Top 20 tools for Teaching and Learning
Teachers and students have never had as much access to educational resources as they do today. With technology at the driving seat of today’s education sector, teachers are tasked with determining which solutions will maximize learning outcomes.
From video conferencing tools and learning management systems to more novel solutions like virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI), the choices are endless.
Let us separate the wheat from the chaff and present the top technology tools for teaching and learning — 10 for teachers and 10 for students.
90% of teachers recognize the value of classroom technology. Those who don’t leverage technological solutions in their classroom risk missing opportunities across the full education spectrum — for administration purposes, professional development, personalized learning, resource access, collaboration enhancement, and real-time student assessment and feedback, among other functions.
For those teachers aiming to stay ahead of the curve, here are the technologies that simplify and enhance educators’ jobs.
1. Video conferencing technology
Video conferencing technology goes beyond video calls for virtual learning to include features with a wide range of use cases, such as screen sharing, interactive whiteboard tools, breakout rooms, real-time file sharing, polling, and interactive content.
While COVID-19 called upon video conferencing technology as a necessity for remote learning, it has expanded to a preferred solution of choice for various classroom purposes: distance interviews with subject matter experts, access to unwell students, parent-teacher conferences, board meetings, and more.
Google Meet, a part of Google Workspace for educators, is a commonly utilized video conferencing technology in classrooms. Teachers use it to conduct live classes, facilitate group discussions, and engage with students and parents in an interactive, accessible format.
2. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
A Learning Management System refers to software applications that allow educators to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process. These systems provide a structured learning environment where educators can upload course materials, track student progress, and manage grading and feedback all in one place.
3. Assessment and quiz tools
Solutions are available that, while making assessments digitally available for students, streamline the grading process. This form of standardized assessment allows educators to quickly evaluate student performance, offer immediate feedback, and even analyze trends in student responses over time.
4. Content creation platforms
From the graphic design capabilities of Canva to the video creation solutions of Adobe Premiere Pro, these platforms empower educators to create professional-quality educational content that can engage and inspire students. Such tools are invaluable for crafting visual aids, instructional videos, and interactive media that enhance the learning experience.
Many also require little to no prior experience with the platform. Canva, for instance, allows teachers to easily design visually appealing materials using drag-and-drop functionality and a vast library of templates, images, and fonts.
5. VR and augmented reality
VR and augmented reality are both novel and exciting. For teachers, its use cases include creating immersive learning experiences that can simulate real-world environments or historical events, making abstract concepts tangible, and enhancing student engagement through interactive and exploratory learning methods.
6. Collaboration tools
Solutions exist that facilitate both improved student and parent collaboration. On the student front, these tools help teachers connect with students by enabling synchronous and asynchronous communication, fostering interactive group discussions, and allowing for shared access to educational resources and projects. For example, with Google Drive, students and teachers can store, share, and collaborate on documents and projects in real-time from anywhere — taking collaboration beyond the classroom, in-person bounds.
On the parent front, these tools provide a platform for regular updates on student progress, direct messaging capabilities with educators, and access to upcoming school events and homework assignments — keeping parents engaged and informed about their child’s educational journey.
7. Digital feedback tools
Digital feedback tools make it easy for teachers to provide timely and specific feedback on student assignments, track revision history, and facilitate a continuous dialogue about student progress. These tools often integrate seamlessly with learning management systems to streamline the feedback process and enhance the learning experience.
8. Lesson recording learning technologies
Through lesson recording learning technologies, teachers can capture their lectures and classroom activities, allowing students to revisit lessons at their convenience. This is particularly beneficial for reinforcing material, accommodating different learning speeds, and providing resources for students who were absent or need additional review.
9. Learning analytics tools
Today more than ever, teachers can use analytics to track individual student performance, identify learning trends within the classroom, and tailor instruction to meet the specific needs of their students. More specifically, teachers can use analytics — such as engagement metrics, performance trends, and learning pathways — to better inform and tailor lessons and learning strategies more generally.
10. Gamification technologies
While acting as a core learning technology, educational games also enhance the role of teachers by introducing elements of light-hearted competition and reward into the educational process. Educational games help to increase student engagement, motivation, and retention of information, making learning a more dynamic and enjoyable experience.
Like the technologies that enhance the roles of teachers, there are also many solutions that facilitate next-generation learning — let’s look into ten top tools for enhancing student learning outcomes.
