7 Most Useful Technologies for Schools
Going to school today differs from attending school 30, 20, or even 10 years ago. The technologies impacting our daily lives also influence how teachers teach and, of course, how students learn.
It’s no surprise that artificial intelligence now has different applications in the classroom, but tools such as gamification and video conferencing also have their importance. Let’s take a look at the most useful technologies for schools.
Learning management system
Many classrooms now use a learning management system, a platform designed to help teachers manage the educational content they create for their students.
Teachers can use their learning management system software to distribute assignments, administer assessments, offer personalized learning experiences, provide real-time feedback to their students, and track their progress.
The platform also helps simplify communication between teachers and their students, which is particularly useful when students learn from home. This technology helps teachers save time by making it easier to organize and deliver their content, allowing them to be more available to provide their students with the support they need.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are among the most useful technologies for schools. AI can effectively enhance different aspects of education and, hopefully, help improve human intelligence.
Teachers can now use AI tools to create personalized lessons for their students and automate the repetitive task of grading their work. While AI takes care of paperwork, teachers have more time to focus on sharing knowledge and interacting with their students.
Students can enjoy personalized learning plans featuring engaging videos and benefit from the assistance of AI chatbots and tutors. Plus, AI-powered weapons detection systems for schools can secure the premises while preserving everyone’s peace of mind.
Virtual reality and augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality are useful technologies that students enjoy. When combined, these technologies can create immersive learning experiences.
For example, a teacher could use VR and AR to take their students on a virtual field trip, allowing them to explore distant or dangerous areas while staying in the comfort of their classroom.
These technologies also help create exciting simulations, allowing students to participate in scientific experiments or to play a role in historical events. Students can even interact with 3D models instead of looking at images in a textbook.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a collective network of devices communicating. In education, it refers to interactive objects that can connect to the Internet.
For example, interactive whiteboards have effectively replaced the chalkboards of the past. Teachers can use them to display graphics as well as video content. Students can complete activities related to this content on their tablets, which they can also use to collaborate on different projects with other students.
Like other technologies, the IoT helps increase the engagement of students who are used to interacting with screens and connected devices.
Gamification tools
Gamification tools harness the power of AI and IoT to engage students more interested in playing video games than in studying and completing lessons. This technology is all about making learning more fun by integrating game-like elements with educational content.
Think about interactive quizzes, games, and challenges that reward students with badges and points. This can motivate them to improve their performances and engage in friendly competition with their classmates. Gamification can provide a more interesting learning experience for students, who will look forward to their next lessons.
Assistive technology tools
Not all useful technologies in schools are about making learning more fun. Assistive technology tools make learning easier and more accessible for students with disabilities.
Assistive tools can be devices or software that provide disabled students the support they need. It could be, for example, a speech-to-text or text-to-speech app, a screen reader, or software that provides real-time transcriptions and automated summaries.
Students with learning disabilities can also be provided with a customized learning interface that makes it easier for them to interact with their educational content.
Video conferencing
Finally, video conferencing is a technology which can be extremely useful for schools. Of course, video conferencing can make remote learning possible. But it has other uses. It allows students to collaborate remotely on different projects and use gamification tools outside the classroom.
Video conferencing also makes tutoring sessions more accessible, simplifies parent-teacher meetings, and allows teachers and their students to receive expert guidance on various topics.
Thanks to this technology, students can communicate with their teachers and classmates remotely whenever necessary, making education more accessible.