Many young learners struggle to understand various concepts in mathematics due to a range of challenges common in congested school classrooms. Interactivity, concentration, and a lack of personalized learning could mean children who need extra help are constantly having to catch up to their peers.

One-to-one learning via a personal tutor can provide many benefits to a person which they may not get from school. Since the pandemic, tutoring online and remote learning has ballooned and developed into a whole industry, with heavyweights like Udemy, Coursera, and BJYU offering extensive online learning materials.

Resources like MyTutor and Preply offer services specific to tutoring and have even been integrated into school learning for students who need extra help. Personal tutoring has now become an accessible and affordable solution to support young learners with their learning, especially in subjects as complex as math.

Learn at the Right Pace

Sometimes, schools try to cover the entire syllabus by increasing the teaching speed. Although a faster learning pace helps cover many vital areas, it has a significant disadvantage. The teacher may skimp on essential details in a rush to cover a particular mathematical lesson. In such cases, your child might not feel comfortable enough to ask the teacher to go over it again.

That’s why a private maths tutor is important. As a tutor works with just your child, they don’t need to maintain a frantic pace. When you hire a good maths tutor, your child can take lessons independently.

Personalized Attention

The lack of personalized attention is a major reason kids have difficulty understanding maths. In a standard classroom with many children, there’s not enough time for the teacher to offer one-on-one learning. In such cases, it’s easy for your child to feel neglected and left out, especially if they don’t understand the lesson.

On the other hand, a private maths tutor offers guidance and support for your child’s needs. Due to the much smaller learning environment, a tutor can easily evaluate your child’s abilities, weaknesses, and preferences to determine the best way to teach. Furthermore, a tutor provides instant feedback and correction, ensuring kids learn each lesson properly before going to the next.

Better Understanding of Mathematical Concepts

Many kids find maths scary due to the various abstract concepts involved. Although a teacher breaks down these concepts into simple forms, the large number of kids in a class means there’s a high chance that some kids will understand a mathematical concept better than others.

However, a private tutor is skilled in breaking complex concepts into smaller portions for younger minds. As a tutor focuses solely on your kid, they can teach mathematical concepts in a way your child specifically relates to. They present mathematical lessons using various techniques and real-life examples your child understands.

Greater Learning Experience

At school, kids are usually only taught what’s on the syllabus. However, your child deserves more than that. One advantage of hiring a private maths tutor is that they typically teach more than the curriculum. Besides learning mathematics, your child will be taught efficient study techniques, time management, and overcoming various challenges.

Most of these skills can be easily applied to everyday life. In addition to math, a private tutor teaches helpful skills your child can use practically.

Top Tips for Hiring a Private Tutor for Your Child

Now, you know the importance of hiring a private maths tutor for your child. However, choosing the right tutor for your child can be tedious sites like yashina-tutors.ch make it easier. We’ve compiled some top tips for hiring a private tutor.

• Thoroughly verify the education qualifications of the tutor
• Ensure the tutor has a high level of experience in teaching the specialised subject
• Study the personal skills and characteristics of the tutor
• Ensure the tutor is honest, disciplined, and reliable
• Choose a tutor that provides top-quality learning at a reasonable price

The next steps

There are many benefits of hiring a private maths tutor for your child. Besides teaching your child at an understandable pace, a good tutor offers a one-on-one learning experience. Your child can make and learn from mistakes freely, greatly improving their confidence.

Simply put, if your child struggles with mathematics or wishes to improve their skills, consider hiring an experienced private maths tutor.

If you would like to explore more online learning resources, take a look at university materials at ETH Zurich and Harvard University.

If you liked this article, check out Online Math and English Games to Help Kindergarten Students. 

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In the lively world of kindergarten education, blending play with learning is not just beneficial, it’s a joyous necessity. This guide will navigate you through effectively using online games to gently usher your kindergarteners into the foundational concepts of language and numbers. Discover how to tailor this digital playground into an immersive learning experience for your young ones.

Here are seven best practices for using online games to boost learning and development in kindergarteners effectively.

1. Choose Age-Appropriate Games

When diving into the world of online gaming for educational purposes, it’s essential to select games that are geared toward the developmental stage of kindergarten students. Opt for games that capture their attention with vibrant colors and also cater to their learning levels.

