Teachers' confidence in digital tools for language learning is continuously growing, although some concerns remain. Educators often need to search for and discover the right educational technology they need and that will be of greatest benefit to their students.
A 2015 report by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reveals a shift in how educational technologies are perceived. The research indicates that 'teachers' confidence regarding the quality and benefits of digital tools is increasing. Technology is evolving and educators are responding by using it more frequently. Almost all (93%) of more than 3,100 teachers who participated in the survey over the past year regularly use digital tools in some form for specific needs. However, not all digital technologies are equally useful and effective.'
Which factors are most important to teachers?
These are the 5 factors most important to teachers when evaluating different educational technology tools, according to the Gates Foundation research:
48% – Cost-effectiveness.
46% – Save time and are easy to use.
38% – Enable students and teachers to continuously develop assigned tasks, taking into account individual abilities and student progress.
32% – Provide regular updated data on student progress.
27% – Help students prepare for university exams or career advancement.
When evaluating the value of technologies, teachers consider factors such as logistics (price, delivery, support), method of use, and final results. The ideal digital tool should be affordable, adaptive (with the ability for user customization), and as simple as possible (easy to use).
All technological tools used by teachers and learners on the Kabinata.com online language learning platform meet the specified requirements.
Before investing in a particular technology, however, some experts recommend asking yourself the following questions:
- Will the technology in question simplify your learning process?
- Will the technology help maximize individual strengths and potential of students?
- Will the technology help accomplish something that was previously impossible?
- Will the technology preserve or emphasize the human factor in teaching?
Kabinata.com is a language education platform that, from the very beginning of its existence, has placed equal emphasis on the combination of innovative technologies and highly qualified teachers in the mastery of study materials.
Enroll in your desired language course at Kabinata.com and take advantage of innovative programs and highly qualified teachers at Bulgaria's most respected online language platform. You will have thousands of video clips and study materials, multimedia tests, and a level placement test at your disposal.
Every learner receives access to all levels with one subscription. Classes with teachers are held on a flexible schedule – evenings, daytime, and weekends. Users of the distance learning system have the option to change levels at any time and to pause their subscription (without it running) for a period of up to 2 weeks.