While laptops and Chromebooks are prevalent in modern classrooms, Educational Technology (EdTech) is paving the way for innovative school devices that can transform the learning experience for students from elementary school through high school in the K-12 education setting. These new EdTech tools provide fresh opportunities for learners to discover the world around them and engage with lessons in more interactive and immersive ways.
If your school or school district is ready to explore new EdTech solutions and device management services, read on for ideas on incorporating exciting, uncommon EdTech devices that can greatly enhance the educational experience for students and are worth considering.
Uncommon EdTech Device #1: Virtual Reality Headsets
Using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets in the classroom opens up a world of possibilities for an immersive and interactive learning experience. With VR technology, students are transported to virtual environments that replicate real-world locations or imaginative scenarios. This, along with other EdTech tools, allows them to conduct virtual field trips — exploring historical sites, natural wonders, or even outer space without leaving the classroom.
Additionally, VR headsets enable students to participate in simulations of complex scientific experiments or engineering projects that may otherwise be impossible in a K-12 school. For instance, they can observe the behavior of molecules, travel inside a human body, or test designs in a virtual wind tunnel. These hands-on experiences foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills while providing a safe and controlled environment for experimentation.
VR can also promote empathy and cultural awareness by allowing students to step into the shoes of people from different backgrounds and experiences. Overall, the use of VR in the classroom enhances student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes by offering a unique and captivating way to explore various subjects.
Uncommon EdTech Device #2: 3D Printers
High-performance 3D printers have revolutionized the educational experience by allowing students to bring their designs and concepts to life in a tangible way. In subjects such as engineering, art, and architecture, 3D printing provides students with the opportunity to transform digital designs into physical models, giving them a better understanding of how their creations will function and appear in the real world. This hands-on approach encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills as students design, test, and refine their projects.
In engineering classes, students can use 3D printers to produce prototype mechanical parts, test different materials, and understand structural integrity. In art and design courses, 3D printing allows students to experiment with form, texture, and color, creating unique sculptures and installations. For architecture students, 3D printers can bring building models to life, enabling them to visualize spatial relationships and explore innovative design concepts. By providing immediate feedback and the ability to iterate quickly, 3D printers foster a deeper engagement with the learning material and a stronger connection to the subject matter. Overall, 3D printers offer a powerful tool for enhancing learning outcomes across a variety of disciplines.
Uncommon EdTech Device #3: Gesture-based Learning Tools
Gesture-based learning tools leverage an intuitive operating system and specialized apps centered around connectivity to enable students to interact with digital content using hand and body movements, providing an engaging way to navigate lessons and educational materials. This technology uses sensors to detect a student’s movements and translate them into commands for the learning platform, allowing for a more dynamic and immersive experience. By using gestures, students can control digital content such as presentations, 3D models, or educational games without the need for traditional input devices like a mouse or keyboard.
One of the key benefits of gesture-based learning tools is their potential to make education more accessible for students with physical disabilities. For instance, students with limited motor skills can use gestures to interact with lessons more easily, allowing them to fully participate in the learning process. Gesture-based tools can also enhance the learning experience for all students by providing a more active and kinesthetic approach to learning, which can help improve retention and comprehension of the material. By incorporating these tools into the classroom, educators can create a more inclusive and interactive learning environment that caters to a diverse range of learning styles and abilities.
Uncommon EdTech Device #4: Smart Glasses
Smart glasses are wearable devices that overlay digital information onto the real world, providing students with real-time access to data and guidance during lessons. In the classroom, smart glasses can be particularly useful for language learning, as they offer translations of spoken or written words directly in the student’s line of sight. This feature is especially beneficial for ELL (English Language Learner) students, who can receive instant translations and context to help them better understand and learn the language. This immersive approach makes language learning more engaging and efficient, allowing students to practice in real-world scenarios.
During field trips, smart glasses can augment students’ experiences by providing additional information about the sites they visit. For example, students can receive facts about historical landmarks, natural phenomena, or local wildlife as they explore different locations. This enhanced learning experience helps students gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and retain information more effectively. Additionally, smart glasses can assist students with visual impairments by providing audio descriptions or visual cues to help them navigate their surroundings. By integrating smart glasses into the classroom, educators can create a more interactive and inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse student needs and learning styles.
Uncommon EdTech Device #5: Galaxy Tablets
In the world of EdTech, Galaxy tablets offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to Apple iPads, providing students with access to digital learning opportunities at a lower price point. These tablets are equipped with a variety of features that make them ideal for educational use, including high-resolution touchscreens, expandable storage, and compatibility with a wide range of apps and software. This versatility allows students to access educational resources, collaborate with peers, and engage with interactive learning materials, enhancing their overall learning experience.
In addition to their affordability, Galaxy tablets run on the Android operating system, which offers a broader selection of apps and educational tools compared to some other platforms. This open ecosystem allows educators and students to access a wide range of free and low-cost apps for different subjects and learning styles. Moreover, Galaxy tablets support stylus input, enabling students to take notes, sketch diagrams, and annotate digital documents, fostering creativity and active learning. By providing an accessible and affordable digital learning platform, Galaxy tablets help bridge the technology gap for students and schools with budget constraints.