have long tried a variety of strategies to get students excited about STEM. It turns out, one of the best ways to get kids pumped about STEM is through the use of robots.

Robots are naturally fun and exciting for kids. When they think of robotics, they might think of their favorite cartoons or superheroes. Learning how they can actually build and use robots is a great way to incorporate STEM into the curriculum without losing students’ interest.

The use of robotics is on the rise in today’s world, and allowing students to play with robots and learn how they work can have huge benefits for them. Not only does it give them a head start in subjects like computer programming, math, and science, it can also spark an interest in careers students may have never considered before.

Robots teach more than tech skills

Robots are most often associated with technology and other STEM-related fields. However, playing with robots has educational benefits beyond simply learning to build and program the bots themselves. Robots can be used to develop problem-solving skills, get students working cooperatively, and more.

One of the most popular uses for robots is in problem-based learning. In this learning model, students are presented with a problem they must solve. Instead of following a teacher’s directions, students work out their own solutions to the problem. This inspires creativity, critical thinking, and cooperation—all important 21^st century skills.

Placing a robot in front of a group of students and asking them to get the robot to complete a task (like going across the room to pick up a pencil) is a perfect example of problem-based learning. Students will be excited by the opportunity to play with a robot and won’t think about the fact that they’re learning.

Robots help students with disabilities

Robots aren’t just for tech-savvy students who need a challenge. Playing (and learning) with robots can have additional benefits for students with disabilities. Students with autism, in particular, can be very responsive to robots.

Autism is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to socialize with others. Autistic children often have a difficult time interacting with peers or adults, reading other people’s expressions, and understanding social cues.

Students with autism who may shy away from interaction with a human being are more likely to open up to a robot, and the risk of failure or embarrassment in front of the robot is much lower. Robots can provide a way for students with autism to practice social skills without the pressure of interacting with a real person. Research into this possibility has already begun.

What kind of robots can kids use?

There are a wide variety of robots available for classroom use. One of the most popular comes from LEGO, the company that first made engineering fun for kids. LEGO now makes robots designed for students in elementary and middle school. The robots can be programmed using a computer or tablet and a simplified programming app. This introduces the basics of programming and robotics to younger students who might then choose to study further in high school and college.

Researchers at Harvard University have also ventured into the world of robots for kids. In 2014, they began testing a low-cost robot that can easily be programmed using an app and a simple programming language. At the low price of $10, robots like this one could be used by any school to get kids excited about programming.

Robots are only going to become a bigger part of everyday life in the future. Using robots in the classroom is a proven way to get kids excited and increase learning. How do you envision robotics being used in the classrooms of the future? Let us know!

It’s no surprise that technology has changed the way we live in the world. It’s transformed everything from the way we form relationships, shop, do business and think about education. Whether we like it or not, technology and EdTech are altering the way teachers teach, and students learn. Whether it be the implementation of the latest devices into a classroom or the use of the internet for valuable learning tools, EdTech is here to stay.

Many students today may not see this transformation because they have grown up with rapidly evolving technology and the ability to have access to information at their fingertips. Teachers and parents, on the other hand, have gotten the chance to see the evolution of technology and education first hand. In just the past decade alone, the use of technology and mobile devices in the classroom has rapidly increased. No longer are the days of highlighting passages in textbooks and taking notes with a pencil. Read below for ways that EdTech is transforming education for the better.

Communication

It’s now easier than ever for teachers to communicate with parents and students, and vice versa. With the mobility of email and text messaging on smartphones, teachers can remind students and parents about homework, progress reports, and upcoming assignments in a matter of seconds. Parents can now stay more informed about their children’s progress in school and what they are learning. They don’t have to make the hike up to school for parent-teacher conferences that only happen once a quarter anymore. Technology has even transformed the way students can communicate with each other. It’s easier for them to collaborate and discuss assignments outside of the classroom.

Inclusion

Through the power of technology, more and more students with disabilities are now able to be included into the mainstream classroom. Technology like videos and games specifically designed with these students’ needs in mind can incorporate students into lessons and allow them to feel included with the rest of their peers. If a student has trouble writing on their own, technology can help them easily take notes or record lessons. Both teachers and students benefit from technology’s inclusive features that make learning accessible to everyone.

Interactive Lessons

Students these days get bored easily, they crave the immediate gratification that social media and video games give them. This is why outdated teaching tools like textbooks and lectures aren’t enough to keep students engaged anymore. With the help of technology, teachers are able to create interactive and engaging lessons for a wide variety of subjects. Technology like tablets, laptops, and computers are being incorporated into classrooms to make learning fun and creative. Some higher education classrooms are even beginning to use technology like robotics, 3D printing, and virtual reality to engage students and prepare them for the future.

Digital Media

Going back to the idea that students are easily bored in the classroom, digital media is bringing exciting new tools for teachers to engage them with. Things like videos, pictures, slideshows and gifs use a variety of media to capture students’ attention and make learning fun again. Any teacher can easily tell a student about a historic event, but having them watch it happen on video brings a sense of immersion to the learning process. With free tools like Youtube and TED Talks, along with countless other online resources, teachers have access to an infinite wealth of information and digital media to enhance students’ understanding of topics.

