What edtech tools are you looking forward to using next year? Tech & Learning asked readers. Here are the highlights:
WHAT TECH WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO USE THIS SCHOOL YEAR?
26% Collaborative tools like Google and Microsoft 365
24% Maker/STEM products
9% AR/VR, coding, robotics, & other emerging tech
9% Computer hardware (new Apple products, Microsoft Surface. etc.)
7% Furniture/New Learning Spaces
3% Security technology (cameras, ID systems, etc.)
3% AV displays, interactive products, etc.
WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE EDTECH TOOLS?
Answers varied for this open-ended question, but Google topped the list as the overall favorite. Other favorites included Flipgrid, Nearpod, Quizlet, Remind, Quizizz, Plickers, Seesaw, Edpuzzle, Front Row Education, Educreations, Sown to Grow, Beebots, EV3, Sphero, Soundtrap, and Formative.
WHAT ARE YOUR LEAST FAVORITE EDTECH TOOLS?
Answers also varied for this open-ended question, but highlights included:
■ Skill and drill and anything that takes more than two minutes to log into. (Dana Kickler, Instructional Technologist, Lackland ISD)
■ Drones with 8-minute batteries. (Holly Whitt, Librarian, Madison County Schools, AL)
■ Old computers. (Avital Aharon, Director of Educational Technology, TanenbaumCHAT)
■ Email. (Jonathan Margrave, Teacher, Etiwanda School District; EDITOR’S NOTE: agreed!)
■ Subscription services for application use. (Kerry Seip, Pleasant View MS, Pueblo D70)
■ Any technology that simply replaces a piece of paper activity. “Scanning a PDF worksheet for students to complete digitally isn’t advancing the learning process.” (Nicki Leigh Neufeld, Technology Coordinator, Tattnall Square Academy)
WHICH KIND OF TECHNOLOGY DO YOU FIND WORKS BEST WITH STUDENTS?
This was another open-ended question, but “hands-on activities” topped the list. Things with a low floor for entry and high ceiling for expansion, as well as things that don’t require WIFI exclusively, also made the list. Tools that allow students to collaborate were also popular, with Chromebooks and cloud-based tools being cited as favorites.
What did we miss?
Visit the online version of this list and let us know!
