Technology has completely changed how we learn and teach in the evolving education landscape. From immersive virtual classrooms to personalised learning experiences, the realm of educational technology, known as EdTech, has created many groundbreaking tools and platforms.
As schools and universities return for 2024, this blog examines the top 10 categories of EdTech tools that reshape and elevate the learning experience.
1. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Learning Management Systems (LMS) are like virtual command centres for schools, bringing everything from coursework to communication under one digital roof. LMS platforms like Canvas or Blackboard offer all-in-one solutions for managing instructional content, assessments, and communication.
Teachers can upload all course materials (e.g., lecture notes, readings, assignments) onto the platform, creating a centralised hub for students to access anytime, anywhere.
Here’s a scenario: a student misses a class due to sickness. Instead of falling behind, they log into the LMS and find the day’s lesson, assignments, and lecture recordings. They can ask questions or submit their work directly through the platform, staying engaged with the class even when physically absent.
Additionally, a LMS fosters collaboration among students. It might have discussion boards where they can share ideas, ask each other questions, or work together on projects outside of class hours.
Plus, the system helps teachers track student progress, identify areas where students might be struggling, and personalise learning by tailoring assignments or resources to meet individual needs – all contributing to a more enriched and inclusive learning experience for every student.
Equip your campus with best-in-class video solutions
Meet your school or university’s video production needs with a line-up of flexible and scalable hardware for video capture, streaming, and recording – all centrally managed. Perfect for lecture capture, online learning programs, and more.
2. Content Management System (CMS)
Content Management Systems (CMS) tools like Panopto and Kaltura are pivotal in effectively organising and distributing educational content. These platforms are versatile repositories for various materials, including videos, presentations, and documents.
A literature professor can use Panopto to upload comprehensive video lectures enriched with slides. The content becomes instantly available to students, allowing them to revisit these lectures at their own pace, pause, rewind, and make personalised study notes – facilitating a tailored learning experience.
CMS platforms also prove to be valuable in the realm of collaborative projects. Consider an engineering class leveraging Kaltura or Panopto to record and share group discussions, experiments, or presentations. Students collaborate seamlessly, sharing these recordings among team members and instructors. This encourages teamwork and provides a platform for valuable insights that aid in assessments and collective learning.
Many CMSs integrate directly with LMS, streamlining the educational experience. Teachers can then easily embed video resources directly into platforms like Canvas. This setup brings all learning materials together in one easy-to-reach place. It helps students move through their courses smoothly and enjoy a complete learning experience by combining organising content and following a structured course.
3. Lecture capture solutions
Software and hardware lecture capture solutions live stream and record classes for on-demand access. Recorded lectures provide flexibility for students: If students miss a class, they can watch the recorded session later.
Lecture capture promotes innovative teaching methodologies. Professors can experiment with flipped classrooms, assigning recorded lectures as homework and using in-class time for discussions and problem-solving sessions. This dynamic approach encourages active learning and engagement.
For a seamless experience, lecture capture solutions can be integrated with other edtech tools like CMS. For instance, Epiphan Pearl Mini integrates directly with CMS like Panopto and Kaltura. This means that a recording made on the device is automatically delivered to the CMS or shared through an LMS, creating a holistic educational ecosystem.
Small in size, big on pro features
For all your video capture needs, look no further than Pearl Mini™. Record, stream, and switch up to three full HD video inputs. Integrate seamlessly with Panopto, Kaltura, and YuJa CMS.
4. Interactive learning platforms
Elevate engagement with platforms that foster interactive learning. Tools like Poll Everywhere or Mentimeter can transform lectures into dynamic discussions, enhancing comprehension and participation.
Using these tech tools, teachers can create more engaging classes. For example, in a high school science class, Poll Everywhere can turn a lecture on the periodic table into an interactive discussion. Students answer questions in real-time using their devices, sparking conversations and helping the teacher know what’s understood and what needs more focus.
Mentimeter can keep students involved in a university economics lecture with live polls and quizzes. This instant feedback makes the class more interactive and ensures everyone stays engaged, whether they’re in-person or joining remotely.
These tools transform passive listening into active participation, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools
Immerse students in a new dimension of learning with VR and AR tools. Applications like Google Arts and Culture or Zappar can turn abstract concepts into vivid, interactive experiences.
For example, in a biology class, Google Arts and Culture can take students on virtual field trips to explore ecosystems and organisms. This immersive experience makes learning hands-on and memorable.