Resources for All

Textbooks and database subscriptions can be expensive, and many public-school districts do not have the funding to purchase these tools for students. With the internet, learning has become accessible and free to every student. With the introduction of electronic textbooks, mobile applications and other electronic resources, schools are able to purchase valuable tools at lower costs. They can also afford to purchase the latest tools and updates, as it’s much more cost-efficient to download the new version of a book than to order hundreds of new physical textbooks. Thanks to technology, students of all economic backgrounds now have access to the same information and opportunities.

Collaboration

Just like with communication, technology has changed the way both students and teachers can collaborate. With helpful applications and online tools, teachers can work together from the comfort of their own homes to share lesson plans, worksheets, and ideas with one another. This lightens the loads for teachers who are constantly having to come up new ideas and content for lesson plans, especially with the plethora of resources available on the internet and from teachers across the globe.

Bottom Line

There’s no doubt that EdTech is transforming education before our eyes. From the way teachers communicate with parents, to the way students are engaged in the classroom, EdTech has a large impact on the modern world of education.

 

 

Artificial Intelligence may seem like something from the future, with its inclusion in sci-fi thrillers and movies. While AI has yet to take over the world with destructive prone robots, it is becoming more and more prevalent in our everyday lives. Whether we know it or not, most of us probably use AI every day for simple tasks like taking a picture, parking our car, asking our phones what the weather looks like, or using our personal home assistants to turn on the lights.

Our technology has yet to reach the level of self-awareness, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t being used in creative and innovative ways every day including the classroom. Artificial Intelligence in the classroom is still a relatively new concept, but one that is being explored by many researchers and educators alike. Read below for some ways that artificial education can be used in your classroom and how it’s becoming the future of education.

Automating Menial Tasks & Saving Teachers Time

Teachers are some of the hardest working professionals in our society. This has a lot to do with all the work they take home with them long after the bell rings. Things like grading tests and homework can take up a lot of a teacher’s day, leaving them with less time to focus on lesson planning and engaging their students. With the help of artificial education, menial tasks like grading can be automated saving teachers loads of time.

Today, the technology exists to automate grading for multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank assignments. Software that can grade writing and essays is being developed as we speak and is improving automatic grading for the better. Think of artificial technology that grades students work as a TA, but one that costs significantly less than a yearly salary and doesn’t require sleep. With less work for teachers, artificial education can give them more time to create engaging and creative classroom activities, and work on their own professional development.

Using Software to Adapt to Students’ Needs

There’s no doubt that every student has their own unique style of learning. That’s why one-size-fits-all teaching methods are often so criticized. With artificial intelligence, it is now easier for teachers to accommodate the individual students’ learning needs. There exists a variety of learning programs, software, and games that are adaptive to different levels and learning styles. Artificial education like this responds to students’ specific learning needs and puts emphasis on topics that students are struggling with. Artificial education also allows students to work at their own pace, instead of trying to keep up with the classroom.

Teachers can use AI software and games in the classroom to make sure every student is learning what they need to succeed at their own comfort level. Some teachers may be concerned that this level of artificial education could be used in the classroom as a way of pushing out the need for human teachers. In the ideal situation, teachers and artificial education would work seamlessly in a classroom to assist students with topics they are struggling with. The teacher is still a main facilitator and educator in the classroom. Artificial education gives teachers more time to work individually with students and help them reach their full potential.

Artificial Education as Tutors

In the busy lives of working parents and exhausted teachers, it can often be difficult for struggling students to find quality and affordable help outside of the classroom. As of today, artificial tutors haven’t completely wiped out the tutor job field, but advancing technology could soon make that possibility into a reality. Artificial intelligence run tutors can make it easier for students to access the help they need. Students won’t have to spend time traveling to a tutoring facility and parents won’t have to shell out big bucks for a private tutor.

With the help of AI tutors, students can get help essentially 24/7 in subjects like math, writing, and language.

Making Education Global

Thanks to artificial education, students now have the ability to learn anywhere, anytime. This means that if a student has to miss school for personal or medical reasons, they can easily stay caught up with the school work via artificial education software. Students also have the ability to learn from anywhere in the world, making higher quality education for rural students and those in low economic areas accessible and affordable.

With the help of AI, students can learn more from home and come to the classroom with a set of core competencies that teachers can then build on. Artificial education is leveling the playing field of education for students across the globe and giving those without access to quality education equal opportunities.

Bottom Line

While artificial intelligence and education may seem like a futuristic invention, it’s present in our lives and education systems today. With the help of artificial education, we can make both students’ and teachers’ lives easier. Artificial education gives every student the opportunity to receive a quality education, takes the load off teachers, and individualizes learning.

 

 

 

In today’s technological world, there is no escaping the smartphone phenomenon. The average person uses their smartphone anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day. Most people are even checking their phones every 15 to 20 minutes while they’re awake. The ways in which smartphones have become such an essential part of modern life is staggering, and something to be aware of when teaching in a classroom.

