7 Classroom Technology Tools To Check Out In 2020

Technology integration in K-12 classrooms is here to stay. In the early stages, technology integration can cause growing pains for teachers, students, and technology teams. In order to make sure devices are helping instruction more than hurting it, it is essential to invest in classroom technology tools that support not only classroom instruction but technology organization and innovation.

Recently our team attended FETC 2020 in Miami, FL where hundreds of classroom technology tools were exhibiting, and even more educators were sharing informative presentations. Events are a great place for educators to learn about all the great classroom technology tools they could implement in their schools, but it can be hard to differentiate which classroom technology tools are worth the investment.

Check out the list below to see which classroom technology tools are hot right now, as presented in the FETC 2020 Thursday session “Hot or Not? Trending Topics in EdTech” which was presented by some of the biggest names in EdTech.

Here are the hottest classroom technology tools this year…

1. Flip Grid

Video is the most powerful way to share and consume content in today’s fast-paced world, so why not enable students to share their voice through video? Flip Grid enables teachers to engage students by recording and sharing short videos collaboratively. With Grids for every classroom, school or department, the options for discussion and collaboration are endless.

2. Trello

Technology integration requires multiple teams and people to coordinate and collaborate across a district on various initiatives and projects. Trello is a classroom technology tool that has revolutionized project management and communication and can be applied directly to education. The app allows you to create boards, cards, and tasks that solidify timelines and communication plans, allowing you to assign specific tasks to people in your district. Not only will it help you communicate more effectively, but it will also save time.

3. BreakoutEDU

As one of the most creative classroom technology tools out there, BreakoutEDU brings the challenges of an escape room into the classroom to encourage immersive and engaging learning for students. With over 600 curriculum-aligned games that apply to ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, this tool fits in almost any classroom and curriculum.

4. Oculus Quest

VR is one of the fastest-growing trends in K-12 education. During the FETC presentation, Steve Dembo demonstrated how the Oculus Quest is quickly leading the VR industry. Some of the most innovative features of the Oculus Quest are boundaries that keep students safe during use, the ability to transport hands and gestures into the VR environment, and specific educational technology games that are in beta testing.

5. Immersive Reader

Differentiating instruction is of the utmost importance with students from various backgrounds, education levels, and technology experience. Microsoft’s Immersive Reader classroom technology tool enables differentiation of learning by improving comprehension and encouraging independent reading. This tool will read text out loud, break it into syllables, and highlight different parts of speech to help teach grammar. The best part? It’s free!

6. Headspace

With technology integration comes challenges such as shorter attention spans, distractions during class, and exposure to topics that aren’t relevant to that class. Headspace is a tool that was not made to be used in the classroom, but it can be a great classroom technology tool that helps teachers bring students to the right state of mind. With mindful meditation that is compatible with all levels and ages, Headspace gives teachers the ability to tell students it is OK to take a break and be mindful, preparing for the day, week or lesson at hand.

7. Dyknow

You didn’t think we were going to highlight all these great classroom technology tools without mentioning ourselves… did you? Well, the great thing about Dyknow is that our monitoring software ensures that all these other classroom technology tools you invest in are being used to their full potential. Dyknow enables you to block and monitor student activity during class, ensuring that students are spending time using all the great tools you’ve invested in, instead of playing games or wasting class time on social media.

Did we leave out some of your favorite classroom technology tools? With hundreds of tools out there, we want to know what’s on your hot list for 2020.

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