EdTech Trends: What Schools Are Using vs. What Actually Works

IMAGO

• 4 min read
EdTech Trends: What Schools Are Using vs. What Actually Works

Technology is everywhere, even in schools. Schools use many different tools to help students learn better and make teachers' jobs easier. But with so many options, it's hard to know what really works. Some tools sound great but don't improve learning much. Others are simple but very effective. Understanding the difference can make a big impact on education.

Quantifying EdTech's Impact

As the EdTech market accelerates, a key indicator of its success is its market growth. According to a 2022 report by HolonIQ, the global EdTech market is projected to reach $404 billion by 2025, a testament to the increasing reliance on digital learning tools. However, not all technologies offer equal benefits, with their effectiveness often varying by educational level and subject matter.

One of the most ubiquitous tools, Google Classroom, is utilized by over 100 million educators and students worldwide. It's particularly effective in K–12 settings for managing assignments and feedback, but lacks the interactive engagement features found in more gamified learning platforms.

Another tool that is becoming more popular is the Interactive online whiteboard. This tool lets teachers and students write, draw, and share ideas in real-time, even if they're not in the same room. Online whiteboards offer many features that traditional tools don't have. They can make lessons more engaging and help students understand difficult topics better.

Choosing the right technology can make a huge difference in how well students learn. By looking at what schools are using and what actually works, we can find the best tools to improve education for everyone.

Schools today use a variety of EdTech tools to enhance learning and teaching. These tools range from software to hardware, making education more interactive and effective. Popular tools include:

1. Google Classroom: A free tool that offers assignments, grading, and feedback all in one place. It helps teachers stay organized and connected with students.
2. Online Interactive Whiteboard: Interactive whiteboards with AI-powered tools, real-time collaboration, multimedia integration, and seamless Google Workspace connectivity, making learning more engaging and interactive.

3. Kahoot!: A game-based learning platform that makes education fun. Students can answer quizzes in a game format, which helps in better retention of information.

4. Zoom: A video-conferencing tool that allows teachers to hold virtual classes. It is widely used for synchronous learning.

5. Seesaw: An app that students can use to share their work with teachers and parents. It’s a digital portfolio where students can showcase their learning.

6. IMAGO Flash: A video conferencing solution that enables seamless virtual communication with high-quality audio and video, making remote learning and collaboration more effective.

7.IMAGO Smart Present: A wireless screen-sharing tool that allows teachers and students to share content effortlessly across devices, enhancing presentations and classroom engagement.

These tools have become go-to options for many schools. They are designed to help both teachers and students by offering interactive and engaging ways to learn and teach.

While many EdTech tools are popular, their effectiveness can vary. Interactive whiteboards, like IMAGO Collab, have proven to be very effective. They combine many features in one tool. Teachers can draw, write, and integrate multimedia, making lessons more engaging.

By comparing these tools, it is clear that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work in education. Tools like IMAGO’s interactive whiteboards offer multiple features, making them more versatile and effective in real classroom settings.

Online Whiteboards: The Future of Interactive Learning

Online whiteboards are becoming more common in classrooms for several reasons. They offer a lot of flexibility and can make learning more interactive. Students and teachers can use them to write, draw, and collaborate in real-time, no matter where they are. This is especially helpful for remote learning. One study showed a significant increase in student performance when interactive whiteboards were used in lessons.

One key reason for their popularity is how they engage students. Teachers also find it easier to explain complex topics with visual aids like charts and diagrams, which can be quickly drawn on the board.

Here are some reasons online whiteboards are gaining traction:

1. Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same board at the same time, making it great for group projects.

2. Multimedia Integration: Teachers can add videos, images, and links to make lessons richer and more engaging.

3. Interactive Features: Features like drawing tools, sticky notes, and text boxes keep students involved.

4. Accessibility: Online whiteboards are accessible from any device, so students can join from their smartphones, tablets, or computers.
5. AI-Powered: This feature boosts efficiency with AI chat assistants, intelligent text recognition, real-time translation, and smart content recommendations for seamless collaboration.

These features make online whiteboards a versatile tool that adapts to various teaching styles, helping students learn better.

IMAGO Solutions That Actually Work

IMAGO Technologies offers several tools that have proven to be very effective in classrooms. These tools are designed to make teaching and learning easier and more dynamic.

One of IMAGO’s standout tools is IMAGO Collab, an interactive online whiteboard that combines real-time collaboration, multimedia integration, and easy-to-use drawing and writing features. IMAGO Collab leverages AI-powered capabilities to enhance productivity and streamline collaboration. With intelligent handwriting and shape recognition, users can effortlessly convert handwritten notes into digital text and refine sketches into precise diagrams. Its built-in translation feature enables seamless multilingual communication, making global collaboration more accessible. Offering a range of ready-made templates, IMAGO Collab simplifies brainstorming, lesson planning, and project management. As a fully integrated Google solution, it connects seamlessly with Google Workspace and Google Hub, allowing users to access Drive files, collaborate in real time on Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and engage in dynamic discussions.

These tools have been tested in real classrooms and have shown significant improvements in student engagement and learning. They offer practical solutions to common challenges in education.

Conclusion

EdTech tools are reshaping how students learn and teachers teach. While many schools use a variety of popular tools, not all are equally effective. On the other hand, online whiteboards are gaining popularity due to their interactive features and flexibility.

IMAGO Technologies offers solutions like IMAGO Collab, IMAGO Flash, and Smart Present,that have proven to be very effective in enhancing education. These tools make learning more engaging, interactive, and efficient. By choosing the right EdTech tools, schools can significantly impact student performance and overall learning experience.

To truly enhance your classroom, consider incorporating IMAGO’s smart classroom solutions. Visit IMAGO Technologies and discover how our tools can transform your teaching and learning experience. Improve education today with IMAGO.

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