Technology has revolutionised the way we live, work, and play. It’s no surprise that education has also been transformed by introducing new tools and resources. With the right tools, education doesn't have to be a chore. These tools are collectively called Education Technology, or Ed Tech. Teachers can use Ed Tech to engage students in active learning, personalise instruction, and make learning fun. In fact, with the right Ed Tech tools, learning can be fun for both teachers and students. 

What Is Ed Tech or Education Technology? How Have Ed Tech Companies Transformed Learning? 

Ed Tech is short for Educational Technology. It's a broad term that covers anything that can be used in the classroom to Enhance or Enrich the learning experience. This can be anything from a simple piece of software to a complicated piece of hardware. 

Many types of Ed Tech tools exist, including educational games, simulations, and software programs. They could be something as simple as an interactive whiteboard to a complex 3D printer. 

Ed Tech companies are an important part of this process, equipping schools and facilitators with a better medium to teach, guide, and collaborate with students on any topic. 

What Do Teachers Think of EdTech in The Current Classroom Setting? 

Ease of Use - Though students quickly adopt new technologies, teachers may need training to use these gadgets - causing some apprehension about EdTech. Many teachers are still using lectures and textbooks as their primary methods of instruction, though EdTech offers more effective methods. 

Added Work Burden - Some teachers are overwhelmed by the prospect of adding yet another thing to their already full plate. They worry that they won't have the time or energy to learn how to use these new tools effectively. 

Not Aware of True Potential - While some teachers are quick to embrace EdTech, others may not be aware of its true potential. They may not have an efficient way to know how effective these EdTech tools are and, as a result, teachers are not really convinced about using them. 

The Cost Factor - Some gadgets and technology equipment can be expensive to install and maintain. Smaller education institutions or individual instructors may be unable to invest in them.

How Can We Encourage Teachers to Use EdTech Tools More? 

While some teachers already use EdTech tools in their classrooms, others may need a little encouragement. Here are some ways that you can encourage your teachers to use EdTech - 

  1. Introduce Them to New Tools

Show them how they can engage students in active learning. Many teachers are not aware of the true potential of EdTech. By introducing them to new tools, you can show them how EdTech can be used to personalise instruction and make learning fun. 

  1. Offer Training

Many teachers are hesitant to use EdTech because they need the training to use these gadgets effectively. Offer them the opportunity to attend workshops or take online courses. They can learn how to use these tools effectively and efficiently. 

  1. Promote Collaboration

Show teachers how EdTech can be used to promote collaboration between students and between teachers. Collaboration is a key 21st-century skill, and EdTech is the perfect tool to facilitate it. You can use classroom collaboration tools like MS Teams, Google Workspace, Flipgrid, Kahoot, Peergrade, and more. 

  1. Encourage Gamified Teaching

Gamification is a great way to engage students in learning. It can be used to teach any lesson and is a fun way to review material. There are many EdTech tools that you can use to gamify your lessons. Some of our favourites are Quizlet, Classcraft, Gimkit, and GameUp. Let your teachers try these tools and make lessons more fun. 

  1. Flip the Classroom

Flipped learning is a great way to engage students in active learning. In a flipped classroom, teachers can assign tasks like watching a video or reading a short story and discussing it in the classroom the next day. This allows students to be more engaged in the material and to have more one-on-one time with the teacher.

  1. Give Digital Storytelling a Try

As the world becomes more digitised, teachers can use digital audio-visual tools to enhance their lessons. These tools can be used to create engaging multimedia presentations. Additionally, digital storytelling can be used to promote creativity and collaboration. Some great digital storytelling tools are WeVideo, Adobe Spark, and Canva.

 

To Summarise - 

Though there may be several reasons teachers are not using EdTech in their classrooms, there are ways to encourage them to use these tools. All you need to do is show them how EdTech can be used to improve instruction and engage students in learning. 

 

Author's Bio: 

Emma Mooreq