Skip to content The integration of new technologies into the classroom has been part of the ongoing transformation of the public education system. The pandemic certainly added urgency to that transformation, as school boards, teachers and students had to adapt to online learning overnight. Digital whiteboards have replaced chalkboards, keyboards have replaced pens and paper, and internet access has become an important tool to research topics relevant to the curriculum and access things like online educational software.
While the jury is still out on how beneficial this transition to digital technologies has been to students, there are some obvious ways educational software for schools has improved the classroom experience. For example:
- Student engagement. Educational software for elementary schools provides immediate reward and reinforcement, creating a personal level of engagement not possible in the traditional group instruction model previously championed in school settings. Every student receives continuous motivation to help them stay focused and engaged. Using technology is second nature to today’s students, whether through use of smartphones, tablets, computers, or gaming consoles. Integrating tech is a natural evolution in teaching.
- Individualized instruction. Today’s online educational software provides students with a more individualized experience in the classroom. Curriculum can be tailored to the individual needs of each student through technology, offering built-in assessment that benefits both teacher and student.
- Accommodates different learning styles. Every child presents a unique teaching opportunity, and although it can be a challenge to adjust learning plans to suit individual needs, technology makes it easier to customize and modify lessons to fit every student. Educational software for schools can be used to incorporate a blend of auditory, visual, and tactile activities that can be particularly beneficial to students with special needs.
- Improves collaborative opportunities. Kids who have already mastered technology are prone to help other students when they’re also using tech to learn. Many technology-based tasks can be easily learned from student mentors who are more advanced with the use of technology. This collaboration helps build relationships within the classroom.
- Saves time and increases instructional efficiency. Online educational software allows for individualized learning programs with a reduction in the one-on-one teacher/student interaction that is often a challenge for teachers given average class sizes. Such educational software allows teachers more time for grading, lesson planning, and providing quality interactions with students still struggling with certain subjects and concepts. Instructional efficiency increases as student competency increases.
- Automatic student data collection. Most online educational software provides a degree of student data tracking. This is a huge time saver for educators as it provides them with a clearer picture of the level at which each student is performing without having to administer and grade assessments. Each product provides a different level of data collection, but most provide ample information to help educators make informed decisions about student instruction and levels of comprehension. Some advanced programs will even generate reports that focus in on particular areas of student difficulty. This data can be a game changer when it comes to intervention strategies.
Essential Skills Offers a Variety of Online Educational Software
Discover our comprehensive library of educational software for schools to individualize instruction and accelerate student learning. Essential Skills programs are developed by teachers and include hundreds of evidence-based learning activities for K-6 and older remedial students. They provide systematic instruction with immediate reward and positive reinforcement that makes Essential Skills online educational software a welcome addition to any classroom.