Similarly, in a history lesson, Zappar brings historical events to life with augmented reality. Students can use their devices to interact with 3D models of ancient artifacts or famous landmarks, making the past tangible and engaging.
These tools turn abstract ideas into interactive experiences, making learning more immersive and captivating for students and allowing them to explore subjects in ways that were once unimaginable.
6. Adaptive learning platforms
Adaptive learning platforms like Smart Sparrow and Knewton customise learning for each student. For instance, in a math class using Smart Sparrow, the platform can adjust exercises based on how well a student solves problems, providing tailored lessons to improve their weak areas.
Similarly, in a language course, Knewton adapts content to match each student’s proficiency level. This personalised approach ensures that every student gets challenges suited to their abilities, making learning more effective and engaging. These platforms revolutionise education by tailoring lessons to match individual learning styles and abilities.
7. Video conferencing solutions
Facilitate virtual classrooms and collaborative discussions with video conferencing tools. Zoom and Microsoft Teams are indispensable for connecting educators and students in real-time and making online learning possible.
For instance, Zoom brings everyone together in an online class, allowing interactive discussions and live lessons. At the same time, Microsoft Teams facilitates collaboration on group projects, making distance learning feel more connected and interactive. These tools enable seamless communication and collaboration, bridging the gap between educators and students, regardless of their physical location.
The APT AV range of leading IP cameras is designed and manufactured to deliver exceptional image quality, professional-standard durability, configurability, systems integration compatibility and outstanding value for money.
There are various APT AV high-performance and budget-friendly cameras suited to capture hybrid and online learning content.
The HD100T features an auto-tracking pan tilt zoom, an integrated ultra-wide panoramic camera and Full HD output resolution.
The HD220 Lecturer Auto Tracking ePTZ Camera delivers accurate and natural auto-tracking with an ultra-wide lens and advanced 4K CMOS image sensor to deliver Full HD video output.
AV.io USB capture cards
Capture lossless video from just about any video source, including DVI, HDMI, and SDI. Seamlessly integrates with third-party video encoding, scaling, and streaming software.
8. Digital whiteboarding tools
Bring the traditional whiteboard into the digital realm with tools like Miro. Encourage creativity and collaboration, making complex concepts more digestible.
Digital whiteboarding tools like Miro digitise the classic whiteboard experience. For instance, Miro allows students to brainstorm ideas collaboratively in a design class, creating mind maps or sketching designs together in real time, fostering creativity and teamwork.
Similarly, a physics lesson can help break down complex concepts by allowing the teacher to illustrate formulas or diagrams virtually. Students can engage by adding explanations or working through problems, making abstract ideas more understandable and interactive.
These tools take traditional brainstorming and explanation methods to a digital platform, promoting collaboration and enhancing understanding of complex subjects more interactively and engagingly.
9. Gamification platforms
Gamification tools like Kahoot! and Classcraft make learning fun and competitive. For example, in a history class, Kahoot! can turn quizzes into lively competitions, where students race to answer questions, boosting engagement and knowledge retention.
Similarly, in a language course, Classcraft gamifies learning by turning lessons into quests and challenges. Students earn points and rewards for completing tasks, motivating them to participate actively and making learning more enjoyable.
These platforms leverage game-like elements to make learning entertaining and interactive, encouraging students to actively engage with the material in a way that feels more like play than work.
10. Accessibility tools
Accessibility tools like Otter.ai and Be My Eyes promote inclusivity in education. For example, Otter.ai is a cloud-based platform that provides lecture transcriptions, ensuring that students with hearing impairments can access the content easily.
Similarly, Be My Eyes assists visually impaired students by connecting them with volunteers who can help through live video calls, ensuring they have the support they need to navigate educational materials or their surroundings.
These tools break barriers by supporting students with different needs, ensuring that education is accessible to everyone, regardless of disabilities or challenges they may face.
These 10 EdTech tools are the secret arsenal for those steering the ship of learning experience design. As you explore these tools, we hope you also envision the seamless, easy-to-use, and reliable platform experience that will define the future of learning for teachers and students.
*This blog is extracted from Epiphan.
About Epiphan Video
Epiphan Video provides award-winning, purpose-built hardware solutions that help your business create impactful video content.
The Epiphan Pearl range of hardware encoders is the ultimate system for maximum versatility with multi-encoding, multi-streaming, recording, custom layouts, switching, and more. It is ideal for live event production, enterprise communication or lecture capture in higher education.
AP Tech is the authorised Australian distributor of Epiphan Video products. Every Epiphan solution from AP Tech is backed by local warranty and support.
and then Add to Home Screen.
