Remember when “technology in the classroom” meant an overhead projector and dry-erase markers? Remember when it felt revolutionary when YouTube became more than cat videos and had helpful education videos for the classroom? (Shout out to John and Hank Green: they carried me through my social studies and science classes)
YouTube and a projector are literally child’s play these days to iPad kids and Covid babies who are entering the classroom today. Times have changed, and so have students. When there are so many options, what are the best technology tools for the classroom? Let’s go through a few of our favorites together and learn how to make them work for your students.
To tech or not to tech? That is the question of the digital age. How much technology to use in the classroom and how to use it is every teacher’s battle. Unlike other classroom battles, this one doesn’t offer much of a summer vacation. With constant new technology and digital platforms coming onto the scene, it’s hard to know what will actually help students grow and facilitate learning versus what will just fill up time.
However, educational technology empowers teachers to deliver engaging, student-centered learning. Tools like Google Classroom and Mission.io streamline lesson planning and delivery, communication, and student tracking. In today’s digital-first classrooms, these platforms help equip students with real-world skills like organization, collaboration, and self-directed learning.
Technology in the classroom does more than just save paper (but let’s be honest, saving a few trips to the copy machine is a win in itself). It enhances student work, creates interactive lessons, and provides meaningful learning experiences. When students have access to interactive games and tools like quizzes and trackers, they pay attention for longer. More student participation means increased engagement, which leads to better retention. (Read more about how to use gamification to enhance education here)
Digital tools in the classroom can also enhance teaching. Many interactive quizzes and other online resources have built-in feedback features. Teachers can provide real-time insights using platforms that visualize progress. Clear feedback makes teaching students a breeze by helping you know just what areas to focus on to support students’ growth and personalize learning to their needs.
Technology tools also give students a chance to track their own progress and think reflectively about goals and habits. With resources like Mission.io, students learn to take responsibility for their own learning and be more invested in the outcome.
Using technology in the classroom doesn’t just turn students into perfect learners. There are a few key strategies that can help you effectively integrate tech into your class.
First, use differentiated instruction via personalized goal-setting and feedback loops. Platforms like Mission.io incorporate feedback on skills like collaboration and initiative, so you can know exactly how to help students grow. Even something as simple as Google Docs works well to create a shared workspace for assigning, tracking, and reflecting on goals.
Another key way to effectively integrate technology into the classroom is to combine traditional lesson plans with digital media and interactive content. To prep for an upcoming science test, take time to study a chapter and then use a Kahoot (or one of our favorite Kahoot alternatives) to quiz students. Or, try out a grammar lesson with the class and supplement it with an interactive editing and revising practice. The best way we learn is by doing, so including some interactive practice after a lesson is one of the best ways to make learning stick.
Technology for the classroom also does more than make learning fun. It can lighten a teacher’s load and make classroom management easier, too. Tools like Google Classroom help with assignment distribution and communication.
Other programs like Mission.io or Notion help students break down bigger challenges into manageable milestones, promote accountability, and improve time management. Challenge students to take the lead in learning by providing them with a challenge and the tools to succeed. You’ll be shocked at the determination and creativity of students when they’re given a little bit of freedom.
Tech can also be adapted to diverse student needs, an absolute necessity when bringing together students with different strengths, needs, and backgrounds. With flexible task assignments and personalized timelines, all students can learn at a pace that is right for them.
Technology should be empowering educators, not burdening them. It should enable students, not distract them. Classrooms, schools, and entire districts can adopt programs like Mission.io to be unified in goal tracking, have clear expectations, and support both students and teachers. When students use Mission.io one year, they’re thrilled the next school year when they see that they can continue using it.
Read about how one school was empowered through Mission.io here.
Its real-time dashboard and analytics provide insights into learning trends and student success. With Missions across ages and subjects, there’s something for everyone. Real-life challenges push students to see how what they learn in the textbook will help them succeed outside the classroom.
Teachers can also integrate tech tools like Google Slides and Forms for assessments. When students can learn and answer questions as they go, they stay focused and excited to keep learning. Make lesson planning a breeze by putting questions, links, materials, and questions all into one place.
Not sure where to begin with all the options out there? Don’t stress: pick one platform, one activity at a time. Pair your ultimate goals with the activity or platform that would be best for your class. Need to help students prepare for an upcoming test? Try out interactive quizzes. Do students need to work on an upcoming group project? Set them up on collaborative docs so they can keep their ideas together and all in one place.
For longer-term technology use, look at platforms that support multimedia projects like Canva or VistaCreate. You could also use these platforms to help students create personal goal boards they can refer back to. These could be goals for an upcoming unit, goals for the school year, or goals for how they want to grow in a specific skill.
If you’re in need of a student-friendly platform that supports goals, look into Mission.io. Missions track student skills so students know exactly what areas they can grow in and how they can get there. The interactive and collaborative features keep motivation high and learning consistent.
Technology is more than a classroom tool. It’s a path to empowered, independent learning. With Mission.io, students don’t just absorb information; they set goals, reflect on progress, and take charge of their education.
Teachers, bring structure and self-motivation to your classroom with Mission.io. Start your free trial today and help every student have a “mission accomplished” moment.