21st Gen EdTech Tools

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.

In an era where spatial literacy is increasingly recognized as fundamental to education, teachers face the challenge of making geography and location-based concepts tangible for digital-native students. Visual learning technologies have emerged as critical bridges between abstract concepts and concrete understanding, with interactive mapping platforms leading this transformation. Scribble Maps exemplifies this shift, providing an intuitive online environment where students and educators can create, annotate, and explore geographic information in meaningful and dynamic ways.

In an era where digital literacy competes with traditional reading comprehension as a fundamental educational skill, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered reading tools are transforming how students engage with text. Bookly AI emerges at this intersection, positioning itself as a sophisticated solution designed to enhance reading experiences through intelligent personalization. This review examines Bookly AI as an innovative platform that seeks to revolutionize how students interact with educational materials by providing individualized reading support and automated study tools. As classrooms increasingly integrate technology to meet diverse learning needs, evaluating tools like Bookly AI is critical for educators and stakeholders committed to advancing literacy instruction.

Student engagement continues to challenge educators seeking to move beyond traditional lecture-based teaching. Breakout EDU, an educational platform inspired by escape rooms, reinvents classrooms as immersive problem-solving environments. By promoting active collaboration, critical thinking, and playful learning, Breakout EDU supports deeper engagement and understanding—capturing the essence of game-based and constructivist learning approaches (Veldkamp, van der Veen, & van Diggelen, 2020).

As digital literacy becomes increasingly essential, music education finds itself balancing tradition with innovation. Historically, formal music programs have prioritized notation, instrumental proficiency, and performance, often leaving the majority of students—sometimes referred to as the “other 80%”—without meaningful creative engagement (Williams, 2011). The emergence of cloud-based music technologies offers new opportunities to democratize creative expression. Among these,  Soundation , a browser-based digital audio workstation (DAW), has gained attention as a platform that lowers barriers to music-making. By combining accessibility, intuitive design, and collaborative features, Soundation empowers students to create music regardless of prior training, transforming classrooms into inclusive, creative communities.

As digital transformation accelerates, educators are seeking tools that blend the strengths of physical and virtual learning. Artsteps, a web-based platform for building 3D exhibitions, has quickly gained traction as a powerful medium for immersive teaching. Originally designed for galleries and museums, it now supports classrooms worldwide by making abstract concepts tangible and interactive. Through Artsteps, educators can create dynamic, student-centered experiences that transcend traditional lecture-based approaches.

In an increasingly interconnected world, language proficiency has become essential for academic, professional, and personal success. Yet, pronunciation remains one of the most stubborn barriers for learners striving to achieve fluency. Traditional language courses often emphasize grammar, vocabulary, and reading, while spoken accuracy is left underdeveloped.  Speechling , an innovative AI-powered language learning platform, addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence with personalized coaching from native speakers. This review examines how Speechling reshapes pronunciation learning, its theoretical underpinnings, and its practical role in modern classrooms.