In today’s digital age, libraries and educators are harnessing the power of innovative tools to meet the growing demand for accessible and engaging educational resources. From interactive learning platforms to customizable content, these digital solutions are helping libraries offer tailored experiences for diverse learners while overcoming budget constraints. Whether simplifying lesson creation or ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, technology is transforming the way libraries support both students and educators. In this article, experts share how these collaborations are shaping the future of education and making learning more inclusive for all.
Integrate Kahoot! and CK-12 for Libraries
As someone who has worked closely with educators and librarians in implementing digital tools, I've seen firsthand how platforms like Kahoot! and CK-12 can help libraries address the growing demand for digital resources. Kahoot! brings an interactive element to learning, perfect for library-hosted workshops or youth programs. CK-12 offers free, customizable educational materials that align with various curriculum needs. Libraries can integrate these tools into their programs to offer tailored educational experiences while easing budget constraints.
In today’s digital age, libraries and educators are harnessing the power of innovative tools to meet the growing demand for accessible and engaging educational resources. From interactive learning platforms to customizable content, these digital solutions are helping libraries offer tailored experiences for diverse learners while overcoming budget constraints. Whether simplifying lesson creation or ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, technology is transforming the way libraries support both students and educators. In this article, experts share how these collaborations are shaping the future of education and making learning more inclusive for all.
For educators who aren't tech-savvy, tools like ClassDojo and Animoto provide simple interfaces that make the transition to digital teaching much easier. ClassDojo helps teachers manage behavior and communication with students and parents, while Animoto enables the creation of engaging video lessons without needing advanced skills. I once worked with a teacher who was nervous about using digital tools; after a quick walkthrough of Animoto, they created a visually appealing lesson plan within an hour. Simplicity is key to building confidence with new tech.
EdTech companies can also play a significant role in increasing accessibility for students with disabilities. Platforms like Thinglink allow educators to create interactive, multimedia-rich content that caters to diverse learning needs. TED-Ed makes knowledge widely available through customizable lessons. Libraries and EdTech companies should consider partnerships where EdTech tools are integrated into library systems, making educational content accessible to both teachers and students. Libraries can serve as community hubs, offering access to tools, training sessions, and even personalized support to bridge the gap between technology and education.
- Elmo Taddeo, CEO, Parachute
Utilize ClassDojo and Animoto for Simplicity
EdTech tools like OverDrive and Libby empower libraries to manage digital resources effectively. Platforms such as Canva for Education simplify content creation, especially for educators new to technology. At Edumentors, accessibility is a priority—we incorporate screen readers and voice-enabled tech into our platforms, ensuring equitable learning experiences. Partnering with libraries, we've hosted workshops teaching educators how to leverage these tools for diverse learners. Collaboration between libraries and EdTech companies transforms education by bridging gaps and fostering inclusivity.
- Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors
Use Thinglink and TED-Ed for Accessibility
Libraries and educators face growing demand for digital resources and online learning, and technology offers innovative solutions to meet these challenges. Tools like OverDrive and Libby allow libraries to manage and distribute digital books and resources seamlessly, while platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla provide access to educational films and documentaries. For managing academic content, tools like ProQuest and EBSCOhost offer comprehensive research databases. These solutions not only streamline access to digital materials but also enable libraries to cater to diverse educational needs.
For educators who may not be tech-savvy, tools like Google Classroom and Canva for Education simplify the transition to digital learning. These platforms are user-friendly, requiring minimal technical knowledge, and offer templates and guides to enhance the learning experience. EdTech companies further play a pivotal role in making educational content accessible to students with disabilities by integrating features like text-to-speech, closed captions, and screen-reader compatibility. By partnering with libraries, EdTech companies can develop initiatives such as shared access to premium learning platforms, ensuring students and teachers benefit from high-quality educational resources regardless of their location or circumstances. These collaborations have the potential to revolutionize how communities access and engage with knowledge in the digital age.
- Greg Walters, Co-Founder, SEO Modify
Leverage OverDrive and Libby for Management
EdTech companies are powerful catalysts in making learning accessible to students with disabilities. Platforms can seamlessly integrate assistive technologies like text-to-speech, interactive transcripts, and customizable font sizes to ensure content is tailored to every learner's needs. It's more than just compliance; it's about inclusive design from the ground up.
Rather than treating an audiobook feature as an add-on, EdTech should view it as the core of the product. This approach enables students who are dyslexic or visually impaired to access material more easily and quickly, putting them on an equal playing field with better comprehension and greater confidence. EdTech is about more than simply digitizing textbooks—it's about creating a personalized environment where every student can truly thrive, regardless of their abilities.
- Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Simplify Content Creation with Canva
The growing demand for easy-to-use digital resources in libraries and educational settings has led to the adoption of tools that streamline accessibility, simplify technology use, and enhance learning experiences. Cloud-based platforms like OverDrive and Hoopla offer seamless access to digital resources, including e-books and audiobooks, catering to the needs of library patrons and educators alike. For schools and community organizations, mobile device management (MDM) solutions ensure that devices such as tablets and laptops are secure, functional, and ready to support online education initiatives. These tools are especially valuable for educators who may not be tech-savvy, as they minimize the technical challenges associated with managing multiple devices.
Additionally, interactive technologies like smartboards bring a dynamic and engaging element to learning and collaboration. Smartboards allow educators to deliver content interactively, making lessons more accessible and engaging for students, including those with disabilities. By combining cloud-based platforms, MDM solutions, and interactive smartboard technology, libraries and educational institutions can provide inclusive, user-friendly resources that meet the diverse needs of their communities.
- Nick Kliminski, Client Relations Specialist, Go Technology Group
Manage Digital Resources with OverDrive
EdTech companies play a vital role in making educational content more accessible for students with disabilities. They design tools that include features like text-to-speech, closed captions, and screen reader compatibility to ensure learning materials are inclusive. These companies often work closely with educators and experts to align resources with accessibility standards, creating solutions that meet diverse student needs and foster equal learning opportunities.
Partnerships between EdTech companies and libraries can further enhance access to educational resources for students and teachers. Libraries can integrate adaptive technologies into their digital platforms, offering inclusive access to online materials. These collaborations can also include training sessions to help educators and librarians effectively use these tools, ensuring that both students and teachers benefit from an enriched learning environment. This synergy strengthens the connection between education and technology, making resources more available to all users.
- Timm Sasser, Chief Revenue Officer, UpFrom
Integrate Assistive Technologies for Accessibility
As an expert, I would suggest the Resource Space platform because of its strong metadata management, searching capabilities, access control, and version control to ensure that digital collections are efficient and secure. Additionally, for the educator who is not tech-savvy, Google Classroom can offer an intuitive interface and support for step-by-step guides, tutorials, and customer support to ensure smooth online teaching and digital classroom management.
- Simon Brisk, Founder & SEO Strategist, Click Intelligence