Teacher Shortages and Technology
More districts than ever before are using technology to aid learning processes in the classroom. Do the benefits of multiple options outweigh the disadvantages of non-traditional teaching? In the year 2020, districts around the country resorted to online learning as the safest method of education. Teachers left the profession in droves due to frustration with new technology, high expectations, and no training. Throughout the pandemic, teacher shortages have steadily increased, leaving administrators desperate for quick solutions.
What is Hybrid Learning?
The hybrid learning model is designed to allow students flexibility to attend instruction virtually or in-person. However, hybrid learning can be a challenge for teachers and administrators who do not have extensive experience with technology. The market is inundated with tools and tech resources which claim to make teaching more engaging- so how do we choose? We’ve compiled a list of education technologies that are easy to use, accessible at a fraction of the cost, and remain helpful for teaching, learning, and innovating.
Teachers utilize many tools to organize their classrooms and daily lives. Not only do these technologies allow for virtual personalization tailored to the individual, but they also serve as management tools, teach basic graphic design, and administer suggestions for interactive learning.
Here are the top five tools that educators swear by to stay on top of busy schedules in and outside of school:
1. Nearpod
Teaching is formative to kids’ basic understanding of complex phenomena and transformative to their understanding of the world around them. Nearpod combines the complexity of technology with easy-to-operate interactive teaching tools. Students can respond to questions with drawings and interact with videos while educators gain insight into student achievement through inventive assessments and simulations. The diversity of this platform combined with its easy usability ranks Nearpod at the top of our list!
Canvas is an interactive learning platform created by Instructure and dedicated to “elevate student success, amplify the power of teaching, and inspire everyone to learn together.” Deemed a “Learning Management Platform,” Canvas works with and for teachers to prioritize curriculum organization, instantaneous content delivery, and manage content dependent on student’s individual education needs.
Need to deliver a lesson to a large number of students? No problem. Want to engage your students in small groups to drive discussion? Check out the breakout sessions feature! Zoom is the solution for small and large group meetings with features that allow instructors full control and integration with other applications. Customize and share your screen, background, and more with this easy-to-navigate platform.
Flipgrid emphasizes social learning through prompts that require video responses. This free solution seeks to “empower” through student-teacher engagement and multiplicity of choice. Teachers and admins can organize prompts into “groups” to share with their audience, students, and associates.
Feedback is one of the best ways to learn how to improve. Classkick organizes teachers’ lessons and allows students and admin to provide feedback and responses in real-time. When students fall behind, they can ask for help anonymously while teachers collaborate individually to tailor to one’s needs. This platform organizes students’ comprehension of the material to improve their understanding.
When utilized with proper training, education-technology tools can benefit learners, teachers, and districts alike to ease the transition process of hybrid or virtual instruction. These tools can be practically implemented in lessons and allow students and teachers more time to discuss and exchange ideas, and serve as long-term solutions to teacher shortages for efficient time management.
Proximity Learning’s virtual teachers are trained to fit the needs of students and districts in their areas of study. Because Proximity does not use one specific platform to administer curriculum, Proximity teachers are able to diversify their classroom experience with multiple tools. If you are interested in teaching or working with us, check out our careers page and apply!
