Digital Skills and Tools Required for Effective Teaching

Over the past decade, there has been a systemic integration of technology into the methods of teaching, which has greatly increased effectiveness and efficiency in the teaching profession. As a result, in order to maximize this development, teachers need a variety of digital skills to effectively engage with students, enhance their teaching methods, and adapt to technological advancements. Some of these digital skills include:

1. Proficiency in operating the computer and utilizing applications such as the Microsoft Office suite, browsers, etc.
2. Proficiency in digital file management and storage.
3. Creation and editing of multimedia: Teachers should be able to create engaging digital content, such as presentations, videos, graphics, and interactive multimedia, to enhance their lessons and make learning more dynamic.
4. Proficiency in the manipulation of online conferencing apps and tools to conduct live online classes, share screens, use virtual whiteboards, and manage breakout sessions.
5. Experience in data analysis: Basic data analysis skills to interpret student performance data, identify trends, and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
6. Ability to create and administer online assessments, quizzes, and survey and provide timely feedback to students through digital platforms.
7. Proficiency in using various communication tools, such as email and messaging apps, is crucial for maintaining contact with students, parents, and colleagues.
8. Ability to utilize educational apps and software: knowledge of relevant educational software and apps that can supplement classroom teaching and engage students in interactive and educational activities.
9. Proficiency in operating hardware such as the projector, scanner, virtual whiteboards, etc.
10. Skills in using social media platforms and online professional networks to connect with other educators, share resources, and stay updated on educational trends.

What Are Some Aspects of Teaching That Digital Skills Can Be Applied?

Digital skills are relevant in the following areas:

• Preparation of lesson notes, teaching aids, and other instructional materials
• Presentation of lessons
• Organizing a virtual class or conferencing
• Organizing and administering quizzes or tests
• Gradomg quizzes, analyzing data, and computing results
• Data storage and file sharing
• Collaboration and communication among teachers, parents, and students
• Taking attendance in class

What Are Some Digital Tools Teachers Will Need to Perform the Various Aspects of Teaching Mentioned Above?

It should be noted that when selecting digital tools, it's important for teachers to consider the specific needs of their students, subject matter, and teaching style. Experimentation and constant professional development are key to effectively integrating these tools into the classroom (virtual or physical). Therefore, for the various aspects mentioned above, some of the essential tools are

1. Preparation of lesson notes and teaching aids:

• Screen Recording and Capture Tools: Tools like Screenpal, OBS Studio, and Snagit allow teachers to record their screens for tutorials, demonstrations, and instructional videos.
• Digital Content Creation Tools: Tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, and Piktochart enable teachers to create graphics, infographics, posters, and other visually appealing teaching materials.
• Video Editing Software: Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and iMovie allow teachers to edit and enhance video content for instructional purposes.
• Online Interactive Platforms: Nearpod, Edpuzzle, and Pear Deck help teachers create interactive lessons with quizzes, polls, and discussions.
• Note-Taking and Organizational Tools: Evernote, OneNote, and Notion assist teachers in organizing lesson plans, research, and resources.

2. Presentation of lessons:

• Presentation Software: Tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Prezi help teachers create engaging and visually appealing presentations.
• Interactive Whiteboard Software: Apps like Microsoft Whiteboard and SMART Notebook enable teachers to create interactive lessons with virtual whiteboards.
• Math and Science Simulations: Tools like PhET Interactive Simulations and ExploreLearning Gizmos provide interactive math and science simulations.

3. Organizing a virtual class or conferencing:

• Video Conferencing Tools: Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet enable teachers to conduct virtual classes, hold meetings, and facilitate remote discussions.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Tools: Tools like Google Expeditions and Merge Cube offer immersive learning experiences.

4. Organizing and administration of quizzes or tests:

• Assessment and Quiz Tools: Kahoot!, Quizlet, and Google Forms assist in creating interactive quizzes, polls, and assessments for gauging student understanding.
• Online Interactive Platforms: Nearpod, Edpuzzle, and Pear Deck help teachers create interactive lessons with quizzes, polls, and discussions.

5. Grading quizzes, analyzing data, and computing results:

• Grading tools like the Zip Grade is a mobile device app that turns your iPhone, iPad, or Android device into an optical scanner for grading paper multiple-choice assessments.
• Spreadsheet software:applications like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets for data manipulation and analysis.
• Data visualization tools: software to create interactive and visually appealing data representations, such as Tableau and Power BI.

6. Data storage and file sharing:

• Cloud Storage Services: Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow teachers to store and share documents, presentations, and other resources.
• File sharing services: tools that allow teachers to share large files with others, like WeTransfer and SendAnywhere.

7. Collaboration and communication among teachers, parents, and students:

• Collaboration and Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Trello facilitate communication and collaboration among teachers, students, and parents.
• Email clients: software used to send, receive, and manage emails such as Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, eM client, Thunderbird, Yahoo! Mail, etc.
• Instant messaging apps: apps that facilitate real-time text and multimedia communication such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Viber, etc.
• Social Media Platforms: Utilizing platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can help teachers connect with other educators and stay updated on educational trends.

8. Taking attendance in class:

• Attendance compiling tools: Atcovation connects teachers with school management, students and parents all through a single app. With the App teachers can mark attendance of students in their class in no time, without paperwork.

In conclusion, it is worthy to note that the acquisition and application of these digital skills and tools at the various levels of educational institutions, will further enhance the teaching and learning processes required to build the educated and literate society every developed and developing nation desires, assuming all other factors are in place.