This ensures they can navigate and play without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. Including kindergarten learning activities at ABCmouse in your selection provides a mix perfectly suited for this age group, helping to cement new concepts through interactive play and storytelling.

2. Integrate Learning with Play

Integrating learning with play is a seamless way to enhance a child’s educational experience, especially for kindergarten students. When you choose games that are not just fun but also informative, children absorb concepts more readily and show a greater willingness to engage.

Creating an environment where play and education merge can establish a foundation for lifelong learning. By using stories, characters, and challenges that stimulate their imagination, children begin to associate positive feelings with the acquisition of new skills.

3. Set Achievable Goals

Setting achievable goals is crucial when using online games to teach kindergarten students. You want to create a sense of accomplishment without overwhelming them. Begin with simple objectives and gradually increase the complexity for children to foster academic growth.

Measurable milestones are also important for tracking progress. For instance, you might start with counting games that introduce numbers up to 5 and, once mastered, move on to games advancing to 10. This progression ensures that each child can celebrate victories along the way.

4. Encourage Regular Practice

Encouraging regular practice with online educational games is a strategy that can yield remarkable results in learning consistency. By setting aside specific times for game-based learning, you create a structured routine that students can look forward to.

Make sure the practice sessions are short enough to keep kindergarteners engaged but frequent enough to reinforce what they’ve learned. Consistent practice aids in retaining new concepts and enhances a child’s ability to recall information. It’s about finding the right balance.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Using positive reinforcement when guiding kindergarteners through online games can significantly boost their motivation and self-esteem. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small it may seem. Acknowledging their efforts reinforces their behavior to keep trying.

Rewards such as verbal praise, stickers, or an extra few minutes of game time can go a long way in encouraging kindergartners to persevere. The positive association they develop with learning will carry over into other academic pursuits, creating a healthy feedback loop.

6. Incorporate Variety

Incorporating a variety of games into the learning process is key to keeping kindergarteners engaged and stimulated. A mix of puzzles, story-based adventures, and interactive challenges caters to different learning styles and keeps the content fresh and new for growing minds.

This variety not only holds their attention span but also helps in building a more comprehensive skill set. As they encounter different types of problems and scenarios, students learn to adapt and apply their knowledge in multiple contexts, enriching their overall educational experience.

7. Monitor Screen Time

Monitoring screen time is crucial when integrating online games into a kindergartener’s learning routine. Despite the educational benefits these games provide, it’s important to limit the amount of time spent in front of screens. Be sure to balance online activities with offline experiences.

Adhering to recommended guidelines for screen time helps prevent overexposure and maintains children’s natural curiosity for the world around them. Encouraging breaks during gaming sessions allows for physical activity and rest, which are vital for growth and learning.

If you liked this check out eLeap Launches News Performance Management. 

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Any room can be turned into a classroom when it’s being used as a venue for learning. The parents who have helped their children get through remote learning during COVID-19, with disruption in the US and circuit breakers in Singapore, can attest to this.

Now that the schools in the country are operating normally, academic institutions are again responsible for creating a positive learning environment, whilst also trying to mobilise learners into a post-COVID routine. Every stakeholder can play a role in creating a positive classroom environment where students can advance in their academic pursuits as well as develop into productive individuals and members of society.

What Is a Positive Classroom Environment?

There are many factors that contribute to the creation of a positive classroom environment. There’s the overall mood of the room, the level of comfort and well-being that everyone in the class is able to enjoy, and if the students feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings while in the said space.

These help build a positive classroom environment that encourages students to focus, observe, and participate. If a classroom were chaotic, hostile, apathetic, or totally out of the teacher’s control, then it would not be able to provide a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.

How to Create a Dedicated Space for Learning and Holistic Development

In a way, a school’s facilities contribute to the development of a positive learning space. Top international schools in Singapore, for example, make an effort to incorporate the latest educational amenities in their classrooms. However, it’s still entirely possible to achieve a positive learning climate even with more traditional teaching tools. Here’s how to do it:

Ensure Students Know What Is Expected of Them by Reinforcing Classroom Rules

The first step in creating an environment that is conducive to growth and learning is laying the groundwork for how students are expected to conduct themselves while in the classroom. What qualities should they strive to showcase when communicating with their teachers and classmates, and how should they expect to be treated by the people that they interact?

