Last Updated on August 6, 2022 by hassan abbas
Virtual learning tools have become a new normal in the past few years. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has had an abrupt effect on the entire education sector. Meanwhile, online learning emerged as the only solution to drive the curriculum at the same pace. As a result, this mere concept changed the outlook of the entire education sector.
These resources not only make it easier to create lesson plans but also encourage social engagement and communication between your students. Technology for distance learning is developing quickly and enables instructors to deliver quality online instruction. These tools are not only maintaining strong foothold in the education sector but have gained vital importance in the commercial spaces for training employees, holding international meetings, etc. Some tools make it simple to maintain contact with your students and develop interesting lessons.
What are online learning tools?
Online learning tools are basically for educators to provide online classes. These tools encompass helpful programs and online learning platforms. Some of the prominent online learning tools are Zoom, Google Classroom, etc. Microsoft Corporation, Nearpod, The CK-12 Foundation, Blackboard Inc., BYJU’S, Kahoot, Animoto, Google, Inc., ClassDojo, edshelf, ThingLink, Socrative, TED Conferences LLC, etc., are some of the renowned companies thriving in the online education industry.
Future Potential of the Online Education Industry
The global online education tools industry is expected to witness untapped potential opportunities in the coming years. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic sparked unprecedented growth for the online education sector and is expected to have a long-running impact. According to estimations by Astute Analytica, the global online education tools market is estimated to record an exceptional compounded growth rate (CAGR) of more than 28% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027. E-learning, often known as online education, has stimulated the market. The market for online education tools is also anticipated to be driven by rising investments in education and rising technical awareness among people.
The industry leaders are also maintaining a strong foothold in the overall education sector. Online education is having strong potential in the future, and companies like Google and Microsoft leave no stone unturned to ace the race. Microsoft recently, with tech business Olive Group launched a virtual learning app. The announcement was made in December 2021.
Olive Group, an Indian-based EdTech business with Irish roots and a Dublin headquarters, announced the release of a new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) app on Microsoft Teams as part of a partnership with Microsoft.
For up to 250 million Microsoft Teams members worldwide who are active daily, the Olive app is an easy-to-use software platform that offers a wide variety of interactive digital material. Olive Group estimates that the application has a market opportunity of 5 million euros.
Why Schools are Adopting Online Learning Tools
Here is the list of factors depicting the pin-points driving the evolution in the education industry.
Flexibility:
Flexibility is one of the main components that is helping both teachers and students. The most exceptional part is the convenience offered by these platforms. Now, students and teachers can manage time. Moreover, it is helpful for people even if they are living in far-off places. In addition to that, it also offers the option of lesson recording, enabling students to get their revisions done whenever they want. They don’t need to carry bulky notes everywhere they go because the software gets it all covered.
For instance:
One of the most well-known online learning resources, Google Classroom, is considered an all-in-one solution that facilitates flexible learning. The application features various prominent tools to help users in making lesson plans, monitoring student progress, and employing a variety of innovative technologies to liven up the course material.
The tool is available for free for basic purposes. However, its commercial edition has significant add-ons that benefit users in many ways.
The company has just unveiled a plethora of new Chromebook features, including Google Classroom, Google Meet, and planned connections with well-known ed-tech products that are anticipated to debut later this year.
The Screencast software, which is now included in Chromebooks running M103, was unveiled by Google for Education leaders earlier. Screencast makes it simple for students and teachers to record, review, trim, transcribe, translate, and share a lesson or project. The company claims that users can also use a mouse or stylus to sketch on the screen while recording. Meanwhile, their voice and face are also captured in addition to the on-screen material.
Engagement:
Online learning tools enhance the engagement of students and teachers. It also amplifies the learning process. For instance, Prodigy Math Game, an adaptive learning platform for grades 1 to 8, effectively maintains student engagement and learning no matter where they are.
Student Interaction:
Various tools are recognized for enabling effective interaction between educators and students. Pear Deck, being one of those tools, is a Google Slides add-on that helps educators develop engaging slides. Teachers can also develop effective presentations and include interactive questions. One of its wonderful features is a dashboard that can be accessed on a phone or tablet, along with the option to reveal or conceal student comments, send personalized notes to specific students, and add entertaining audio files to presentations.
Flipgrid, another renowned tool, is claimed to be a good way to begin the conversation. Teachers can post a topic and encourage dialogue in your learning community. It’s a fantastic method to pique students’ curiosity about new concepts, get them eager to study, and encourage peer interaction!
Enhances Creativity and Productivity:
Curriculum-based assessment may be a useful tool for teachers to make sure their pupils can use what they’ve learned. Teachers can identify areas where students struggle during classes and develop new convenient plans for combating those problems.
Zoom is getting significant traction due to its versatility as a presentation tool and webinar platform. The platform offers a secure live video class and chats feature to enable social interaction.
Canva, a widely known online graphic and publishing tool, has also intensified creativity among users. This user-friendly tool has helped teachers develop stunning, professional-quality infographics, social media banners, presentations, posters, videos, etc.
No need for Multiple Applications:
Teachers do not require to sign up for multiple applications. The additional hustle is out of the way now. Various tools such as Microsoft and Bloomz are considered a one-stop platform for users. Users no longer need to get multiple apps and concerns surrounding security.
Teachers may communicate, plan, and maintain contact with kids and parents using Bloomz. Apart from that, educators can share information with ease as it eliminates the obstacles associated with the continuous opening and closing of a number of apps.
