Smart technologies have become a major factor in the educational sector especially in terms of the methodology utilized for teaching and learning. Smart applications are a necessary tool in collaborative learning, helping to make it easier and more effective. In the classroom, these applications can play a huge role in engaging students, giving them more exposure to the material, connecting them to real-world events, and making the learning process more meaningful and interactive. In this article, we will provide an overview of some of the best smart apps that can be used for collaborative learning in the classroom.
What Is Collaborative Learning?
Collaborative learning is a teaching strategy that encourages students to work together on projects and assignments, using their individual skills or knowledge to reach a common goal. The goal is to not only work on the material, but also to foster relationships with the other participants, gain greater insight into the subject, and develop problem-solving skills. This is a particularly useful method for teaching in today’s classrooms as it allows for a more effective and efficient learning process.
Benefits of Smart Apps for Collaborative Learning
Smart apps for collaborative learning have multiple benefits for learners of all ages and levels. Here are some of the most important benefits that can be obtained from using smart technology in the classroom:
• Increases engagement: Smart apps are designed to keep students engaged, curious and interested in the subject at hand. This leads to better learning outcomes and more positive learning experiences.
• Boosts creativity: Smart apps often provide students with the tools to express their creativity in a fun and interesting way, with features like creative digital artwork or graphics.
• Improves communication: Smart applications can facilitate better communication between the classroom participants and make it easier for them to work together on projects.
• Connects learning to real-world events: Smart apps allow students to gain exposure to the material and have a better understanding of how it applies to their everyday lives.
• Enhances collaboration: Smart applications help students learn how to collaborate in a productive and effective manner.
Best Smart Apps for Collaborative Learning in the Classroom
- Pic Collage
Pic Collage is a fun, cloud-based application that allows students to create presentations, collages and magazines with images, videos, and other content. This is a great way for students to participate in group activities, while also having the opportunity to express their individual ideas and creativity.
- Explain Everything
Explain Everything is an interactive whiteboard that enables students to create visual presentations and explain their ideas through images, drawings and voice recordings. This app allows students to connect their work to real-world events, making it easier for them to understand the material and apply it to their lives.
- Google Docs
Google Docs is a cloud-based office suite that provides students with the ability to create and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, drawings, presentations and more. It is an extremely useful tool for collaborative learning, as it makes it easy to share information and work together on projects in a productive manner.
- Kahoot!
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform designed to encourage active participation in the learning process. It makes lessons more interactive, fun and engaging, while also helping students to improve their understanding of the material.
- Trello
Trello is a project management app that enables students to organize tasks, create checklists, assign tasks to others and collaborate on projects. With Trello, students can develop better communication and problem-solving skills while also having the ability to keep track of their progress.
Smart apps play a great role in collaborative learning, making the learning process more engaging and effective. As outlined above, there are a variety of smart applications that can be used in the classroom for collaborative learning, such as Pic Collage, Explain Everything, Google Docs, Kahoot! and Trello. These apps can help to create meaningful and interactive learning experiences, while also fostering relationships between classroom participants and connecting the material to real-world events.