Firmly implementing rules from the get-go will help educators and students create a safe, predictable, and positive environment. Being aware of the rules and how discipline is conducted in the classroom will help students self-regulate and choose the best course of action while they’re part of the group. This, in turn, will give them the freedom to focus on their lessons in the classroom.

Promote Interaction and Encourage Students to Get to Know Their Peers Better

Part of building a positive classroom climate is ensuring that the members of the class are getting along well. The students don’t exactly have to be close friends, but they need to be able to work well and exchange ideas and opinions with each other.

Teachers can encourage more active interaction between students by making a daily habit of noticing and reinforcing positive interactions between students and incorporating short- and long-term activities that promote teamwork and communication in their lessons. It’s also a good idea to give a bit of help to students who may be struggling to approach others or make friends with their peers.

Pay Attention to the Physical State of the Classroom Environment

Safety and comfort are important aspects of a positive classroom environment. If a classroom is too hot, cold, humid, crowded, or noisy, then the students will have a hard time focusing on their lessons and understanding the ideas that their teachers are introducing.

Academic institutions in Singapore follow a particular set of standards for their buildings and facilities, and following this should help schools create a better learning environment for their students. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to a classroom’s aesthetics and ergonomics, ensuring that the lighting, furnishings, and interior design all work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for students and teachers alike.

Be Receptive to Feedback and Suggestions on How to Improve the Class

Teachers play a very important role in setting up the atmosphere in a classroom. They have primary responsibility in ensuring that all rules and guidelines are followed, and as such, their opinions and feedback matter to students, parents, and the school community as a whole. Just like their students, though, teachers will always have room for improvement.

Perhaps their students are concerned about the speed with which they discuss topics in the classroom, or they might have trouble following the submission schedule for their assignments and projects. Listening to students and giving thought to their concerns can help teachers build an environment where their students will not hesitate to ask questions. At the same time, addressing the practical concerns of their students will also help teachers improve their professional skills and the way they conduct their classes.

A positive classroom environment is a product of consolidated effort between teachers, students, and school administrators. Even parents play an important role in setting an environment that’s conducive to learning, as they help ensure that their kids are ready for school. Make sure all these preparations are put to good use by discussing the students’ lessons in an environment where they can focus and think about their lessons and co-curricular concerns. Follow the abovementioned tips to create a classroom experience where both kids and teachers can develop their skills and learn together.

Featured image: gorodenkoff, iStock. 

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A good teacher is capable of inculcating a whole new world of imagination and ideas in their students. With their creative ways of teaching, they can make complex concepts look simple and clear to follow. To really stimulate students, a great teaching strategy is essential, turning the classroom into a productive learning experience.

Not all students are the same and require different methods in their learning and retention. This understanding of the dissimilarities among various pupils in a class helps them develop wide-ranging activities and teaching strategies. The various teaching strategies can tap into the pulse of each student and create a dynamic environment where students learn from each other.

Teachers are professionals and often have an advanced education degree to understand full well how to train people coming from diverse backgrounds, help them identify and overcome their biases and capitalize on the unique qualities of each student in the class.

Show appreciation and encouragement

Teachers who resort to belittling their students and ripping them in front of others do not get positive outcomes. When students are knocked down and compared to others, they shy away from engaging in the class and ultimately receive nothing out of it. They are always unsure about their opinion and fear a reprimand from their teachers. On the contrary, a constructive way is to recognize the different learning abilities of students in the class, encouraging them to do more and praising them for milestones they achieve, however trivial they are.

In a classroom where encouragement and appreciation are a norm, students show significant improvement in their learning ability. So, keep a strict rule of no belittling, no shutting off opinions, and firm no to disrespecting others. These rules should apply to you and the students in their mutual interactions.

Promote collaborative learning

Students learn more when learning becomes a fun activity. You can create such a learning environment by letting students come out of their seats, interact with their other classmates, and work in groups. Later each group can present their work to the rest of the class to know what they have worked on. This exercise will also help them learn about working in teams, the efficacy of considering each other’s opinions, and the importance of each individual in promoting group success.

