Why are smartwatches and fitness trackers so popular? They are also great for encouraging exercise. It is portable and intuitive, which saves time. We are kept in control by immediate personalized feedback. The new educational technology has also transformed learning, offering personalized functionality that saves time and increases efficacy.
The selection of an online platform or another technology for your courses doesn’t need to be difficult. You can use the same positive qualities that fitness trackers have for education. During the decision-making process, consider the following six technology requirements.
1. It Must Be Available Anywhere
Online textbooks are becoming a standard for secondary and higher education. Students are provided with laptops and tablets by both schools and universities. Many students have their own electronic devices. It is easy to log in online. You can complete assignments and catch up on reading on the move. This functionality is crucial for student success.
2. It offers a consistent look and feel
No matter what device you use, the look and feel of an online platform should be the same. Students can access more than the text pages with the right technology. When students have access to homework assignments, concept summaries and reading quizzes, the student experience is dynamic. They are easy to locate.
3. It’s easy to use
How do students access your online course resources once they log in? Once students log in, the course dashboard should be easy to navigate. Users should be able to seamlessly navigate between course materials, assignments, and gradebook hubs. Students will likely become frustrated and discouraged if they find the online platform too cluttered. It is important to identify the most used hubs from the jump. This will make it easier for students to learn. Students should have easy-to-understand information about assignments wherever they are required to complete a quiz, homework, or reading assignment. At-a-glance summaries should be included in gradebook features. Once students identify the due date and point value for their assignments, they will be able to budget their time properly.
4. It offers data feedback
Data feedback allows us adjust in real time. It is essential that students have access to the feedback loop, both inside and outside the classroom, in order to be successful. This can be achieved with the right course management platform. Instructors can modify settings such as multiple attempts at solving problems, hints and links to the text. The instructor can use valuable metrics to measure student time, number of attempts, and date of access for a homework problem. These statistics are available to educators with minimal effort. These figures should be viewed by teachers for students, particularly those who are struggling, to provide intervention and remediation. The feedback to the student confirms their understanding. This also helps them navigate the correct path while they are working on an assignment. These features are especially appreciated by struggling students. Teachers can also access the answers and solutions at their discretion.
5. It saves instructors time
Online assignments should be easy and quick. You can filter your assignment by chapter, section and type in just a few clicks. Students want to have access to course materials in the shortest possible time. These items can be quickly distributed to your classes. Your technology choice can handle mind-numbing tasks such as homework grading. These simple changes will undoubtedly reduce your workload.
6. It can be customized
“One size fits all,” is often reduced to one size fits all. The instructor must be able to customize the technology. The instructor can then use the online platform to meet the needs of students, given their specific classes. To guide decisions, instructors need autonomy. What sections of the textbook should be reviewed in detail and which parts need to be covered briefly? What are the consequences of late policies? Are points deducted across the board for late items? Do decisions have to be made all over the course or are they specific to each section? Each section of the course has its own demands and needs that must be met by the educator. It is important to be flexible. How do you choose the right technology for your classroom? How can you choose the right technology for your students? Your thoughts are welcome. Leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to respond.