Smartphones can be both a great educational tool and a great distraction in the classroom. It should come as no surprise that almost every child in the US owns or has access to a smartphone. Statistics show that 56 percent of children age 8 to 12 have a smartphone. That number jumps up to 88 percent of teenagers ages 13 to 17 have or have access to a smartphone. And a whopping 91 percent of middle and high school aged students primarily access the internet via their smartphones.

This change in the way we interact with technology and integrate it into our lives has come dramatically and fast. It’s sometimes hard for teachers, many of whom grew up in an era with no mobile phones or even the internet, to adapt to this fast-paced technological generation. While smartphones can easily be the downfall of your students’ attention spans and performance, they don’t have to be. More and more educators these days are incorporating modern technology and students’ own smartphones into their classroom to engage and excite students about learning. Below you will find useful tips on how to manage cell phone use in your classroom, and use it for your teaching benefit.

Establish Expectations

At the beginning of the school year or semester, it’s a good idea to be blunt with your students about what you expect of them when it comes to using their smartphones in class. This is also the time to tell them about any plans to incorporate technology into the classroom. The best way to create a set of rules when it comes to cell phone usage is to do it together with the students.

Set aside a class period at the beginning of the year where you and your students talk about the best way to keep their attention focused on classwork.

Include a clear list of times that it is and isn’t appropriate to be using your phone in class. It’s also important to agree on and clearly lay out the consequences of breaking the rules. You can even write up a contract or agreement laying out all of the expectations and effects you agreed upon as a class, and have them read it over and sign it. This way students know what to expect, and there are no surprises when they’re caught using their smartphones.

Engage Your Students with the Technology

The best way to manage cell phones and other technology isn’t to ignore it, but to use it as an educational tool. There are several different apps such as Socrative and many others that you can easily incorporate into your classroom and use for fun activities. These apps engage students by allowing them to use their own smartphones or mobile devices in an educational setting. Using these apps for activities like exit tickets—activities students have to do before leaving the class, or bell ringers—activities that students do at the beginning of each class period, can bring diversity to your curriculum and keep the interest of even your most distraction-prone students.

Take the Time to Walk Around the Classroom

It’s hard to tell whether or not your students are staying on task when you can’t see their screens. You can easily fix this by re-arranging the desks into a semi-circle or small group design, making their screens more visible to you. Another solution is to increase the time you dedicate to walking around the classroom. If students know that you’re likely to come their way with little to no warning, they’re more likely to stay on task. You can also tell who is busy with other distractions on their phone or mobile devices, by those that exit out of tabs quickly or double tap their home screen when they realize you’re walking by.

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Them Away

It’s just as important to engage your students with technology as it is to give them a break from it. They’re on their phone all day every day, at school and at home. While they may not be fans of the idea, it may be beneficial to both their attention spans and mental health to designate a technology-free period of time. A sure-fire way to enforce this technology-free time in the classroom and rid your students of any temptation to check their phone while you’re not looking is to have students put their phones in a basket or on your desk. By eliminating all temptation and ability to check their phone for a portion of the class, the can focus better on the task at hand. This strategy works great for group discussions, tests, and quizzes when students have the hardest time focusing.

Give Your Students a Tech Break

Every 20 to 30 or so minutes, give your students a chance to check their phones and have some free time. Most students claim to experience anxiety when they’re unable to check their phone for more than 20 minutes. Giving your students three minutes to respond to text messages, look at their notifications, and check social media gives them a chance to get some anxiety out so it’s not distracting them when they should be focusing on learning.

Can you think of any additional ways that teachers can manage cell phone use in their classrooms?

 

In today’s’ technology-driven world, it’s important now more than ever to prepare students for the future. Teaching robotics to young students throughout their schooling can increase their ability to be creative and innovative thinkers and more productive members of society. Many governments have already recognized the importance of robotics in the classroom and have begun to create programs and laws that would incorporate it into their public education system. By teaching our students the basics of robotics, we can open a whole new world to them and exciting opportunities that they wouldn’t have access to otherwise.

1. An Introduction to Programming

Learning to program a computer is an excellent skill to have to make students more likely to get a job in the future, and earn more money in their lifetime. Teaching young students the abstract subject of programming can be a challenging feat. Programming is often too complex for most students to grasp. Robotics is a simpler to understand and more tangible introduction to programming.

When students program physical robots, it’s easier for them to see what goes wrong as they learn what robots can and cannot do. They learn the skills needed to create precise and accurate instructions and have fun while learning valuable lessons. Teaching robotics in schools gives students the opportunity to address the growing demand of teaching STEM subjects while learning how science, engineering, math, and technology work together and interact.

2. Increases Creativity

Robotics is a production-based learning module. Students have the opportunity to create something tangible and make it perform the actions that they program it to do. Not a lot of fields combine creativity with engineering and technology—robotics does. When students are given the opportunity to create something interactive that they think is cool, their engagement levels increase, and they retain more information. You might be surprised at the things kids can create when given the right information and tools.

3. Prepare them for the future

It’s no secret that jobs in the STEM field are the fastest growing careers, and are projected to grow another 17 percent in the next decade. Industries such as the drone industry has grown dramatically and rapidly in the last couple of years. The Economist has reported that more than 15,000 drones are being sold in the US every month. Growing industries such as these are going to need people who can come up with new and innovative ideas, and be equipped with the knowledge to design and create the technology needed.

