21st Gen EdTech Tools

You're right in the middle of teaching, fully focused on the lesson, when your phone buzzes. You glance down, and the reminder isn't a text from a friend or a note about lunch. It's your own classroom calendar reminding you to  finish last night's homework . Yes, for a moment, your calendar became your teacher! If your classroom or academic life feels more chaotic than coordinated, you are not alone. Lost sticky notes, forgotten deadlines, and missed assignments are common pain points for both students and educators. But what if your calendar could do more than just nag? It's time to meet  Google Calendar , an incredibly versatile edtech tool that is quietly revolutionizing classroom organization and time management. It is completely free for anyone with a Google account, offering powerful features that simplify scheduling, assignments, and reminders. If you are ready to turn the chaos of a busy school year into clear coordination, this tool is your answer. You can ...

Podcasting is everywhere — and it’s not just for commuters and hobbyists anymore. For educators, podcasts offer a low-barrier way to extend lessons, boost accessibility, and invite students to create as well as consume. Podbean is one of the major podcasting platforms that makes recording, hosting, and sharing audio straightforward. This article walks through what Podbean does, why teachers use it, where it shines, and how to put it to work in the classroom.

In the era of digital learning, educational institutions increasingly adopt platforms built specifically for teaching and assessment. Yet, other digital services—originating outside formal education—may still offer supplemental value. Hoopla Digital (hereafter “Hoopla”) is one such platform: a library-based media streaming service that allows library patrons to borrow and consume a variety of media. While Hoopla was not designed as an educational technology (EdTech) system, its content breadth and partnerships suggest possible uses in support of learning, if integrated carefully and realistically. This article reexamines Hoopla’s features, revises earlier assumptions based on current evidence, and discusses its potential and limitations in educational settings. The goal is to present a grounded, nuanced view of where Hoopla may contribute—and where it does not—in supplementing classroom learning. Hoopla: Updated Overview and Features Core Service Model Hoopla is a digital media ser...

In an era where digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing, educators must find ways to transform complex information into accessible, engaging learning experiences. Visual learning platforms have become vital in this pursuit, offering intuitive ways to organize and synthesize knowledge. Among them,  Mindomo  has emerged as a versatile tool that bridges cognitive theory with practical classroom application. By enabling learners to represent knowledge visually, Mindomo supports deeper conceptual understanding and equips students with the critical thinking and organizational skills required in 21st-century education.

As digital transformation continues to reshape education, the demand for versatile, accessible, and pedagogically grounded tools is greater than ever. Microsoft OneNote has emerged as a cornerstone application within this evolving ecosystem, serving as far more than a digital notebook. Its flexible, multimedia-rich environment functions as a virtual binder, supporting diverse learning styles, fostering collaboration, and aligning with modern pedagogical frameworks. In this review, OneNote is examined through the lenses of theory, evidence, and practice to evaluate its role in contemporary education.