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Get Inspired: EdTech Trends We Love

High school website in Dublin

Schools are rapidly adopting innovative strategies to boost student engagement and success rates. The use of technology in the classroom facilitates critical thinking, an enhanced learning experience, and student creativity. Here are some of our favorite trends in Education Technology. 

Maker Spaces

Maker Spaces are beginning to be seen in schools across the world. Featuring 3D printers, digital rendering software, art supplies, and more, they serve as a hub for student creativity. Pupils develop valuable STEAM skills while interacting with peers and teachers. While playing and working, students learn to problem-solve, design, and experiment in all areas of their life. Learn more about starting a Maker Space here.

Collaborative Learning

Research demonstrates that collaborative learning, whether in small groups or peer-to-peer, helps promote higher-level thinking in students. Students do not learn alone but strive towards learning in groups. This is especially helpful for learners in the 21st century as this is how many companies operate.

Teachers are taking collaboration to the digital level is with programs such as Google Drive, blogs, and video conferencing. Students are able to collaborate not just with their classmates, but on a global scale.

 

Gamification

Gamification in learning is an emerging teaching strategy based on the psychology of video games. Students are incentivized to learn and develop skills, boosting motivation and satisfaction. Gamification promotes active learning and engagement among students.

 

Seamless communication

Parents and pupils expect a seamless communications process between school and home. It’s what they experience in every other aspect of their life. To provide this, schools can use a platform like iClass, which allows for dynamic mobile messaging between parents and schools. With iClass, schools can manage all communications, including event registration, volunteer sign-ups, online publishing, and parent-teacher interactions. An intuitive communications process is critical for parent engagement and student success.

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Inspire and Engage Students with a Blog

Inspire and Engage Students with a Blog

Blogs are a free (and fun!) way to connect with students and parents outside of the classroom. It’s simple to get started – all you need is something to write about. Share new teaching ideas, classroom successes, or plans for the year. Here are 5 reasons to start blogging!

 

 

1. Connect with students outside of the classroom

Using a blog, teachers can engage with their students by publishing content that is convenient and relates directly to specific classes and topics. The ability to learn does not end when the class ends, and neither should the ability to teach. A blog post can be created and published quickly in order to reach the students in a moments notice. Whether it is a reminder about an assignment or more details on classroom topics; a post is convenient for both teachers and students.

 

2. Post relevant and helpful guides to students

Teachers are able to provide students with tips and tricks for specific assessments in a frequent and relevant manner. New project? Create a post outlining the assignment with extra advice and links to websites for research. Blog posts allow students to benefit from readily accessible information and feel well informed about topics discussed in class.

 

3. Keep parents informed

A blog can also keep parents informed about the topics their children are learning in class. Teachers posting information about specific projects, assignments, and tests can also be directed at parents. These posts will equip parents with the information and tools necessary to help their own children succeed.

Nearly 65% of Parents in a study completed by Public Agenda said that they wish they could be more involved in their child’s education.

Additionally, about 55% of Parents felt that parent involvement could be improved by “knowing more about what benchmarks and skills your child should be mastering at the end of every school year”. The more informed parents are about their child’s education the more helpful they can be for teachers.

 

4. Post additional information for students to use

With limited time in the classroom, teachers can post additional information for students related to specific topics and assignments. A blog can provide students will simple tasks, videos and articles to read after school. Homework need not be limited to mundane paper assignments but instead can incorporate different types of media and sources. Examples of media that could be incorporated as homework in a blog post include a Ted talk or podcast.

 

5. Freedom to customize the course or classroom

Blog posts can be simple and extremely easy for teachers to use. With a simple format, teachers do not need to spend extra time creating pamphlets or slide presentations. Teachers may post information in a manner that they think will be helpful for their students and classroom. Aside from students, teachers can ease communications with parents and determine how involved they want parents to become.

 

iClass CMS provides a content management platform for schools and teachers. Ease of use is key – all functions can be carried out in 1 minute or less. Students can publish, too, with one-click teacher moderation. Learn more here. 

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