By the time all of our students graduate in a few years or so, over half of the available jobs will be in the STEM field and a large chunk of the rest will require employees to have some STEM knowledge. When students are introduced to robotics in their school years, they can discover any interests and talents that they may have in this job market. Without the knowledge or access to robotics education, there’s no way for students to build interest in these fields. Without robotics education in public schools, who knows how many potential creators and innovators there are who were never given the resources to realize their potential.

4. Teaching Children How to Turn Frustration into Innovation

Learning how to build and program a robot can be a complex and difficult process. Many students will struggle with the concepts at first and often get frustrated. Robotics in schools can help these students turn their frustration into creativity and innovation. This is a valuable life lesson that teaches our students perseverance and determination when faced with challenges. Students learning robotics are able to channel their frustration into trying harder and aiming higher. All their hard work makes looking at that finished product even sweeter at the end. Not only does teaching students robotics teach them how to persist and solve problems, but it also helps them increase their maturity levels and prepare them for real-world situations.

5. Promoting Inclusivity

Robotics is a field that is easily accessible to a wide range of students with varying talents and skills. Studies have shown robots do a great job of engaging students on the autism spectrum. A child with autism are able to easily respond to the consistent, calm, and clean interactions that robots give them. Robots like ASK NAO and Milo have been developed to aid autistic students with learning and understanding their emotions.

Robotics is also a field that has the ability to empower young girls in the classroom. STEM-focused fields are traditionally male dominated, leaving young girls to question their ability to program or build computers. Because the tech world is not one that focuses on or is created for girls, by engaging them with robotics and technology in the classroom we can begin to change that. When girls realize their ability to build robots and program, they are empowered to have successful futures and create innovative technology.

 

 

There’s a big push in education right now to teach kids how to code. Coding is undoubtedly an important skill that will help students in the job marketplace. It’s an in-demand skill and a useful one. But can coding help students in other areas? Some are now suggesting that coding can help improve students’ writing skills.

Telling a story through code

In many ways, coding is like writing a story. Programmers must go in a sequential order, just like storytellers. Just like writers, programmers first sit down and plan out the story they will tell. What will happen in the beginning, middle, and end?  This is just as important for programmers to know as it is for writers.

Kids can also use coding to create stories. While we may not think of coding as a creative pursuit, it certainly can be. Some of the best video games tell stories. Through coding, students can create their own stories. The best part? These stories are interactive. Just like an old “choose your own adventure” book, the reader (or player) can decide what the character will do next and change the outcome of the story.

Programmers and writers must use words wisely

Good writers use their words wisely. They know how to say something in as few words as possible. This helps keep writing concise, readable, and to the point.

When writing code, good programmers know how to do a lot with just a few lines of code. Excess code can make a program confusing if other programmers need to make changes. Too much unnecessary code can also confuse the computer and lead to unexpected and unwanted outcomes.

When kids practice coding, they get into the habit of eliminating excess. This will make them better communicators and writers. They’ll know how to say a lot in just a few words—an increasingly important skill in a world where attention spans are shrinking.

Coding forces kids to plan ahead

Both writers and programmers have to learn to plan ahead. Most teachers are familiar with the struggle of trying to get students to complete graphic organizers and plan ahead before they start writing. This kind of big-picture organizational thinking is a challenge for kids.

When writing code, students have to know where they’re going. Otherwise, their code will end up a garbled mess that’s hard to make sense of. Programming allows students to practice planning ahead and thinking about the big picture, a skill they’ll definitely need in writing.

In writing and code, there are rules

Another similarity between writing and coding? Both have rules that must be followed. If kids ignore the rules when coding, they’ll end up with a program that doesn’t work. Certain functions must go in a particular order, and programmers have to understand the proper use of each bit of code.

In writing, there are rules, too. While you won’t get an error message if you break the rules of grammar, writers who eschew conventions may find that their work is hard to read. Knowing the parts of speech and understanding sentence structure is a lot like knowing how to write code.

By practicing their coding skills, students can get a sense of how to piece these different parts together. This skill will translate into their writing, making them better writers.

Coding and writing aren’t that different

In many ways, coding and writing and alike. Both require an understanding of the basics as well as the ability to plan ahead and see the big picture. And both coding and writing allow kids to get creative and tell a story in their own unique way.

Have your kids learned to code? If so, what changes have you seen in their writing?

Blended learning is more than just a hot new trend in education—it’s the way classrooms of the future will work. The concept behind blended learning is to take the best elements of in-person classroom instruction and online instruction and combine them. In a blended classroom, students attend classes in person and watch lecture videos or complete online activities.

Why use the blended approach?

Blended learning is the best of both worlds. Online courses, especially in higher education, have become extremely popular. Online courses allow students to watch lectures and complete classwork when and where it’s convenient for them. The rise of online classes has allowed adults who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend college to earn their degrees while continuing to work or raise a family.

However, there are some drawbacks to online learning. Many students feel that it is impersonal. Students can feel isolated without the in-person support of classmates. It can also be difficult to get help from professors or ask questions in an online course.

By combining online and in-person elements, educators today are creating the best learning environment possible through blended learning.