During this time, you might witness that students have disagreements with other teammates; they should be encouraged to solve their issues independently by offering necessary guidance. Don’t try to judge or take sides. This open and somewhat autonomous environment will develop natural leaders in your class. As time passes, you will see new leaders and followers evolve to keep group harmony intact.

Share real-life examples to teach a concept

This method is fast overcoming traditional teaching methods through bookish knowledge only. Instead of teaching a topic directly, start with a real-life example, a case study where that concept you intend to teach might have solved a problem. Share a case that is relatable and understandable. Later you can go through the bookish information, simultaneously linking the case study and theoretical knowledge.

This method reinforced by storytelling can significantly improve information retention in students. They are also able to better recall this concept at a later time. This way, you will teach them how real-life issues mirror the bookish information and how theory helps solve problems in reality.

Conclusion

There are various teaching techniques that can elevate the students’ learning ability in a classroom. The central idea of using all these approaches is to profit from the differential learning ability of various students. Some students are quick learners; others take a little more time. Developing strategies that are helpful for all the students create a learning atmosphere where everyone helps each other, respects their abilities, and does not feel threatened.

Further boost comes from the compassionate, non-judgmental, encouraging, and positive teacher feedback. Finally, allow them to voice their opinions using techniques and technologies that enhance their comfort in the class.

Featured image: Drazen Zigic, iStock.

The post 5 Tips to Help Students Beat Studying Burnout appeared first on eLearningInside News.

For parents today, the choice of possible schools is endless. From after-school programs on intensive language learning to online courses in coding, children have never before had so much education at their fingertips. To navigate this abundance of choices, a school directory guide is essential. It will help parents find the best schools for their kids, whether they’re pre-K or college-bound.

What is a school directory?

A school directory helps parents search for a school that suits their child’s needs. It provides information on schools in the area, including their location and ratings. You can sometimes even find reviews from other parents who go to the same school as you.

How to use a school directory?

A school and education directory is a list of students’ names, alphabetically organized by the last name, and usually found on the front cover. It includes information on every student in this particular school district/region. A parent can use it to find out who their child’s friends are or look up an individual they know to see if that person attends the same institution as well.

A teacher may refer students seeking assistance with homework assignments shown in class lists or for those needing help locating materials about certain topics; staff members might also have after-school meetings with parents based on the student roster printed from directories.

Parents and guardians will often keep updated copies at home too so they always know where their children are located during break times between classes when schedules change (for example lunchtime). This practice ensures safety should anything happen while away from supervision.

Electronic school directory

An electronic school directory is the easiest way to find schools that suit your needs. The directories provide information about parent and student demographics, class sizes, teacher-to-student ratios and more. They also let you look up reviews from teachers, parents and students to help you decide whether a school is right for you.

Online school directory

One of the first things to consider is what type of school you want. If you’re looking for something that offers a lot of one-on-one instruction or support, then an online school directory may be a better option. Online schools are great for students who need help outside of class or families that live in remote areas. They also work well for students who can’t be on campus during regular hours because they’re working or have younger siblings at home.

An online school directory offers online coursework and instruction, but you may want to look into other options as well if your child needs more support than just the occasional email from their teacher.

Mobile app school directory

Another option is to search a mobile app directory, which you can use to look up information about schools. A mobile app school directory lets you see information about specific schools, including their address and phone number, as well as hours of operation and class schedules. You can also search for schools by location or even by subject. This type of directory is great for parents who want to check out a school on the go or who need to make sure they’re keeping their options open in case they move.

Bottom line

Finding the right school for your kids can feel like a daunting task. There are so many options: public, private, charter, magnet, homeschooling—the list goes on. When it comes to choosing a school for your child, it’s important to do your research. A lot of people don’t realize that there are also specialized schools for children with different needs and interests. For example, there are schools for children who have ADHD or are over-achievers.

There are plenty of factors to consider when picking an elementary school for your child, but it is always helpful to find out what the state and district offer in terms of programs and services before you decide which school is best for you and your kid. Start your search by looking at schools near you with great reputations first before expanding outward from there. Once you identify some good candidates, visit their websites and look into their curriculum offerings (especially if you want a more academically focused environment), student-teacher ratios, available electives, AP offerings, and extracurriculars offered. This will help you narrow down the field until you find just the right fit.

