WIREDGOV

It’s not an exaggeration to say that technology is revolutionising education making it a fantastic time to be teaching. There are so many websites, systems and software just waiting to be discovered and used.

With so many tools available, it can be difficult to know where to begin, so we’ve done the research and compiled a list of our favourites for you to explore.

Learning management systems

Firefly Learning

This paid-for, cloud-based support platform will allow you to set homework assignments, track learners’ progress, provide feedback and share learning resources, using both desktop and mobile apps.
www.fireflylearning.com

Moodle

An open source software platform that allows you to blend personalised education, distance learning and other eLearning projects.
www.download.moodle.org

Creative tools

amCharts Visual Editor

Create charts and maps quickly with this editing software.
www.amcharts.com

Easel.ly

Sharing and creating visual ideas online is the main purpose of easel.ly. Visual themes and drag and drop builders make this software extremely user-friendly.
www.easel.ly

Gapminder

This is an effective software for teachers to create worldviews based on facts for their students.
www.gapminder.org

Gliffy

A free web-based diagram editor which allows users to share and create a variety of online drawings including diagrams, and flowcharts.

www.gliffy.com

Google Chart Tools

This software makes data more easily understandable. Use special URLs for chart graphs and embed graphs into documents.

www.developers.google.com/chart

Infogr.am

This software allows teachers to create interactive online charts and infographics. It’s easy to use and free.
www.infogram.com

Lucidchart

Creating concept maps, mind maps, org charts, and flowcharts becomes extremely simple with Lucidchart. It is an excellent user-friendly tool for visual communication. The software is free to use for teachers, as well as students.

https://www.lucidchart.com/

Tableau Public

Bringing data to life becomes remarkably simple with Tableau Public. The tool is free and using it is very simple. The convenient features in this software allow users freedom in managing data.
www.public.tableau.com/en-us/s

Speech to text tools

Free Natural Reader

This software is capable of converting written text of any form, for example emails, PDF files, web pages, and Microsoft word, in to spoken words. A great and easy way to share work.
www.naturalreaders.com/software.html

Content and interactive Lessons

Clickers

Clickers enable teachers and tutors to ask questions of students and immediately collect, tabulate and view the anonymous answers of the entire class using response devices.
www.tophat.com/blog/classroom-clickers

Google Cardboard

Using a self-built or low-cost bought kit, Google cardboard turns your phone into a virtual reality headset. This simple product, in combination with compatible apps, lets students interact with 3D virtual reality content.
www.vr.google.com/intl/en_uk/cardboard/get-cardboard

Kahoot

Aimed at making learning more engaging and impactful for students, Kahoot lets you create fun learning games, or choose from a huge range of existing games based on a topic, followed by reviews and the ability to reinforce knowledge, and run student assessments. www.kahoot.com/schools

Oculus Rift 3D Virtual Reality Headsets and Apps

The Oculus Rift is a set of virtual-reality goggles that will work with your desktop or laptop. As well as games, Oculus Rift has a range of over 200 3D educational apps, many for low or no cost. www.oculus.com/experiences/rift/search

Podcasts

Podcasts have gained rapidly in popularity, with 5.9 million UK adults aged 15+ now listening to podcasts weekly.

There are hundreds of thousands of podcasts available, however as a starter, check out the podcasts for students in this online article at Teach Thought.

www.teachthought.com/education/50-of-the-best-podcasts-for-high-school-students/

If Teachers and Tutors are interested in podcasts for themselves

TeacherTube

TeacherTube is designed for those working in education to upload and share educational video, audio, documents, photographs and articles, for teaching purposes.

www.teachertube.com/

We hope the above provides inspiration for engaging your learners through technology.