Blended learning in the K-12 classroom

First and foremost, educators need to know their students. Teachers at the K-12 level must be aware of the level of access to technology their students have at home. Blended learning will look very different in a school where the majority of students don’t have access to high-speed internet at home versus a school where every student can log in at home.

For classrooms where most students can’t get online from home, blended learning is still an option. Teachers can set up a schedule where students alternate between digital and traditional learning modes in the classroom. Two or three days a week could be devoted to completing online activities, while the remaining days might look like a more traditional classroom.

Teachers should also consider which elements of their classroom lend themselves best to a digital approach. Interactive activities, like class discussion, might be best in person, where students can talk face-to-face. Hands-on activities, such as science labs, obviously won’t translate well into a digital format either.

Other elements, like lectures, readings, or assessments, can go online. With activities like readings or lectures, students may prefer an online approach that allows them to move at their own pace, stopping when they don’t understand something.

Blended learning in higher education

Blended learning has become extremely popular in higher education settings. Blended classrooms allow greater flexibility for students and can encourage non-traditional students to pursue higher education. This approach also saves professors time, as they can record a lecture one time and use it indefinitely, rather than delivering the same lecture to multiple classes each semester.

One common approach to blended learning in the college classroom is to use a flipped classroom method. In the flipped classroom, students watch lecture videos or complete readings on their own. During class, students discuss what they learned or complete supplemental activities to enhance their understanding.

With this approach, classes can meet in-person less frequently. Instead of meeting twice a week, professors might assign lecture videos and readings for students to watch on their own time. Class can then meet once a week to discuss, ask questions, and work with the information they’ve learned.

Just like K-12 educators, college professors must think carefully about which elements of their classroom will work best online. Difficult topics that students typically have lots of questions about may not work well in a digital format. Professors must also make sure that they are available online to help students, just as they would be in person.

How have you incorporated blended learning into your classroom? What works well, and what struggles have you encountered?

EdTech is everywhere in today’s classrooms, with more teachers using technology than ever before. But what are the real benefits of using tech in the classroom? Let’s take a look at some of the ways EdTech benefits both teachers and students.

1. Increased student engagement

When students get to use technology, they’re automatically more engaged. Kids love technology, and incorporating it into lessons gets students excited about learning. Adding technology to existing lesson plans can boost student engagement without requiring teachers to do a lot of extra work.

2. More collaboration

Technology makes it easier for students to collaborate with one another. Students can work on projects together, communicate effortlessly at home or in the classroom, and share their work online.

3. Improve digital literacy

Digital literacy is a fundamental skill for students in the 21^st century. Knowing how to use technology and the internet will be required in almost every job that students might have in the future. By incorporating EdTech into the classroom, teachers can help students improve their digital literacy.

4. Automate grading

In the past, teachers have spent hours after school and on weekends grading papers. There are tons of EdTech tools that can cut down on this time, automating grading and making measuring student progress simple.

5. Get student data

EdTech can also make measuring student progress through data much easier. Many programs can automatically give teachers data on students, quickly and easily showing what skills students have mastered and what they need to work on.

6. Stay in touch 24/7

With technology and the internet, students and teachers can stay in touch all the time. There are a variety of apps that allow students to communicate with teachers (without teachers giving out their personal email or phone number). Students can get homework help and teachers can send important reminders.

7. Keep up with classroom management

There are lots of EdTech tools designed to help teachers with classroom management. Teachers can keep track of student behaviors and keep parents informed using technology.

8. Flip the classroom

The flipped classroom, where students learn through reading or lecture videos at home then do projects or discuss what they learned in the classroom, is only possible through EdTech. This innovative new way of teaching and learning is taking the world of education by storm.

9. Have more fun

EdTech can make learning more fun. There are tons of educational games and apps that get students excited and turn learning into a game instead of a chore.

10. Get creative

With EdTech tools, students can do more creative work. Students can create online presentations and digital art to showcase what they’ve learned.

11. Go paperless

Going paperless is a popular way for schools to save money (and reduce their carbon footprint). By putting more materials online and utilizing technology, teachers can cut back on the number of copies they make and save paper.

12. Publish and present student work

Instead of creating a presentation that no one outside the classroom will see, students can use the internet to publish their work for the entire world to see.

13. Do more research

Learning how to do research is an important skill that teachers have always taught. EdTech just makes it easier. Students can complete research projects without spending hours in the library and can even continue their research at home.

14. Learn to code

Computer programming is an increasingly in-demand skill. There are a variety of tools for teaching students how to code, even in elementary school.

15. Teachers save time

Before the rise of EdTech, teachers spent long hours creating lesson plans and grading papers. With technology and the internet, teachers can find lesson plans and free materials online. Plus, apps and programs designed to grade student work can save even more time.

16. Raise test scores

EdTech can help improve student achievement and raise test scores. Tools that help with test prep and measure students’ progress can help teachers bring up scores.

17. Bring the classroom home

With EdTech, learning doesn’t have to stop when students go home. Students can continue their learning at home using the internet.

18. Find free materials

Teachers don’t have to pay for workbooks anymore. There are tons of free materials online that can help busy teachers throw together lesson plans in minutes.

