Essential Gadgets and Resources for Educators

Essential Gadgets and Resources for Educators

In the ever-evolving world of education, 2024 has seen a significant shift towards integrating game-based learning and AI tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences. This article explores some of the most popular and effective platforms that teachers can utilise to make lessons more engaging, reduce administrative burden, and foster personalised learning opportunities.

Game-Based Learning

Game-based learning platforms have gained popularity as they make education fun and interactive. Kahoot!, for instance, is a game-based learning tool that engages students and teachers alike, making learning an enjoyable experience. Similarly, Brainzy offers game-based education in math, English, and science topics. For those teaching math, Frax focuses on teaching and mastering fractions in a game-based environment. Breakout EDU uses both physical and digital puzzle games to teach a wide range of subjects and promote collaborative learning.

Roblox and Coding Platforms

Roblox, with over 150 million users worldwide, has become a block-based digital game that serves as an excellent starting point for teaching coding. MIT App Inventor, Scratch, Blackbird, Codementum, and Sam Labs are other coding platforms suitable for students of varying ages and abilities. Kodable teaches kids the basics of coding while building their confidence through games, and Quizizz Lesson Plan helps boost students' critical thinking skills.

AI-Powered Tools

AI tools have revolutionised the educational landscape by offering solutions for lesson planning, content creation, grading, student engagement, and classroom management. Socratic by Google, for example, is a free AI-powered homework helper that provides step-by-step explanations and helps students understand concepts across many subjects. Notion AI integrates AI with the popular Notion platform, helping teachers create lesson plans and organize curriculum.

Canva for Education uses AI design tools to help teachers create visual educational materials easily, even without design experience. SchoolAI is an all-in-one classroom experience platform designed by educators, combining lesson planning, content creation, student engagement, and progress tracking into one secure and FERPA-compliant environment. Eduaide.Ai offers AI-generated graphic organizers, educational games, lesson plans, and instructional materials tailored to fill learning gaps.

Learning and Assessment Tools

Quizlet is a fantastic tool for teachers to create quizzes for in-person and remote learning, making building and assessing quick and easy. ClassMarker is an online quiz creation and grading platform, while Flexudy is an AI-powered quiz and assessment creation tool. Formative is a popular and easy-to-use app and web-based assessment program integrated with Google Classroom and Clever. Gradescope is a platform that teachers and students use for submitting and grading assignments.

Language Learning and AI

Duolingo, a gamified tool for teaching and learning languages, has been enhanced with AI capabilities through Duolingo Max, which enables users to engage with a virtual language instructor through Roleplay and receive comprehensive feedback on their answers.

Conclusion

The integration of game-based learning and AI tools in education has proven to be a game-changer, making learning more engaging, personalised, and efficient. As we move forward, it is expected that these tools will continue to evolve and adapt, providing teachers with even more innovative ways to engage students and facilitate effective learning.

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1. In 2024, virtual learning platforms have become essential tools for teachers, transforming lessons into more engaging experiences.
2. Kahoot! and Brainzy are popular game-based learning tools that offer personalized learning opportunities for students.
3. Frax focuses on teaching and mastering fractions through game-based education, making mathematics more interesting for students.
4. Roblox, besides being a digital game, serves as a starting point for teaching coding, suitable for students of all ages and abilities.
5. MIT App Inventor, Scratch, Blackbird, Codementum, and Sam Labs are other coding platforms that can foster digital literacy among students.
6. Socratic by Google and Notion AI are AI-powered tools that assist teachers in lesson planning, grading, and managing student engagement.
7. Canva for Education uses AI design tools to help teachers create visually appealing educational materials without requiring professional design skills.
8. SchoolAI is an all-in-one classroom experience platform that combines lesson planning, content creation, student engagement, and progress tracking in a secure and FERPA-compliant environment.
9. Quizlet, ClassMarker, Flexudy, and Formative are learning and assessment tools that make building, administering, and grading quizzes easier for teachers, both in-person and remotely.
10. Duolingo Max, an enhancement of the Duolingo language learning platform, utilizes AI capabilities to provide virtual language instructors and comprehensive feedback on user answers.

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