Featured image: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels. 

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Having good math skills is something that will benefit learners in all areas of their lives. It is no surprise that the reading and math skills of students in the US have suffered as a result of COVID-19. If the pandemic has illuminated anything, it is that a variety of resources are needed in preparing students to deal with any situation that could disrupt their learning.

If you are going to continue your studies, in many cases it’s a prerequisite to have excellent mathematical knowledge, both to get into the right college and to excel at your studies once you’ve been admitted. Even if you choose an education that does not focus on mathematics, you’ll benefit as math surrounds us in everyday life.

When you shop, good math skills make it easier to make a quick estimate in your head of what the total cost will be. This way, you won’t have to stand at the checkout later and apologize for not having enough money on you. If you invest in shares, you can calculate how much money you’ll earn depending on whether the shares go up, and so on.

Having a few useful tips in your back pocket is always a good idea when grappling with a subject like math. Below we’ll go through some ways to improve your math skills and feel more confident.

Break Down Difficult Tasks

It is common to want to start solving math problems immediately when you get the task. However, it’s best if you try to understand the task before you start by breaking it down.

You can break down a more difficult task by writing down and summarizing all the information you received from the task. Then come up with a plan on how to solve the problem, and then implement the plan and solve the mathematical problem.

Ask for Help

It can be very difficult to ask for help, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride and ask. In schools and high schools, teachers must ensure that all students receive help. Everyone has different talents and abilities and may need different amounts of help and support. Start talking to your math teacher as soon as you feel that math is starting to get challenging. Tell them what you don’t understand and either the teacher can help you on the spot or tell you what math exercises you should do to get help with your problem.

There are also excellent ‘math help resources online,’ and you can seek a reliable and trustworthy math tutor that will help you improve your in-class performance and boost your overall GPA. They will tailor the services to your needs so you get the right individualized help you need to succeed with this broad subject.

Once you get help with math homework or assignments, you’ll slowly but surely solve your math problems correctly and feel confident in your answers.

Make Mistakes

If you want to improve your math skills, you need to dare to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of trying to do something difficult or something you have not done before. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes when studying math, instead see it as an opportunity to improve your math skills by learning from your mistakes.

Keep in mind that no one gets good at math in one day. Developing your math skills will require a lot of repetition, as you’ll need to study several times a week.

When you study, it can be good to spread out their repetition opportunities because you can then take advantage of the phenomenon called the distance effect, which is about how our brains learn more efficiently when we spread our learning over time.

Know You Can Improve

To get better at math, you need to realize that you can improve by changing the way you think. Many people who experience problems with math think that “they are bad at math,” and always will be, but the truth is that everyone can become good at math with sufficient training, focus, and determination. Ignore negative thoughts in your head and don’t say “I cannot do this.” Instead, use affirmative sentences like “I can do this if I continue to practice,” as it can make a world of difference.

Work in a Quiet Environment

When working through equations and problems, try to find a calm and quiet environment. This way, you can avoid distractions and focus on the tasks in front of you.

Try not to listen to loud music, keep your phone away from you, and make sure that the TV is switched off. Even if you’re working with an online tutor, you should also use this principle and remove things that may distract your learning.

Final Words

If you want to improve your math skills, try practising these tips. Think about what you want to improve and set up a plan on how to get there. If you’re not sure which parts of math you should improve first, it may be a good idea to consult your math teacher or a trustworthy online math tutor.

Featured image: peshkov, iStock. 

The post 5 Tips For Students to Improve Their Math Skills appeared first on eLearningInside News.

We’re not simply talking about stocks and shares when we say that every organization has critical assets that need to be monitored, maintained, and appropriately managed. In fact, schools have hundreds of items, both virtual and physical, that must be maintained in some way, from desks and chairs to books and laptops.

Most schools will record some sort of inventory, but doing so on paper or an excel spreadsheet takes time and is dull. Isn’t it possible that that time could be better spent on something else? What if there’s a fire and you lose all of your inventory?

For that reason, implementing software for asset management for schools helps you keep track of everything your school owns and is responsible for. Nonetheless, let’s go on and find out what exactly is asset management for schools, and why employing asset management software for schools is essential in 2022.