19. Turn review into a game

There are tons of apps available that turn review activities or test prep into fun games for students. This can make otherwise boring review fun and exciting.

20. Personalize learning for every student

EdTech helps teachers differentiate learning. Students can each work on something different on their individual devices, with each student focusing on their own areas of weakness.

21. Include ELLs

Technology can help English Language Learners feel included in the classroom. The internet makes translating materials easier than ever, allowing beginning English learners to participate in activities that would otherwise be too difficult.

22. Stop buying expensive textbooks

Thanks to the internet, schools no longer have to spend money each year on new textbooks. Information is readily available online, and it’s more up-to-date than with old print books.

23. Provide remediation

There are lots of resources available to help remediate students using EdTech. Students who are below grade-level can use EdTech tools to get caught up.

24. Provide acceleration

EdTech isn’t just for remediation—it can also be used for acceleration. Students who are bored with the material the rest of the class is working on can complete additional projects and accelerate their learning using EdTech.

25. Bring your classroom into the 21^st century

It just makes sense to incorporate more EdTech into the classroom. Teachers are responsible for preparing students for a 21^st century world, and exposing them to technology is a part of that.

What other benefits does EdTech have for students and teachers? Tell us how you’ve seen EdTech benefit classrooms.

*The Edvocate is pleased to produce its “Best of the Best” resource lists. These lists provide our readers with rankings for education-related blogs, twitter accounts, influencers, products, etc. These lists are meant to be fluid, and for that reason, they are regularly updated to provide up to the moment information.*

Math is known to be one of the most boring subjects in kids’ eyes. So, how can teachers make learning math more interactive and more fun? True, teachers can make up games to teach a math concept that involves every student. But, when teachers need to help students in small groups or one-on-one, how can they make sure that other students are actively practicing math skills?

One of the great aspects of having iPads in the classroom is the availability educational apps. With these apps, students can individually learn, practice, and have fun with different subjects and concepts. Luckily, there are many good, quality math apps for students of all ages.

#1 Prodigy Game – This app is free for teachers and aligns with math curriculum for grades 1-8. It contains over 1,200 crucial math skills, keeps track of student learning and statistics, has virtual manipulatives, and animated avatars.

#2 Math Evolve – For younger students, this app has a sense of Space Invaders to it. There is a “Story Mode” and a “Practice Mode” to choose from. Students learn, practice, and improve skills in multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.

#3 Mathboard – Designed like a chalkboard, Mathboard focuses on encouraging students to figure out math problems themselves, rather than trying to guess the answer. It comes with numerous modes, such as multiple choice and a mode where students can work out the problems by hand.

#4 MathPentagon – Aptly named, MathPentagon is a group of apps that focus on five different math curriculums: ratios, geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and statistics. There are even more extensions that focus solely on the Common Core math standards for each grade.

#5 Addition and Multiplication Math Bubbles – Based on the Chinese Multiplication Table, this game has two modes. In the timed mode, students try to get as many points as possible in the limited time. In survival mode, if students make a certain number of mistakes, the game is over.

#6 Free Graphing Calculator PocketCAS lite – A perfect app for any grade, this app saves students and teachers the money of having to buy individual graphing calculators. Not only does it have the same functions as a graphing calculator, but it also has a 3-D plot option.

#7 Chance Lab – Created for elementary grades, Chance Lab helps students explore probability. They can flip a virtual coin, spin a spinner, or roll a die any amount of times and examine the results in numerous formats.

#8 Math Reference – With over 1,400 formulas and equations, this referential app helps students work on not only math problems but also physics and chemistry projects. It even includes numerous tools such as a unit converter, mathematical terminology definitions, and diagrams.

#9 SAT Math Trainer – This app is perfect for students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. With numerous questions that emulate SAT Math questions, students can practice for this major test during free time they have in their math class.

#10 ABC Mouse – ABC Mouse is a wonderful tool not only for math teachers but all elementary school teachers. This educational app that covers all the basic core subjects from preschool to 2nd grade has won numerous awards for the way it helps to teach young students.

#11  Jungle Time – Featured by the New York Times, Jungle Time includes a multi-lingual talking clock and animal faces to help young children learn to tell time. It includes face clocks, digital clocks, even Roman numeral clocks.

#12 Motion Math – Created for grades K-6, Motion Math helps students master some of Common Core’s most challenging mathematical standards. There are many visual, adaptive games to help build math fluency, conceptual understanding, and love for math.

#13 Operation Math – This app has a mystery story line to it; students are spies who need to defeat the evil Dr. Odd by completing different mathematical missions. Students can create their own spy avatar and many of the missions are timed.

#14 Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom into Numbers – Based off the popular Nick Jr. show, this app helps young children (ages 3-5) count, identify numbers, compare numbers, add, and subtract.

#15 Mathemagics – Metal Math Tricks – This math app helps students learn tips and tricks to doing math more easily in their head. It even includes practice sessions. This is perfect for older students who are worried about time on standardized tests.

#16 Quick Math Pack – Quick Math is a multi-app bundle, including individual apps focusing on mental arithmetic, times tables, fractions, and telling time. These apps are all timed, helping students to be quicker in solving math problems.

