In this new era where science and technology have completely changed the way we live our lives, so much has evolved. From the way we communicate, watch T.V, gain access to information and even attend meetings.
Education is not left out, as technology has trumped the traditional bricks and mortar classroom. One could even earn a fully accredited 4-year degree course without ever having to visit the four walls of a school.
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With so many virtual learning platforms available for all levels of schooling, it is safe to say that learning has also evolved and can be accessed by almost anyone who has access to the internet.
Here are top 10 digital education technology platforms for students;
- Edu Clipper
This platform gives you a chance to learn and explore educational content and references. In Edu-clipper you have high-quality technology-based resources at your fingertips. The platform is good for students who wish to learn. Every unfinished project can be stored on the platform. Students can also save research materials for projects such as images of their presentation on their individual pages.
There are also shared forums, where groups can work together on projects and also share ideas from any place at any given time. However, the disadvantage is that it is very difficult to navigate so you must be very precise with your searches.
- Kahoot
This is a learning platform that is based on questions and games. By using this platform, you have access to the discussions and questionnaires created by your teachers on it. So you can play and learn simultaneously. This platform is designed to promote game-based learning model and they engage you by creating a social, dynamic and fun learning environment.
Kahoot is flexible and can be used for several purposes. It is simple to use as it is compatible with any device.
The disadvantage is that there is a limitation to the answers as it can only be’ yes or no”, true or false or ‘multiple choice.’ it emphasizes speed over accuracy and it’s not a recommended platform for beginners.
- TED-Ed
Anyone with a desire of expanding their knowledge and understanding is advised to use this platform. TED-Ed learning platform enhances the creation of educational courses with the cooperation of the teachers, student and animators.
By using this website you can actively participate in the learning process of others. TED-Ed “explainer videos” help students have a better understanding of an idea and it’s relative to students of all ages. The video content is usually engaging. Wide ranges of topics are available so you can find videos on any topic that interests you. By watching a TED Edu video you can participate in an online discussion which is a very crucial aspect of your learning process.
One major challenge with students who participate in TED-Ed classes is that they only watch and listen but don’t do, and doing are where the lesson comes from.
- CK-12
Have you been trying to cut cost and you also find it difficult purchasing books? Well, there is way out using CK-12. CK-12 is a website that is designed for the purpose of reducing the price of academic books in the K12 market in the USA and also globally.
In order to achieve this, it has an open source interface that permits the creation and sharing educational material via the net, which can be modified and is made up of audios, videos as well as interactive exercises.
CK-12 can be addressed essentially as digital textbook.
The books written in Ck-12 can meet the needs of every student. By using CK-12 you are granted access to educational-content created in high-quality and you also get free textbooks.
Furthermore, aside from written text, students would also find videos and simulations. It is also compatible with all devices.
- Class Dojo
Most people enjoy being encouraged it’s a way of propelling them to do more and Class dojo has a great and unique way of communicating with students.
It’s an exceptional and outstanding communication tool for students and teachers. It offers real-time notifications like “Great job, Lucy “and “+1” for a good collaboration. Students tend to have a receptive attitude towards this learning process because of the instant feedback and points they get from their teachers.
The information collected can be shared later on with parents or guidance through the web. Class dojo is fun, easy to use, and it saves time as it records behaviours and accomplishments with just a click.
The downside of this app is that it typically judges and labels students by sorting and ranking and as a result of this, adults with good intentions are distracted and unable to provide students with the feedback and guidance they need to learn.
- Edmodo
Are you on a quest of finding an effective education tool where you get maximum interaction with your teachers? Then Edmodo is definitely the one. Edmodo is an unconfined and secure Web. 2.0 App social learning network platform which is used by both students and teachers.
This platform is ideal for visual learners. Collaboration is made possible in Edmodo as it has a platform where students and teachers can distribute assignments, course content, and updates concerning their assignments.
It also enables customization of the classroom depending on the students need. It can be used by parents, teachers, students, schools and school districts.
However, Edmodo has a downside which is the inability of interactions between students. There is also a lack of audio capability and this can really affect students who are much of an audio-visual learner.
- StoryBird
Have you got a thing for stories? And you probably learn faster through them, well, StoryBird is just what you need.
StoryBird has the objective of promoting reading and writing skills in students through storytelling. In this tool, your teachers are able to create artistic and interactive books online through an easy and simple interface which you can access. It’s another way of simultaneously being creative and collaborative. The stories created can be sent by email, imbedded in blogs or through several other options.
In Story bird students and teachers can create projects together and give constant feedback. It helps teacher-student editing. It is a great tool for peer editing and continuous editing help students improve their writing skills and become excellent writers as they correct themselves. It’s free thus giving low-income students a privilege to participate and engage in a creative experience.
The disadvantage is that as beautiful as it is, the artwork is actually limited and it’s hard to search for artwork with such limitation as students can end up being frustrated.
- Animoto
This is a web-based resource that enables you to add motion and life to your presentations. This digital tool allows you to create high-quality videos within a short period of time from any mobile device.
The interface is practical and friendly and it helps you create audio-visual content that meets your educational needs. It is very easy to use and has nice selections of templates and music you can choose from.
Animoto starts at $8 a month for a personal plan but a free trial is offered. The disadvantage of using Animoto is that the video and music synching are not specific and you are also unable to add your own voice.
- Thinglink
Everyone enjoys a fun learning process. Thinglink can help with that. It is a cross-platform of tools that can be used across all content topics and grade levels because every Thinglink begins with an image.
The accessibility of the service and its feature and contents gives you more reasons to use it. Thinglink educational tool offers students the privilege of creating new presentations based on their imaginations.
As a student, you are enabled to share your creations on any social media like Facebook, Twitter etc. However, the one thing you wouldn’t like about Thinglink is that you aren’t allowed to create presentations if you aren’t registered on it, which of course is a typical procedure for every platform.
You must also always remember your keyword you intend logging in.
- Socrative
Have you ever thought of a better way of getting thoroughly assessed by teachers? Why don’t you try Socrative? It is a new and peculiar way of getting assessed by your teachers thus helping you know when you’re missing a concept. It involves the visualization of results so you can see the live progress of your results thereby helping you and your teacher keep track of your progress.
It also involves real-time questionnaire that helps your teachers rate how well you’ve mastered a subject.
By using Socrative, your teacher is able to address your area of difficulty. This website gives you an opportunity to engage in quizzes and puzzles where you can compete against other students in your class.
5 Benefits of Technology Integration in the Education Sphere
- Teaching Becomes Easier
You are probably tired of your inability to understand theoretical explanations your teacher gives you. Thanks to the audio-visual presentation you will be able to understand the application of the knowledge in practice and your level of comprehension will be increased.
- It helps you keep track of your progress
You no longer have to rely solely on your teachers. These tools can help you keep track of your achievements and progress.
- It helps students enjoy learning process
Using online presentation and touch screen technology can make the class more interactive. You can join a Facebook group and engage in a constructive conversation base on what you were taught.
- Distance learning becomes accessible
One of the most trending learning methods is distance learning is that as a student, you can schedule your day and gain the knowledge of any topic your interest (i.e. any subject) with less stress involved.
Information can be assessed at any time. Whenever a lecture is difficult students can make research and have a better understanding.
- Makes Collaboration More Efficient
The tools and apps online provide a unique setting for students to engage in group project and this can be done right from home.
In conclusion, E-Learning has come to stay and is not about to go anywhere. In the coming months and years, we will see even better improvement as a way of making life even much more convenient. Digital Education is the future of education and must be seen as such.
