Let’s have a look at technologies transforming the EdTech Sector in 2021. Technology has changed the way we communicate, discover information, and learn new skills. But these technologies have created a challenge for educators across the globe — how do you integrate into education the new technology that is emerging? This blog post takes a look at some of today’s top EdTech tools that are already being widely used by educators across the country. They’re helping students get ahead in school by providing them with access to advanced educational opportunities anytime and anywhere. Let’s find out more!
Some of today’s most popular educational technology tools can help students stay competitive in a class by supplementing instruction with technological support intended to make learning more engaging for children.
The educational technology sector has developed in tandem with the mobile technology sector — these two industries are closely linked because students typically demand access to mobile devices to learn while they’re out of school.
Technologies Transforming The EdTech Sector
1.) AR, VR and MR
Educators are increasingly using augmented reality glasses, VR headsets, and MR headsets in the classroom to supplement the learning process. Read more about AR, VR and MR here.
2.) Cloud computing
Cloud computing allows students to access their education content from a variety of devices. Many students prefer a hybrid solution that includes the cloud, but still has a local storage option for offline access. Read more about cloud computing here.
3.) Digital Textbooks
Digital textbooks are taking over the education world. According to ZenPen, 85% of college students would prefer digital textbooks over hard copies any day of the week. And this trend is becoming increasingly common in K-12 classrooms as well. Teachers and school districts save money by cutting out the cost of printing and distribution, while reducing space requirements in storage facilities.
4) Blockchain
The blockchain approach to education has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn. This technology makes it possible for students to access assessments and records of their activities in order to track progress through courses, making it easier for them to access certification and advanced degrees.
5.) Gamification
Game-based learning is a powerful approach that has become increasingly popular among educators who seek to make their education lessons more interactive, engaging, and fun. While there are some risks that go along with this kind of learning strategy, when used appropriately, game-based approaches can help students build skills in critical thinking and problem solving while they’re having fun.
5.) IOT
IOT stands for “Internet of Things” — basically, the use of devices that are connected to the internet — that can collect data about their environments. IOT devices are being used to track student performance in the classroom, adjust the temperature level in classrooms, and measure electricity usage.
7.) Videographics
Videographics refers to the use of educational videos in the classroom — this is a trend that’s been gaining steam over the past few years. What’s interesting is that consumers are actually expected to increase their appetite for educational video content in the coming years.
8.) Machine Learning
Machine learning is an approach to AI that has the potential to help students learn more efficiently. This technology can analyze student performance in order to assess progress and provide tailored recommendations for improvement.
9.) Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has garnered a lot of attention in recent years, and it has the potential to transform learning in the future. AI is being used in ways that range from helping students improve their grades to improving connections to their peers.
10.) Mobile Apps and online learning tools
Mobile apps are already transforming the way students learn. For example, many students use mobile apps to schedule class time, store their personal learning records, and access lessons that help them succeed in coursework.
Smartphones are powerful devices for students who want to share their work with others, or who need to conduct research for school projects. The use of smartphones in the classroom has exploded over the last few years, and it’s important for educators to understand how exactly students use their smartphones in classrooms throughout the day.
Quizzes have been around for a long time — a Google search turns up thousands of results relating to quizzes in education. The problem with traditional quizzes is that students often don’t know what they’re being tested on, so it’s easy to miss the right answer and fail the quiz due to lack of preparation. But many educators have turned to online resources like Quizlet where they can create convenient resources for their students.
Lumosity is a popular EdTech app used for cognitive enhancement, with more than 100 million users worldwide. The curriculum features games and exercises designed to improve the cognitive performance of students, bringing them closer to mastery in their academic skills.
11.) Wearables
Wearable tech is becoming increasingly common in the world of education, with students equipping themselves with smartwatches that can help them stay on top of assignments and improve their performance in class.
12.) Distance learning programs
Distance learning programs are an important form of online education that is rapidly gaining traction in the classroom. According to research, about 70% of parents think that their children would benefit from online learning opportunities.
13.) Online projects
Online projects are valuable tools for group learning activities. Students work together on projects that require them to collaborate and communicate with one another in order to develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
14.) Moodboards
Moodboards are project-based websites that allow students to collaborate on real-life assignments that address important topics like architecture, music, or marketing. Moodboards provide students with the ability to collect ideas from the entire community of learners around the world while providing valuable insight into what other people learn about pertinent topics.
15.) Social media
Students are engaging with social media like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and more at an increasingly younger age. Research shows that young people tend to confide more in each other through social media than older generations do.
Conclusion
There is evidence of a strong link between communication devices and children’s academic performance. However, the effects of all these communication technologies vary depending on how effective they are at improving children’s communication skills.
Read more on the impact of smart teaching in schools.