#17 Math Vs Zombies – Reminiscent of the popular app, Plants vs Zombies, Math vs Zombies allows students to fight virtual zombies from taking over the world by using simple math skills. This is a fun game that also helps students master elementary math skills.

#18 Wolfram Alpha – Wolfram Alpha is not just for the math classroom but any classroom at any grade level. This comprehensive resource has guides, tools, and references to help students master any curriculum.

#19 Mathspace – This app replaces a hardback math textbook. With over 30, 000 interactive questions, Mathspace covers the Common Core from grades 6-12, as well as other nationalities’ math curriculums (Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong).

#20 Apollonius – Created for Geometry classes, Apollonius allows students to create geometric constructions that they would have otherwise created with rulers and compasses.

Although some of these math apps are free, many aren’t. However, they are all very affordable—the majority are under $5. But, the price is worth the success of students mastering math skills while having fun.

In 2010, Steve Jobs announced the release of the iPad. Since this date, iPads have flooded into the workplace, the home, and the classroom. But, do these touch screens bring with them education qualities or are they just flashy gadgets?  Open Colleges states that 81% of U.S teachers think that tablets can enrich the educational experience and that students believe so too. So, if iPads have a benefit in the classroom, we need to start looking for ways on how to introduce them into the classroom and make sure that they work. This means setting rules, using the best Edtech and making sure that the iPad is used to its full potential.

 Eliminate Distractions

With free apps, online games and a world of content; iPads can offer too much of a good thing for learners. As an educator, this can be combatted by creating lessons plans that do not allow a moment for distracting or by downloading an app like ClearLock. This app allows teachers and parents to lock certain apps for a period. This ensures that all learners are only able to access the same apps at the same time and that they distractions are limited.

Live feedback

If every child is afforded the chance to have an iPad in the classroom, it can be used as great tool to gain live feedback. Shy and students with problems may feel more inclined to reach out in the privacy of their iPad accounts. This not only allows educators the space to tailor their feedback but provides insight into classroom statistics. Students no longer have to wait days for homework corrections, which in turn allows students and teachers to the chance to address problems as they arise.

Take a virtual field trip

Field trips are expensive and drown teachers in admin. With apps such as Google Maps, students can explore exotic parts of the world. Lesson plans can be centered around a particular location or let the students explore. The White House, zoos and art galleries offer virtual tours and 360-degree camera options. These apps are usually accompanied by worksheets and quizzes, allowing the classroom to morph into the Louvre.

 Connecting outside of the classroom

Half of the nation’s school districts use some sort of e-readers, and yet they are barely used outside of the classroom. While not all students are authorized to take their iPads home, those that can be engaging with the content outside of the classroom. Homework not only allows students more time with the class content but encourages them to connect with other students, videos that provide different explanations and abilities to upload assignments. This virtual connection is necessary if technology is to be successfully used.

Use the multimedia opportunities

iPads bring with them opportunities away from the traditional textbooks. The use of videos, audio, and Edtech products are opening doors for kinetic and visual learners. Educators need to offer students real opportunities to engage with the technology in their hands. iPads have built-in cameras, speakers, and other features, and if they are not being used, there is no point to including them in the experience. Specific edtech products allow educators to focus the features of the iPad that will be utilized in lessons. EdSurge is a great place to find a list of Edtech products that are compatible with iPads.

Displaying Digital Creations

The classroom, as a physical space is important for social interaction. iPads can be very solitary and as colorful as the online world may be, classrooms need to be just as decorated. The displaying of art, achievements, and inspiration is particularly important in younger grades as it creates a space that is conducive to learning and pride. Apps such as Printopia allow students to connect to printers at home or school. This app is equally useful for teachers who want to print out posters or charts.

Technology brings with it exciting uses, but without preparation and realistic expectations, it also can fail in the most organized classroom. Educators need to have a reason to use an iPad and in turn, understand the new problems and procedures that come with it. Using an iPad may be a great education tool, but it needs to be milked for all it is worth if it is to make a difference in the classroom.

 

 

 

 

Edtech entrepreneurs all set out with good intentions; to better education. While noble, these intentions are met with many obstacles and failure is easy.  Only 14% of teachers use digital curricula weekly. So while the doors of opportunity seem open, the market is saturated with products that never make their way into the classroom. If edtech entrepreneurs are to flourish, they need to address the fears that educators have about technology while pushing innovation. Below are 10 Tips for EdTech Entrepreneurs

1. Talk to Teachers and Students

As with any product, you need to know what the consumer needs. Doing market research is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship, and the edtech industry is no difference. Creating a product without having an idea of its practical use, classroom implementation or student’s needs will fail. Entrepreneurs also need to be aware that their ideas around education (which may stem from their high school days) may be outdated and the concerns already addressed.

2. Create Edtech that Serves a purpose

Not all edtech entrepreneurs have worked in the education field. It is, therefore, important that the product be defined and that it serves a purpose. Entrepreneurs should never aim to replace educators but aid students and teachers to better do their work. Having a defined purpose is also vital when approaching investors.

