Using EdTech To Truly Make A Difference
Despite the explosive growth in EdTech, how can we be sure we are utilizing it fully to be more productive in the classroom, and for a better learning experience? Teachers are saying that they could be more effective in the classroom if they had more time to plan and grade students’ work. 45% of teachers feel that the amount of time spent on “unnecessary or bureaucratic” tasks has increased [1]. There are only so many hours in a day. We need to better understand the major factors that can be automated using EdTech so that teachers and students can be more productive in the classroom.
1. Let EdTech Tools Mark Assessments For Teachers
With the wide array of EdTech tools available, teachers should utilize the ability to embed auto marking assessments so that students can also receive immediate feedback. Tools like this should be fully utilized to tackle the mounting pressure of excessive marking. Such auto marking tools work even with open-ended questions, so teachers do not have to worry.
These tools have the capability to retrieve data on students’ progress and performance in real time. With such EdTech tools to automatically mark assessments, teachers will be freed up to spend more time in the classroom. They can then take the necessary steps for improvement with the students, helping them to understand their mistakes, and build on their understanding of classroom concepts, using interactive learning. This would give more time in class for in-depth discussions and applications that are much more valuable in the classroom. Tools to mark assessments automatically will elevate, rather than diminish, the salient role of the teacher — to devote more time and expertise to the actual process of teaching while being more productive in the classroom.
2. Use EdTech AI For Tutoring
Over the past few months, both teachers and students have embraced online learning, and some might even enjoy the flexibility and comfort of eLearning. AI tutoring remains the most promising technology niche in the EdTech space and will be a pivot to expand learning. AI tutoring, which combines both machine learning and content created by real-life educators, offers a more personalized approach to teaching. Leveraging AI tutoring to meet the needs of students might allow teachers to craft courses customized to students’ needs so that their learning is personalized.
AI tutors help students to gain more information, as well as offer recaps from previous lessons — something that’s often needed, especially with larger class sizes, and with varied paces of learning among the students. It also encourages self-paced learning outside of the classroom, which is hard to achieve given the time constraints in the classroom, the costs, and the limited time that teachers have. Teachers will also have the luxury of time in the classroom to be more productive, going through more complex concepts with students, while students would already have some prior knowledge as they have gone through the AI tutoring at their own pace. The AI-powered EdTech tool for tutoring is designed for a pivoted, personalized, and discovery-filled journey that every student embarks on with their strengths, weaknesses, and ambition at the core of their learning experience.
3. Leverage EdTech AI To Generate Assessment And Quiz Questions
After students have used AI tutoring to learn the concepts, they can put their skills to the test with AI-generated assessment and quiz questions to assess their understanding. Assessments are an integral part of any learning environment and can help to motivate students. Learning happens when students are given the opportunity to build on the previous knowledge and experience they have gained. Research has shown that only telling students what they need to know is much less effective than helping them construct meaning for themselves through assessments.
Similar to AI tutoring, students can also work on assessment and quiz questions at their own pace, which encourages a flexible learning environment. Some students may study better in the morning, while others study better at night. Whichever timing suits them best, these AI-generated assessments and quiz questions are available anytime, anywhere for students to do at their convenience.
Such tools will also be able to provide personalized feedback and students can be redirected to revise the content that they are struggling with. In return, teachers are able to spend more time in the classroom going through more questions with students, to further enhance their understanding of concepts and ensure they have an ample amount of practice to prepare themselves.
Optimizing Productivity
The need for EdTech, paired with human intervention, is vital to be more productive in the classroom for both teachers and students to maximize the benefits of their time spent there. EdTech tools are here to make your learning experience more enjoyable and productive in the classroom for virtual, in-person learning, or everything in between. These tools are not just another bell, whistle, or ball in the classroom; they actually enhance learning and teaching in many ways and serve a multitude of purposes in education.
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[1] What hours do teachers really work?