How Technologies Save Teachers’ Time and Increase Students’ Productivity

by Leona Hinton

One of the most important issues that teachers have been trying to solve for years is how to save time in their teaching efforts. Second to that is how to make students work as productively as possible. Teachers have tried a great deal of methods and techniques to meet different students’ needs. Still, the secret is not that difficult: Present-day technologies are able to make teaching and studying more convenient, effective, and even more enjoyable. 

Just for the record: Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Education, 48 states and the District of Columbia support online learning in the classroom (classroom supplementation, full-time enrollment in virtual education, summer schools/courses, and many other options)? Technologies have become an integral part of schooling. 

If you don’t use any electronic aids yet, then it’s high time for you to jump in. In this article, I recommend a few ways for making technology a part of the classroom routine to make teaching and studying much more effective. Additionally, I will provide you with information regarding the tools that I’ve used in the classroom and found both helpful and pleasurable. 

Acclimate students to the right use of devices

As a rule, teachers treat mobile devices in the classroom as a threat to order and productivity. It’s no wonder, since those devices have so many amusing applications available. No doubt that all those applications are far more interesting than answering the teacher’s questions. With that in mind, you should suggest to your students how they can use their smartphones profitably for their work in the classroom.

To stay productive, my students and I use the Unplag plagiarism detector. This software helps us avoid both intentional and unintentional plagiarism, and helps me waste less of my time when checking student works for originality.

Evernote is an app available for nearly any device. It is a handy software that allows students to take notes (text, audio, drawing, photos) wherever they are if their smartphone is with them. A good option is synchronizing all your notes no matter what device they were originally made on. Sharing is available too, so your students can easily send necessary information to you or their classmates.

Using dictionaries is necessary for various school subjects, which is why having a useful application that provides you with definitions and explanations will always be a huge advantage. Students can use Thesaurus App or Merriam-Webster Dictionary – both of them are high-quality, convenient apps, and my students tell me they feel more confident with these dictionaries at hand.

Another example of smart device usage is to have a timer, scheduler, and reminder like To-Do Calendar Planner on student devices, which they can use to plan their study day/week/month, set tasks, subtasks and deadlines, define and plan goals, and so on.

Use social media and collaboration platforms for effective communication

Both students and teachers have largely gotten used to the idea that social media is just for sharing personal life events, new photographs, and gossip. Why don’t you use social media for educational aims? Students are already accustomed to using social media daily, and making it an integral part of learning is a good idea.

I’ve tested two collaboration platforms – Twiddla and Skype in the Classroom, and both of them are good for collaboration and distance communication. That’s why, if students want to reach me and ask any question regarding the project they are currently working at, they can contact me via such collaboration platforms. These resources have a user-friendly interface, which allows quick access to each other. 

Create your own course on an education platform or suggest an appropriate course

Everyone should take a look at online courses platforms, which offer a vast array of courses from renowned universities all around the world. Perhaps the most well-known platforms are Coursera, The Open University, edX and KHANACADEMY. They allow students from across the globe, regardless their age, take courses in any field, receive certificates, obtain a degree, meet like-minded people from other countries, and enjoy their education. 

I strongly advise my students to take a course that matches their tastes and abilities. Of course, I’m always happy to assist them in finding exactly the course they want to take. And since I’m a TED Talks fan, I also advise watching some exciting TED videos and sharing them with students.

In order to decide what tools and teaching tricks are best for you, try a range of them before making a decision. Experiment! Watch your students’ reaction, and ask them what tools and learning methods they enjoy the most. Suggest new options and discover new technological means. And above all, have fun teaching!

Bio: Leona Hinton is a young educator and blogger from Chicago. Utterly in love with adventures, she also likes to express her feelings in writing. Leona will be glad to meet you on Facebook and Twitter!