Soft And Hard Assets

Asset management entails keeping track of two sorts of assets for schools: hard and soft. Any tangible thing held or maintained by the school, such as keys, laptops, books, and the school minibus, is referred to as a hard asset.

On the other hand, important documentation or procedures must be managed and maintained as soft assets. Documents like inspection reports, fire procedures, and financial records may be included. Most businesses focus on managing their hard assets, but they frequently overlook their soft assets. However, if these aren’t backed up or maintained regularly, your institution could find itself in serious difficulties, with serious consequences.

What Is Asset Management Software Capable Of?

You could manually monitor and manage all soft and hard assets, but this is a time-consuming operation that frequently results in erroneous and incomplete asset lists. Asset management software allows you to keep track of every key item, including where it is, how much it costs, and when it needs to be updated or replaced. Your program will notify you when specific tasks, such as asbestos inspections or risk assessments, are required.

If you fail to complete these vital responsibilities, the school may be subject to significant fines. It’s also crucial to understand the lifecycle of any item you own. When will those new iPads need to be replaced? How long has this Windows been used? Knowing the answers to these questions is critical, or else, your technology may fail you unexpectedly.

Furthermore, teachers will be unable to accomplish their tasks adequately due to a lack of resources, and old assets will not be replaced immediately if the school does not set aside sufficient funds. Asset management may assist you in both planning for the future and documenting the past and present.

It’s pretty common for teachers or even students to borrow school property, such as books or iPads, but keeping track of who has what and when can be challenging. If you don’t keep track of who’s borrowing what, you’re likely to lose track of a lot of the assets you’ve loaned out—a costly mistake. All of this is made simple with asset management software; you can even document when you expect the item to be returned and track down anyone who has missed their due date.

Top Reasons To Utilize It

Nobody wants to believe the worst will happen to them, yet it does happen. Even if you take the necessary precautions, fire and theft can occur at any time, and often when you least expect it. Here’s why you need proper asset management software in your practice.

Accidents Or Unpleasant Events

Any school that has experienced a break-in or a fire knows that the amount of time it takes to return to normal is mainly determined by the duration of the insurance claim procedure. In other words, if you don’t have a detailed list of all the things you’ve lost and how much they’re worth, your insurance claim will take a long time to process.

Enumerating Items

With so many assets, keeping track of how much of each item you have and where it is located might be challenging. Unfortunately, this can lead to the purchase of duplicate things, and we all know that schools don’t have a lot of cash on hand. Asset management software can help you avoid this by allowing you to see exactly what you have right away. You can even use the software to move objects that aren’t being used in one place but could be helpful elsewhere.

After all, why would you want to pour additional money into programs that aren’t working? Asset management software can also help you in determining the worth of your software investment, allowing you to make more educated decisions instead of second-guessing.

The bottom line

No matter what your school district may currently be doing to track and control assets, it won’t hurt to review your current system with an eye toward future needs. After all, education technology is on the rise, so you will want to be sure that you’re accounting for this uptick in services when making future decisions about your asset management software.

Featured image: Inside Creative House, iStock. 

The post Asset Management For Schools And How To Run It In 2022 appeared first on eLearningInside News.

Education technology has come a long way. There are numerous ways to teach your students using technology, making their learning experience more interactive. Education technology not only applies to K-12 but also colleges and other professional programs. Trends change each year, so it is essential to keep up with what’s new. Here are some trends in EdTech that you should know.

eLearning

While colleges have had online classes for many years now, most K-12 schools have not. Learning online has become one of the biggest trends for education, and it is very prevalent. Almost every school offers some online program, and in many cases, you only have to decide what to study.

For example, if you are interested in learning about real estate and everything it entails, you could look for the top online real estate school. Many programs offer completely remote or hybrid schedules, so you only have to decide what works best for your life and schedule.

You might find that classes use videos, audio, and slideshow presentations to present the material more engagingly. Podcasts are another tool utilized in eLearning environments. Unlike traditional learning setups, online learning uses educational technologies to make classes interactive, no matter the location. Many courses use virtual meeting spaces so the students can feel more connected. Lectures like these make online learning even more convenient because you do not have to go to campus.