3. Do Research into Pricing Options and Investors

The death of any edtech product is unrealistic pricing. As with any product, profit margins should be slim in the beginning. Aim to appeal to a broad market and be aware of pricing models. EdSurge provides a comprehensive insight into pricing models and how startups can best price their product in the hopes of both enticing buyers and making a profit.

4. Start Small

Edtech entrepreneurs would love to have thousands of children using their product. This reality is only accomplished over time. Be realistic about who the product is aimed at and how much content will be available. Products that offer 500 unique lessons plans are not built up over night. Start small by offering consumers a product that is budget friendly to both parties pockets and wets their appetite for more.

5. Collect a Group of Creative Mind

Any edtech products require the skill sets of a number of people. By employing or co-creating with individuals who share the same vision as you, you can be reassured that the end product will be something that can compete in the market. Sourcing freelance web designers and content writers is an excellent way to start as their prices are usually lower than professionals, but the quality can be comparable.

6. Download and play with Edtech

In order to create a unique product, it is important to know what is on the market and how those products are succeeding or failing.  The best way to do this is to download and use as much edtech as possible. Not only does this give you an eye into the competition but it ensures that the product being created is not a duplicate. Sites like eLearning Industry have databases full of products available for free download.

7. Stay on Top of EdTech Trends

The edtech industry is quick moving and for a product to succeed it must be both innovative and accessible. By reading articles, attending seminars and staying in the know, increases your chances of creating a product that is in line with what is on offer. Thinking outside of the box is always encouraged, but it is important that the product is in line with current technological literacies.

8. Advertise Smart

Advertising should make up 7-8 % of the gross revenue of any new business. On top of this, it is important to advertise in the right spaces. Be proactive in finding web pages, magazines and other ways of getting your product seen by educators and prominent insiders. Advertising is fundamental, and without it, a great product can go unnoticed.

9. Interact with the Edtech Community

Networking may be a term thrown around in the early 2000s, but for new entrepreneurs it is invaluable. By connecting with other professionals in edtech opens doors to meeting investors, collaborating and learning from influential entrepreneurs who have found success. With the internet, this ability to network is easier than ever.

10. Stay True to Your Goals

This point may sound sentimental but staying true to goals is vital for any emerging business. Edtech products that promise to improve student’s vocabulary should do just that. This is not only a good life lesson, but investors, educators, and advertisers will be more likely to invest in a product that stays to true to its initial intentions. Growing and morphing are always good, but at the beginning, this does little to encourage success.

So, if you have an excellent idea about an edtech project or are already in the process of creating one, these tips offer something for everyone. It is important to stay focused and make sure that the good intention that fueled the idea, materialized into a product that any teacher would be proud to have in their classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classroom management is a skill that educators struggle with daily. Management strategies have to be adapted to fit different classroom sizes, age group, and behavioral patterns. Technology brings with it excitement, but in edtech classrooms, it is another aspect that educators have to police. Younger students naturally require more observation, but regardless, classroom management is an important aspect of any successful class. So, below are some ideas on how to use technology in but still be in control of the happenings behind the screens.

Historically, the classroom has changed very little in its layout. Teachers speak at the front and students are aligned in desks towards the back. Technology aims to bring students to the forefront of education and so a traditional classroom set out is not conducive to this new type of learning nor does it aid in classroom management. Educators need to now have an eye on their students and their screens. In higher grades, this can be accomplished by walking around and teaching from the back of the class, but with younger children, it proves more of a challenge.

Station rotation is a classroom management tool that is explored in  Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools by Michael Horn and Heather Staker. This classroom management technique is encouraged in K- 12 classes and has shown to have positive results in regards to classroom management and overall effectiveness of technology use. By having a number of stations with different tasks, educators can keep an eye on smaller groups using technology and can walk around and do micro-teaching. Students are given the freedom to work on a task but not without the control that comes with the job at each station. This method also changes the classroom set out and allows for student-centered learning.

Keeping students on task is hard for any educator. Devices bring with accessibility to the internet and other apps. As much as the classroom management is necessary, the upkeep of the technology is equally as important. This means ensuring that security functions are up to date, search options are child safe and that no additional apps are downloaded to act as distractions. Clearlock and AppBlock are free apps that allow educators to manage what apps a student can access and for how long. Apps such as they aid in curbing

 In 2014 only 16 % of students were provided with a personable tablet by their schools and the statistics on other devices is not much better. What this suggests, regarding classroom management, is that sharing of devices is a reality. Educators need to be ready to ensure that every student has a chance to engage with edtech if they are to reap the rewards. The station rotation method works well here as does group work.  By encouraging students to work together, educators foster relationships and make the use of a technology a social and an educational tool.

Another tried and tested classroom management technique is the policing the types of technology that are allowed in a particular class or lesson. “No Phone Zones” and rules around when technology is appropriate, ensure that educators have control on what can be out on desks and what can’t. Students need to understand that technology is not a free pass and that there are rules that exist around their use. This

So, new technology comes with new classroom management obstacles. Classrooms need to adapt to include technology, and if this is to be done effectively, then the traditional classroom will not do. Station rotation, group work and ensuring that the technology is secure is a good place to start. Students need to know what is expected of them and how technology is an aspect of the classroom and not a replacement of one.