As technology becomes increasingly integrated into education, finding the right edtech tools can significantly enhance teaching and learning experiences. This guide is designed to help teachers and technology coaches navigate the EdTech Index, ensuring you can efficiently search and filter to find the best tools for your needs. By using the EdTech Index, educators can be better prepared to select tools that will reimagine learning and create student experiences that support the ISTE+ASCD Transformational Learning Principles.
1. Use the Search Bar
The search bar is your starting point for exploring the vast array of edtech tools available. Located at the top of the page, the search bar allows you to quickly find specific products or categories by entering keywords related to your needs. Whether you are looking for a math tutoring app, a reading comprehension tool, or classroom management software, using the search bar can save you time by directing you straight to relevant results.
2. View Highlighted Keywords
After entering a search term, you can explore the results on the page. Your search term will appear highlighted in yellow so that you can quickly scan for relevance and to understand the context for why a product appears. You can also order results by relevance, last modified, or alphabetically.
3. Use Quick Filters
Once you have used the search bar to generate initial results (or even without using the search bar), you can use the Quick Filters that appear on the top of the page. These filters direct you to categories that educators find useful, such as learning audience, educational level, validations and badges, general product categories, academic discipline and subjects, and pricing information.
4. Refine Filter Selections
By clicking "All Filters" you can refine results according to all the filters available on the Index. As you scroll through the filters you may notice options that are not found easily by using the Quick Filters. These could include compatible LMS, supported operating systems, privacy information, and more. You can even add a search term in the filter section to refine further.
5. Apply Search Tips
One tip enhance your search for edtech products: Use specific keywords. When using the search bar, be as specific as possible with your keywords to get more relevant results. For example, instead of searching for "reading tools," try "reading comprehension tools for elementary students." This specificity can lead to more precise product recommendations. If a specific search produces too few products, then you can adjust the search to make it more general and expand your options.
Navigating through a plethora of edtech tools can be overwhelming, but by effectively using the search bar, applying filters, and leveraging search tips and tricks, you can streamline the process and find the perfect tools to enhance your teaching experience. These strategies will help you make well-informed decisions, ensuring that the edtech products you choose are the best fit for your classroom needs.
By following this guide, teachers and technology coaches can maximize their efficiency in finding and selecting the best edtech tools, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and effective educational environment. Happy searching!
For more EdTech Index features, see our complete guide.
