As the world continues to make technological advancements, education is quickly evolving with it. Traditional classroom settings are now being supplemented, and in some cases replaced, with virtual or blended learning environments on laptops, tablets, and even smartphones. With this shift comes a need for teachers to adapt and find effective ways to engage their students who are now learning through digital platforms.
This is where digital tools come into play. These tools can enhance virtual and blended learning experiences for students, making lessons more interactive, engaging, and ultimately more effective. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the variety of digital tools that can be used by teachers to enhance student learning in virtual and blended environments.
What is blended learning?
According to the National Education Association, blended learning combines a virtual learning environment that’s equipped using digital learning tools with a face-to-face learning environment. But one size doesn’t fit all – there are four blended-learning models to choose from based on your classroom’s needs, as well as different learning styles for students.
Flipped model
The flipped model of blended learning involves flipping the traditional roles of in-class and at-home instruction. Students complete coursework and lessons at home or remotely, then they collaborate on projects and practice in person with a class.
Rotational model
The rotation model of blended learning involves students rotating between different modes of instruction, such as in-person classes, virtual lectures, and self-paced online modules and collaboration.
Face-to-face model
The face-to-face model of blended learning combines traditional in-person classroom instruction with online learning activities using technology within the classroom.
Enriched virtual model
The enriched virtual model of blended learning primarily takes place online with a few required face-to-face sessions with a teacher for hands-on activities or assessments.
Benefits of using digital tools in blended learning:
- Flexibility
- Personalized learning
- Increased engagement
- Collaborative learning
- Wide range of resources
- Real-time feedback
- Accessibility
- Tracking student mastery with data
Best digital tools to use in blended classrooms
From apps and simulations to videos and entire learning systems, there are a variety of tools available to students and teachers to boost collaboration and creativity through blended learning.
1. Learning management systems (LMS)
Learning management systems (LMS) are software platforms traditionally designed to manage and track learning. Today’s LMS platforms are all-in-one solutions that help educators distribute work, track progress, and manage both in-person and online lessons. Before choosing a system to use, make sure that it works with any apps or tools that are already being used by your school and/or district.
2. Educational games
When it comes to grabbing and keeping attention in an online classroom, technology can be a game changer. Today’s learners benefit from having technology in the classroom—in fact, according to a German study, students can learn more from digital games than from traditional instruction, like lectures. There are many digital games available to get students excited about a lesson, including educational takes on their favorite games like Minecraft: Education Edition.
3. Formative assessment tools
Frequent check-ins with your virtual students will help you discover what learning materials are working and whether or not you need to adjust your strategy. Formative assessment tools can help you measure success through online quizzes and homework, for example. This can be a quick multiple-choice recap before class, or even a game at the end to see how much they remember.
4. Simulations
Captivation is key with learning, and while games are great for motivating and retaining information, simulations actually bring the lessons to life. And even better—simulations are already digital animations, which allows for a seamless move from blended to virtual. Teachers can easily explain the topic with visuals and students can incorporate these simulations in interactive presentations. ASU Prep Global took this to the next level launching new high school courses that feature 3D simulations in subjects like science, math, history, and more.
5. Digital badges
Much like the scout badge you get for serving your community, digital badges are awarded to students who complete certain tasks in their online class. This can include simple tasks like taking an extra quiz, or more involved tasks like completing a writing assignment. These badges might show up in their student profile or even under their names in an online class. It keeps students motivated and encourages others to reach the same goals.
6. Adaptive learning tools
Adaptive learning uses data-driven instruction to customize each learning experience based on qualifiers such as student progress, student engagement, and student performance. One tool that is commonly used is ALEKS—an award-winning learning platform that constantly adapts the path for each student as they continue to learn and retain information. Another example is MACS–an AI-enabled math tutoring platform from ASU for middle school, high school, and college students.
7. Digital collaboration tools
Digital classrooms have a ton of benefits, but one downside is the potential lack of community and collaboration. That doesn’t have to be the case, especially with multimedia classroom tools like Nearpod, Google Docs, Zoom video conferencing, and Slack. Students can use these tools to video chat with other students, see what they’re working on, and collaborate in real time. Plus, social media communities like ClassDojo make it easy for students, teachers, and parents to interact via photos and posts.
8. Online studying tools
Both teachers and students can benefit from handy studying tools to stay organized and efficient throughout the year. Online programs like Quizlet let you create your own interactive flashcards for your students, and it has an app that you can use on-the-go for Androids and iPhones. For teachers specifically, Socrative and Google Classroom are convenient tools that help monitor and evaluate students’ learning while providing immediate feedback on quizzes, polls, or other in-class activities.
9. Videos and podcasts
Everyone has a different learning style. Whether it’s auditory, visual, or more hands-on, there are online mediums available for everyone—including videos and podcasts. Hearing or seeing someone else explain a subject in a way that connects with the students’ specific needs will help them remember information and stay engaged. Sprinkling in a fun video or podcast can help break up the semester a bit, and resources like HyperDocs can help you craft digital lesson plans and easily manage each of these digital education tools throughout the year.
10. Webinars
We’ve come a long way from the standard sit-and-watch webinars of the mid 2000s. Now, teachers have the ability to craft their own webinars with guest speakers, live interactions, quizzes, Q&As, and more. When students are included in the conversation with faculty or subject-matter experts, they’ll be more likely to participate and enhance their own learning in a blended environment.
Conclusion
Blended learning can be fun, interactive, collaborative, and highly successful for K–12 students. With videos, webinars, online flashcards, and more available at their fingertips, students are able to access a whole new world of possibilities. And as an educator, you have the tools you need to bring these possibilities to life.
Get expert professional development for K–12 blended learning
As educators, there are many factors to consider when integrating virtual learning into your school. ASU Prep Global can help with comprehensive support to make digital learning hassle-free. Whether you need K–12 digital course licensing or an entire learning management system with professional development, tech support, digital tools, and more, we can customize delivery based on your school or district’s needs.
ASU Prep Global partners with other K–12 schools to build new models of educational success, embed early college experiences and provide access to the latest innovative technologies, digital courseware, and professional development. We’re more than a curriculum provider—we’re an innovation partner to top schools and school districts.
We help our partners create high-impact, high-quality digital education that meets the unique needs of their learners and staff. For more than a decade, we’ve partnered with school leaders to help innovate learning for K–12 students and educators through Arizona State University led research, proven effective learning practices, and industry-leading online education technology.
Enhancing blended learning: A guide to student digital tools FAQs
How does blended learning differ from traditional classroom teaching?
Blended learning takes the traditional in-person learning format and mixes it with online coursework, lectures, and quizzes. This model makes it easier for students or families who are mobile, have health issues, or need a more flexible education option.
What are the benefits of using digital tools in a blended learning environment?
Digital tools keep students engaged and enhance their learning experience, while making it easier for teachers to manage lessons and provide instant feedback.
How can teachers effectively integrate digital tools into their lessons?
After scheduling your lesson plan for the semester, plan out each lesson based on the tools that would benefit them the most. For example: Are they required to memorize the different body systems? Digital flashcards would be a great tool. Or, do they need to write a report on a historic event? A podcast that details the event with engaging insight or production can really help them grasp and retain the information.