Modern educational technologies can help teachers save time and reduce unnecessary workload. There are plenty of them, and they are constantly evolving — digital solutions not only support lesson preparation and delivery but also simplify communication with students and parents, as well as lesson planning. The time saved can be invested in professional development, extracurricular activities, or simply spent with family and friends.
Which tools actually save time?
One of the fastest-growing trends in education is the use of AI-powered assistants.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to automate routine tasks such as:
- creating lesson plans,
- generating homework assignments,
- grading tests and exams.
Example: quickly generating math problems or practice exercises for teaching materials.
Virtual classrooms and electronic gradebooks are already common in many modern schools. Educational games and VR/AR simulations are also increasingly present. But the range of technology goes far beyond that. Let’s look at some lesser-known examples of online tools.
Assignment grading tools
Gradescope is widely used for checking handwritten homework or exams online. Students upload scans or photos of their work, and teachers can quickly grade them and provide feedback. The platform also supports online quizzes, exams, and in-class assignments.
Classroom management systems (CMS)
These systems help teachers organize classroom activities. Typically, students work on Android or iOS tablets, while teachers use a tablet or PC. With CMS tools, teachers can:
- share their screen or a student’s screen with the class,
- work on a shared digital whiteboard,
- send and receive files,
- create and conduct polls, then analyze results,
- split the class into groups,
- monitor student activity on devices and the internet.
Examples include Mythware Classroom Management and Teachmint.
Learning management systems (LMS)
LMS platforms are designed to organize and manage the learning process. They cover the full learning cycle: developing and planning courses, managing students and communication, testing and progress monitoring, and automating administrative tasks. With an LMS, schools can run fully online or blended learning programs.
Some of the most popular LMS worldwide are: Canvas, Moodle, and Google Classroom.
Student information systems (SIS)
These are comprehensive platforms that cover all aspects of school operations: from academic processes (planning, grading, criteria-based assessment) to school management (behavior tracking, attendance, safety, medical records). SIS platforms save huge amounts of time on classroom management, course planning, and academic reporting, while also offering advanced analytics and visualization (student performance, attendance statistics, survey results).
Other tools
There are also more specialized tools to ease teachers’ workload. Examples include reward systems for students (LiveSchool, ClassDojo), parent communication platforms (VK Sferum, Remind), health-tracking systems (Magnus Health, EduHealth), or tools for reporting bullying and incidents. Unfortunately, many of these products are international and not yet widely available in Russian schools.
Challenges of implementing modern technologies
The key principle is not only “what” but also “how”. Each tool should fit the learning goals, not the other way around. Here are just a few questions to ask before choosing an educational resource:
- How does the content fit into the curriculum?
- Is it appropriate for the students’ age and level?
- Is access free or paid?
Beyond that, practical questions matter too: Does the school have enough devices and internet access? Do students and parents have the digital literacy to use these tools? For example, sending emails to parents is pointless if many don’t even check their inbox. Is there a backup plan if the digital tool fails — power outage, network crash, or sudden loss of access due to licensing restrictions?
And let’s not forget the broader risks of digitalization. The long-term effects of screen use on children are not fully studied. Data privacy and legal concerns are rising, especially around the collection of personal information for digital and distance learning. School safety now also means cybersecurity and protecting student data from unauthorized access.
How teachers can adapt to new technologies
Using digital tools enhances a teacher’s authority with students and colleagues and builds self-confidence, since it strengthens professional skills. Still, adapting to technology in a rapidly changing world is not always easy. Here are some tips to get started:
- Take it step by step: Start with simple tools like presentations and online quizzes, then move on to more advanced ones such as VR or learning platforms.
- Collaborate with colleagues. There are countless online courses, webinars, and workshops about EdTech. Even simple peer-to-peer knowledge exchange — in social networks, forums, or staff rooms — can be valuable.
- Gather feedback. Feedback improves teaching quality and also engages parents in the learning process. Online boards, forms, quizzes, and social media are widely used for this purpose.
In short, innovative digital tools are useful. They make teaching easier and save time for everyone involved. But traditional methods remain the foundation of education. The best results come from blending both approaches — adapting learning to individual students while meeting the demands of a fast-changing world.