Video Learning

Videos can help students tremendously when learning online. Video-assisted learning is beneficial because students can watch videos about whatever topic the class discusses that week. The videos are not real-time, so students can watch them when their schedule allows. Videos can further discuss a lesson and help convey information better than just reading. Animated, or explainer videos, are also popular in learning environments.

AR/VR

Augmented and virtual reality can help the learning experience greatly. Students can be more involved in a class and interact with other students or the learning material. Labs can be even more effective with augmented reality, for example. Virtual reality can help when taking courses online, and students need to practice when they have learned in a low-risk environment. It is only the beginning when discussing augmented and virtual reality, though. As the technology becomes more advanced, expect augmented and virtual reality to change the face of eLearning and educational technology.

Gamification

Gamification is an excellent way to get students involved and interested in learning. There have been many studies done about gamifying the learning experience. It can make education fun and encourage students to be active in class. Students can play games alone or with the group. Either way, gamification encourages a positive learning environment for everyone involved. Getting students excited, especially younger students is necessary and can help enhance their educational experience.

Social Media

While it may not seem so, social media can be part of eLearning. Since eLearning usually means students attend class from different locations and are not all in the same room, communication is essential to a successful learning experience. Social media makes it possible for students to share study materials, discuss what they learn in class, and comment on posts related to their work. Educators should be aware of the pros and cons of social media and school and determine how they can make social media platforms work for their class.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is prevalent in many spaces in today’s world. Education is no exception. Artificial intelligence can assist with online grading and automate many grading tasks that teachers had to do in the past. AI tutors are becoming more widespread and can help students when teachers are busy. Artificial intelligence systems can act as classroom assistants in the future, so it is essential to keep an eye on this technology.

Big Data

As more students learn online, big data can collect information to enhance the experience. Learning should be as personalized as possible, and collecting data can help with personalization. Data collected in the future may include course topics, learner enrollment, and learner feedback. Data collected will contain the student’s performance as well. It has information like time spent learning, if they completed the course, and how they did. Instructional designers can use this information to create better courses that meet learners’ needs.

These are some trends happening in the educational technology niche. As technology becomes more advanced, some of these trends will be more prevalent and useful, like AI and AR/VR. EdTech is something everyone should be excited about, whether you are an educator or a student.

Featured image: NeONBRAND, Unsplash.

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Preparing your students for their careers and the world beyond is likely one of your goals as a teacher. In this modern world, that means giving your students a good understanding of and experience with many different types of technology. If you are looking for new ways to bring technology into your classroom, here are five ways that you can go about it.

Swap Your Whiteboard for a Smartboard

A mainstay in most classrooms is the whiteboard. As a teacher, you likely use the board to show examples of problems, illustrate new concepts, or encourage student participation. A smartboard will allow you to keep doing all these things while also incorporating new features. Smartboards can allow students who use laptops to participate in problem-solving right from their desks (or allow students who are learning virtually to engage with their classmates). The boards could even augment the content that you are already creating, such as turning a simple list of salaries into an illustrated bar graph of the average CFA salary with a single click.

Use eTextbooks Over Printed Ones

As students get older, the textbooks only seem to get bigger. Those in middle and high school may find it hard to get all their books in their backpacks at the end of the day. Not only that, but printed textbooks can fall out of date very quickly and can be very expensive to replace with the newest editions. You can help your students lighten the load by utilizing ebooks instead of printed ones. This allows your students to access their textbooks from school or home and eliminates the possibility that they’ll forget a needed textbook in their locker. It also helps keep your classroom content relevant, as ebooks are far easier to update than their printed counterparts.

Explore Computer Care & Maintenance

More and more school systems are equipping their students with laptops, some as early as 3rd grade. Teaching your students how to use their laptops properly is important. Going above and teaching them how to care for and maintain their laptops will not only keep their equipment working longer at school, it’ll also give them an edge in their future careers.