1. Adaptive learning platforms
Adaptive learning platforms refer to software that modifies the presentation of material in response to student performance. These platforms use algorithms to assess a student’s knowledge level and adapt in real time, providing personalized resources and activities to challenge and support the learner appropriately.
2. Spaced repetition tools
A study by the U.S. Department of Education shows that students who studied in spaced intervals achieved an adjusted mean exam score of 70%, outperforming those who studied in massed sessions (64%) and those who did not study at all (61%).
This form of learning involves systematically spacing out study sessions over time. Spaced repetition software facilitates this process by both reminding learners when to review specific material and providing the tools for recall.
3. Video-based learning platforms
Video-based learning platforms refer to online learning tools that deliver educational content primarily through video format, generally with accompanying tools — used for everything from delivering lectures to demonstrating practical skills and procedures. These platforms’ features include interactive transcripts, note-taking capabilities, and embedded assessment tools.
4. Note taking tools
Much study has been directed toward note taking optimization. Developers draw on research insights to develop next-generation note taking tools that offer functionalities such as real-time collaboration, cloud syncing, and content organization features. These tools are designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of capturing, reviewing, and retaining information during lectures or self-study sessions.
5. Gamified learning platforms
Gamification tools facilitate improved learning outcomes by incorporating elements of play, competition, and achievement into educational activities. These platforms use game mechanics — such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges — to motivate students, increase engagement, and make learning more interactive and enjoyable.
6. Simulation tools
Simulation tools refer to applications that create immersive, interactive environments where students can practice and apply skills in a virtual setting. For K-12 education, these tools offer opportunities to experiment with scientific principles, solve complex math problems, or participate in historical reenactments, among other use cases — all within a controlled, safe environment that mimics real-world scenarios.
7. Mind mapping technologies
Mind mapping technologies help student learning by allowing them to visually organize information in a structured format that mirrors the way the brain naturally processes information. This helps enhance memory retention, fostering creativity, and improving problem-solving abilities by making connections between different concepts easier to understand and recall.
8. Writing and grammar tools
Writing and grammar tools assist students by providing real-time feedback on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. These platforms often include features that help build vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and develop a stronger writing style.
Many commonly utilized classroom technologies integrate writing and grammar tools. Think Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and other Office 365 solutions, for example: Office 365 tools incorporate advanced AI-driven functionalities, such as Editor in Microsoft Word, which not only corrects grammatical errors but also provides stylistic suggestions.
9. Time management technologies
Time management solutions help students seamlessly organize and prioritize their academic and personal tasks. These tools often include digital calendars, reminders, task lists, and project tracking capabilities, among other time management functions.
10. Artificial intelligence solutions
AI, while new, is changing the classroom environment and education technology as a whole. From real-time learning assistants and automated grading systems to streamlined content creation and much more, AI is informing the today and tomorrow of education.
Currently, artificial intelligence chatbots are among the most utilized solutions. These chatbots serve as on-demand resources for students, providing immediate answers to queries, offering explanations for complex topics, and guiding through homework and revision materials, among other use cases.
With technology comes cybersecurity and exposure risks
While all of the technologies we’ve mentioned provide teachers and students with new levels of opportunities and tools for education, they also bring challenges — particularly when it comes to cybersecurity and safety risks.
K-12 education is among the most highly targeted groups by cybercriminals. A breach in a school’s system can — and frequently does — have far-reaching financial, reputational, and operational consequences. Similarly, schools face the ongoing risk of students gaining access to material that could either introduce malware or expose themselves or other students to inappropriate or harmful content.
In turn, schools use next-generation software to protect students online and strengthen their security posture.
ManagedMethods is home to a suite of advanced cybersecurity and digital monitoring software. Soon, ManagedMethods will be releasing Classroom Manager.
Classroom Manager enables teachers to oversee student device activities in real-time. They can block access to unsuitable or distracting websites and guide students toward sanctioned educational content. Moreover, the “Scenes” feature allows teachers to organize students into groups and tailor their internet access by restricting or granting permissions to specific sites, facilitating personalized learning experiences.
Additionally, the platform features a user-friendly, centralized admin panel that allows IT administrators and teachers to easily configure and manage classes, oversee active sessions, monitor platform usage by teachers, and tailor settings to ensure a secure and productive educational environment.
Click here to learn more about Classroom Manager and its early-bird pricing options.
