As a seasoned teacher, I’ve explored numerous educational technology tools and am always on the lookout for the most effective ones for various educational purposes. I’d love to hear your opinions on what you consider the absolute best EdTech tools that have made a real impact in education. What tools do you rely on and recommend?
It might sound basic, but I think the World Wide Web itself is an incredible resource. It has fundamentally transformed how we access information and learn.
lindah said:
It might sound basic, but I think the World Wide Web itself is an incredible resource. It has fundamentally transformed how we access information and learn.
Absolutely, the web is a vast library at your fingertips. It’s like asking, ‘What’s your favorite book?’ and answering, ‘The library.’
Many EdTech products fall short because they’re developed without enough input from actual educators. However, some stand out for their ability to foster creativity, enable problem-solving, and support diverse learning styles. Notable ones include Desmos, Minecraft for Education, Tinkercad, Bee-Bots, and Microbit. These tools empower students to learn in interactive and meaningful ways.
@Logan
Tinkercad is a personal favorite of mine, and I’d add Arduino for more advanced learners. Have you tried Flowlab.io? It’s fantastic for students to create functional games within a term.
NomadNerd said:
@Logan
Tinkercad is a personal favorite of mine, and I’d add Arduino for more advanced learners. Have you tried Flowlab.io? It’s fantastic for students to create functional games within a term.
Yes, Arduino is excellent for building on Microbit foundations. I haven’t tried Flowlab.io yet, but it sounds like a great tool to engage students in game development.
@Logan
It’s definitely worth checking out. It simplifies game design enough for beginners but is robust enough to make genuinely fun and interactive projects.
@Logan
EdTech tools often reflect their creators—either very user-friendly and simple but fragile, or robust and complex with steep learning curves. There’s a need for tools that are both powerful and accessible.
@Logan
As a developer new to creating educational platforms, I’m eager for feedback to guide my development. Any suggestions on gathering consistent, useful user feedback for EdTech?
AmeliaScarlet said:
@Logan
As a developer new to creating educational platforms, I’m eager for feedback to guide my development. Any suggestions on gathering consistent, useful user feedback for EdTech?
Engaging directly with educators and students through pilot programs or beta testing can provide invaluable feedback. It’s also a good idea to maintain a responsive channel for user suggestions and concerns.
Exploring EdTech tools is a constant process of trial and error. While I spend a lot of time researching tools through channels like YouTube and Reddit, I’ve also found the email newsletter The PEN Weekly helpful for staying informed about the latest in EdTech, including research and practical strategies.
@LearningFacilitator4
I completely agree about the trial and error nature of EdTech. Do you think the education sector’s slow adaptation of new technologies is due to a lack of proper training or the inherent complexities of educational needs?
@NomadNerd
Both factors definitely play a role. The lack of training and the complexity of fitting new technologies into existing educational frameworks can slow down adoption. Continuous professional development and tailored EdTech solutions could help bridge this gap.
SarahPage said:
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Are there any EdTech tools specifically for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) that you would recommend?
Some of my top picks for EdTech tools include Tinkercad, MicroBits with Makecode, Scratch, Lego Spike, Google Classroom & Workspace, and Book Creator. These tools offer a range of functionalities that can enhance learning across different subjects and age groups.
Could you share more about the types of tools you’ve used and what you’ve found most effective in your teaching experience?
I’ve been using QuizWiz.ai recently for creating and grading assessments. It’s straightforward and integrates well with Google Forms and LMS platforms, which simplifies the process for both creating and administering quizzes.
@Alex
The ability to export quizzes directly to Google Forms has been a game-changer for managing my classroom assessments more efficiently.
If you’re interested in adaptive learning, check out this demo on using ChatGPT for automated assessments in Chemistry & Physics. It showcases how AI can personalize learning and assessment tasks. https://youtu.be/H3KDKlfcjqA
YouTube remains an unparalleled resource for learning just about anything. The quality of content varies, but the sheer volume of educational videos makes it invaluable for both students and educators.