Start by teaching your students good computer hygiene, such as not eating or drinking anywhere near their laptops. You could also show them how to wipe down their keyboards and screens with soft dry cloths. If you teach older students, you could talk about the importance of checking for system updates and patches and installing them promptly. You could even get into a discussion about how to identify and avoid falling for phishing scams and viruses. Even some adults struggle with these concepts, so teaching them early will give your students an advantage as they grow up and enter the workforce.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving With More Tools

Laptops are an important learning tool, but they’re not the only option that teachers have for bringing technology into the classroom. Scientific tools, such as heat cameras, night vision scopes, radio telemetry, microscopes, and more all help combine technology with STEM learning. Familiarity with these tools will help your students who choose to pursue careers in these fields. It can also help them explore the world around them and get a deeper understanding of their place within it.

Here are some ways that you can use these tools:

• Measure the classroom air temperature each morning and record it on a chart
• Use a heat camera to measure the ambient temperature of electrical things like laptops and lightbulbs
• Use a datahub to test the water quality of drinking fountains

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the tools that you choose to use in your classroom. The goal is for your students to learn how to utilize tools to help them solve problems.

Communicate With Parents and Students Via an Online Portal

Chances are that you already communicate with the parents of your students in a variety of ways, such as emails, report cards, and written notes. An online portal could help you streamline the communication as well as provide a place to post grades, announcements, and reminders. This could allow parents to check on their student’s progress at any time and stay involved with what their student is doing. As a benefit to you, it may help cut down on the number of parent emails you get.
The more technology you can bring into the classroom, the more potential advantages you are giving your students. Helping them become more familiar with many types of technology now will set them up for success in the future.

Featured image: CDC, Unsplash. 

The post How to Better Incorporate Technology in Your Classroom appeared first on eLearningInside News.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.- Gale, a Cengage company, has partnered with social and emotional learning (SEL) innovator IMAGO, to launch an online SEL and career readiness platform, Gale Presents: Imago. The video-based platform, covering content from cognitive flexibility to convergent thinking, will be available to K-12 schools and curriculums across the country. With a focus on soft skills development, the learning tool will be used to improve emotional intelligence and social skills among young learners.

“As a society, we haven’t always prioritized personal health and well-being preventively, and we are still helping to normalize mental wellness intervention.” Said Lemma Shomali, a senior director of product management and strategy for domestic learning at Gale. “Gale Presents: Imago will help schools achieve both for their students. The lessons included on the platform will help users understand that wellness, health, and emotional well-being are as critical to developing skills and habits as other “academic” skills, like reading and writing.”

A 2019 psychological study, found among 450 employees of various enterprises, that there was a significant positive effect emotional intelligence had on job performance and satisfaction, which lowered the chances of burnout.

The study also provided evidence showing how high levels of emotional intelligence can act as a competitive advantage for employees. A further study conducted by TalentSMartEQ found among employees of various sectors and levels, that 90% of top performers were high in emotional intelligence, with a higher average income per year.

Gale Presents: Imago is designed to facilitate both synchronous and asynchronous lessons with a wide range of accessibility, so students can access their content at any time, anywhere.

The platform also includes family wellness lessons, which focus on areas such as loneliness, anger, and grief.

“What our partnership with Gale can best control is providing individuals and families with the knowledge, language, mindsets, and emotional intelligence skills to use in their lives and model it in their circles. A healthy home is made with healthy habits.” Said Spencer Wallace, Head of Growth at IMAGO. “Family wellness lessons are a product of the unfortunately frequent school district response to crises such as wildfires in California that annually are closing schools and displacing families. Provided free to families, these wellness lessons are a tool to support well-being in schools and beyond.”

Career readiness is an essential conversation for students. Career counselor Jonie Watanabe Tsuji stressed the importance of starting conversations early for young learners and giving them the space to figure out what they want to do outside of academia. “To me, career readiness is a student who has a good sense of him/herself and is willing to listen and have a conversation about the world of work,” Tsuji explained.

On the purpose of Gale Presents: Imago, Wallace says, “our mission is to embed social and emotional learning into every aspect of the human experience to equip students with the critical skills and knowledge for workforce readiness, success, and beyond.”

Though currently available only on K-12 curriculums, IMAGO has mentioned that they are interested in collaboration and looking into expanding Gale Presents: Imago to a higher education audience.

Featured Image: Gale, A Cengage Company. 

The post Social and Emotional Learning and Career Readiness As Necessity: Gale Presents: Imago appeared first on eLearningInside News.