When considering new tools to add to your edtech toolbox, it is essential to be selective. Too many tools can overwhelm both you (teacher) and the students. Below are some criteria to help you evaluate which tools are worth your time and effort.
Student-centered approach
A key factor when selecting a new tool is to ensure that it supports a student-centered approach. The tool should empower students, giving them voice and ownership over their learning. Look for tools that encourage engagement and creativity by allowing students to create, collaborate, and share their work.
Integration with existing tools
A great tool should integrate seamlessly with the platforms and systems you already use. This ensures a streamlined workflow and makes it easy to manage all your resources in one place. Check if the new tool works well with tools like Google Workspace, ensuring that all your documents, spreadsheets and presentations are easily accessible and well organized.
Can existing tools do the job or do you need a new tool?
Before adding a new tool, determine if it offers unique capabilities or simply duplicates existing tools. The new tool should complement, rather than replicate, the functions of your current tools. This ensures you don't duplicate functionality and add value to your teaching toolset.
Time to learn
Adopting a new tool should not be a time-consuming process. The tool should be intuitive and easy to learn, allowing both teachers and students to get up and running with it quickly. This will allow you to focus more on teaching and less on problem solving.
Frequency of use
Consider how often you will use the tool. A versatile tool that can be used frequently for a variety of purposes, such as creating classroom websites, student portfolios, and project centers, it provides ongoing value and is guaranteed to be a regular part of your teaching toolkit.
Cost effectiveness
Budget is always a consideration. Look for tools that offer robust features without additional expenses. Free or low-cost tools that provide significant value can be a cost-effective solution to improve your digital capabilities without spending a lot of money.
Sustainability over several years
It’s critical to invest time in a tool that will remain useful over the years. Make sure the tool is backed by a reliable vendor with long-term support and updates. Continuous integration with other tools ensures that it will remain relevant and valuable for years to come.
Collaboration
Collaboration is essential in modern education. The tool should support collaborative projects, allowing students to work together in real time. It should allow them to co-create content, share ideas and present their work in a shared space, improving teamwork and communication skills.
Versatility
One versatile tool reduces the need for multiple specialized tools. It should be able to adapt to various educational needs, such as creating classroom websites, digital portfolios, project presentations, and more. This flexibility means you can reduce the number of tools you need to manage, simplifying your educational technology toolbox.
