Announcement of the Best for Back to School 2024 Award Recipients by Tech & Learning
In the ever-evolving landscape of education technology, Tech & Learning has curated a list of the best tools for the upcoming school year. These recommendations were selected based on criteria such as versatility, value, and solutions to specific problems. Here's a roundup of the top picks for 2024.
Essential Hardware
Reliable laptops and tablets are essential for all school levels. Chromebooks are great for younger students, while MacBooks or Windows laptops suit older students with demanding coursework. Key features to look for include good battery life (8-10+ hours), sufficient storage (256GB or more), and a decent processor (Intel i5 or better).
Noise-cancelling headphones are especially valuable for hybrid learning, helping eliminate distractions during virtual classes or homework. Comfortable, durable models with Bluetooth connectivity and long battery life are recommended, such as Bose QuietComfort and Sony WH-1000XM4.
Smartphones, portable chargers, digital planners, note-taking apps, and external storage devices are other essential hardware items that can enhance productivity and focus.
Software Solutions
Beyond hardware, Tech & Learning would value tools promoting solutions to specific problems and versatility. Interactive displays and EdTech solutions, like ViewSonic’s interactive displays, enhance engagement and allow diversified teaching methods, addressing specific educational needs in subjects like Mathematics and Physics.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) and interactive learning tools, such as Google Classroom, Schoology, Kahoot!, Quizlet, and PearDeck, support lesson management, gamified learning, and student collaboration. Collaborative platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Canva for Education, and Padlet facilitate real-time student cooperation and are valuable for both in-person and remote learning settings.
AI tools for study assistance, such as ChatGPT, offer versatile support including writing help, research, coding assistance, and file analysis, valuable for a range of academic tasks.
Innovative EdTech
The best back-to-school tech recommendations emphasize a blend of versatile hardware (laptops/tablets, headphones, chargers), software solutions (digital planners, LMS, interactive tools), and innovative EdTech that target productivity, focus, and specific educational challenges.
Some notable products in this category include Presence Teletherapy Services, D2L's D2L Lumi, MobileMind, HUE's HUE HD Pro, and Mynd.ai Promethean, Inc.'s Explain Everything Advanced, which cater to both primary and secondary education.
Other products like Amplify Education's Amplify ELA, Reading Horizons' Elevate, SchooLinks, and ClassLink are designed to address the needs of secondary education.
In the primary education category, products like Aver Information's AmpliWave and M15W, Pikmykid's Emergency Alert Systems, Vivi's Wireless Presentation and School Communication Solution, Vivacity Tech PBC's 36-Unit Smart Charging Cart, MobileMind, and MobyMax are worth considering.
The winning products were chosen to help readers find the most impressive products and solutions for learning. They are intended to support an equitable, effective learning environment, making the transition back to school smoother and more productive for students and educators alike.
- In the coming school year, learning will greatly benefit from the use of reliable Chromebooks, suitable for younger students with their good battery life and decent processors.
- For older students handling demanding coursework, MacBooks or Windows laptops with sufficient storage and powerful processors are recommended.
- Noise-cancelling headphones like Bose QuietComfort and Sony WH-1000XM4 are valuable for hybrid learning, helping students focus during virtual classes and homework.
- Other essential hardware items include smartphones, portable chargers, digital planners, note-taking apps, and external storage devices, all of which can boost productivity.
- In the software solutions realm, interactive displays such as ViewSonic’s and learning management systems like Google Classroom, Schoology, Kahoot!, Quizlet, and PearDeck are essential for managing lessons and promoting interactive learning.
- Collaborative platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Canva for Education, and Padlet facilitate real-time student cooperation, being useful in both in-person and remote learning settings.
- AI tools like ChatGPT offer versatile support for a range of academic tasks, including writing help, research, coding assistance, and file analysis.
