Using EdTech to Solve Classroom Challenges

When it comes to educational technology, how can your school, college or program make sure it’s getting a great return on investment? EdTech tools are designed to reduce stress and solve problems for educators, so the best way to answer this question is to know what types of problems EdTech can solve. Then you can determine if your software platform provides these benefits.

Adaptive Learning. EdTech has the potential to personalize the learning experience for each student using data from previous assignments, projects, and exams. Tests can be set up to present students with different types of questions depending on whether they answered previous questions correctly. Students can be presented with different types of assignments depending on the areas where they most need to grow. Technology can automate some of the personalization that would ordinarily require instructors to invest hours analyzing student portfolios. 

Detailed Student Data. Similar to the above, EdTech tools can provide educators with an easy-to-digest map of every student’s learning journey. Students’ progress against certain metrics and learning objectives can be quickly reviewed, and educators can adjust lesson plans and exam strategies accordingly. Data reports also allow instructors to see if a certain student is especially struggling and provide concrete information to refer to in a one-on-one meeting. 

Student Discussions. Educational software platforms like Leo offer a Discussion Board feature where students can post responses to a prompt or question asynchronously. This format can be especially helpful for classes where students may have differing schedules and competing responsibilities (taking care of children, part or full-time jobs, etc.) that would make it difficult for regular in-person conversations to occur. Instructors can even ask students to submit recorded video responses rather than written replies. 

For real-time discussions, instructors can use tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Hangouts to organize students into breakout groups. Within these smaller virtual settings, students can engage in problem-based learning activities, such as collaborating on an approach to complex cases. Some research suggests that students who would not normally contribute much to in-person classroom discussions are more comfortable speaking up in remote environments. 

Office Hours. Instructors and students alike may find it easier to schedule one-on-one appointments when they can simply hop on a video conference call. Those who have job or family responsibilities to juggle can greatly benefit from this option, and it can also reduce time spent going back and forth on questions via email.

Scheduling. Keeping track of classes, events, and appointments is simpler and more efficient with a well-designed EdTech tool. Rather than relying on disconnected email calendars, platforms like Leo allow instructors to post lectures, lab sessions, small group events, and more—and students can easily filter for only those events that are relevant to them. Instructors can also set up recurring office hour events within a course, along with the video conference link. 

Regular Feedback. Frequent feedback is key to improvement—for students and instructors alike. EdTech platforms like Leo make it easy to create and administer evaluations, whether instructor-to-student, peer-to-peer, or course feedback. Additionally, evaluation responses become part of the broader data set available when instructors are reviewing student profiles for grading purposes or to create a more tailored learning plan. 

The right EdTech tool will facilitate interactive learning, effective communication and collaboration, and engaged student-teacher relationships. By applying technology to key problems and time-drains, instructors will have more free time to focus on their top priorities. Leo can help your school leverage technology to improve educational outcomes—learn how today.