Education has significantly evolved in recent years, with new learning techniques emerging and new teaching methods becoming more prevalent. However, one aspect that has remained constant is the use of technology in the classroom. From the internet and handy apps to smart boards and useful tools, technology has truly transformed the concept of the traditional classroom. And while knowledge retention and student engagement might have benefited the most, technology can prove to be equally useful in exam preparation as well. Here are some easy tools that might be of help:
Virtual classrooms
Virtual classrooms have been on the rise for quite some time now, and for a great reason. These digital tools can significantly improve student engagement and learning processes, as well as offer a more personalised approach to teaching. Through the use of virtual classrooms, teachers can track attendance more efficiently and thoroughly follow student engagement. Recorded classes through these platforms also offer revising opportunities, while online quizzes, short polls, and chats can prove to be helpful in preparing students for exams. Virtual classrooms also allow teachers to track the progress of students, identify any weak points, and provide additional help where needed, possibly aiding in reducing procrastination as well.
Helpful applications
The number of educational applications currently available on the market truly seems to be endless. Quiz-based games like Kahoot, for instance, have gained massive popularity in the US, as they allow students to test their knowledge in a fun and engaging way, much like a WordPress quiz plugin can be integrated into virtual classrooms to enhance the learning experience. Similarly, digital planners and calendars have been used for years in an effort to improve organisation, while augmented and virtual reality apps present a great way for students to gain first-hand experience when studying the relevant subject matter. Regardless of the application in question, the use of such technologies in classrooms seems like the ideal me
hod for enhancing the exam preparation process, especially when it comes to these younger, tech-savvy generations.
Digital libraries
Sometimes students might need additional material in order to understand subject matters better and prepare for exams effectively, but schools don’t always offer particularly extensive resources. What Canadian students attending McMaster University do in those cases, for example, is read a McMaster unofficial transcript through an efficient digital service. Such a platform provides study notes, past projects, and essays written by previous McMaster students, offering more information on all relevant subjects. Being a digital platform that’s easily accessible anytime and from anywhere as well, this solution enables students to expand their knowledge and improve their studies in a simpler and more approachable manner.
Online forms
What many European students prefer, on the other hand, are online forms such as Google Forms. Giving students a simple way to ask questions privately or even anonymously, receive necessary feedback, and reach out to teachers for other queries and issues is a great way to learn. Students can engage with subject matter more directly or simply ask for clarification or help on certain problems they might be having. While there are many ways to do this both in a traditional and virtual classroom, online forms still remain the most accessible and free method for increasing student engagement during and after lessons, thus aiding in the process of exam preparation.
3D printers
Although still a relatively new and expensive technology, 3D printers have proved to be quite useful in educational institutions where they were used thus far. 3D-printed geometric shapes have allowed small kids to familiarise themselves with the basics of geometry, printed models and other visual representations have enabled older students to learn more about architecture and design, while university students have greatly benefited from detailed replicas of human organs, for instance. Not only have 3D-printed objects given students the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of a subject they might not have been able to learn more about otherwise, but they have also managed to provide first-hand experience with subject matters during the early stages of educational journeys.
Cloud storage
Digital notebooks, planners, and study guides all allow students to organise their study material more efficiently, and cloud storage could provide a convenient space for categorising and systemizing those resources. All necessary course material can be stored in the cloud safely and securely, and can be effortlessly accessed from any device regardless of the time or the location. As most schools and universities offer free Wi-Fi nowadays, this means students can use their phones, tablets, or laptops to take notes during lessons and immediately upload them to the cloud after the class is finished. In turn, all relevant course material can easily be read in the future, helping students when revising and preparing for exams.
As technology advances, education continues to evolve as well. The tech resources mentioned above are just some of the many tools modern students are able to use in an effort to enhance their educational journeys and prepare for exams in more effective ways.