Top 10 Instructional Technology Tools [+ How They Benefit You]

As a learning designer, you’ll work with various technology tools that facilitate communication, collaboration and creativity. And whether you’re teaching a virtual class or presenting in-person training, digital tools will play a role in how you plan, instruct, provide feedback and so much more. 

There are a lot of instructional technology tools out there, so how can you navigate them all and figure out where to start? Consider this post a helpful guide as we look at popular learning technologies that aid the learning process.

What Is Instructional Technology?

Instructional technology is the practical use of digital tools and systems to design, deliver and support learning. It includes everything from learning management systems and video platforms to virtual classrooms and mobile apps.

Unlike instructional design, which focuses on how learning experiences are structured, instructional technology focuses on the tools that enable those experiences. It also differs from teaching, which involves delivering instruction (often in person), while instructional technology supports or enhances that delivery through digital means.

In this post, instructional technology tools refer to software and platforms used to create content, facilitate communication and improve learner engagement across classrooms, corporate training programs and online environments.

What Is An Instructional Technologist?

An instructional technologist helps organizations choose, implement and manage tools that support learning. Their work ensures that the technology behind a course, training or program works smoothly and actually helps people learn. Instructional technologists work in schools, universities, companies, nonprofits and government agencies. In other words, they can work in any environment where learning happens through technology.

Here’s how their role compares to that of an instructional designer: 

Instructional Technology vs. Educational Technology

Although instructional technology and educational technology (EdTech) are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes.

Instructional technology focuses on the tools and processes used to deliver instruction. Educational technology takes a broader view, examining how technology can support learning systems, policies and long-term educational goals.

In short, educational technology is the larger umbrella that includes policy, theory and systemic approaches, while instructional technology is more practical and task-focused, often applied directly in course design, training or instruction.

Top 10 Instructional Technology Tools

Whether you’re teaching children or adults, are in education or corporate training, be sure to take some time to familiarize yourself with these 10 leading instructional tech tools:

• Adobe Captivate – An authoring tool that allows users to create eLearning content through the use of out-of-the-box assets and templates. Users can design their own screencasts, virtual tours, quizzes, branching courses and more. 
• Aha Slides – This web-based application allows you to create presentation slides with interactive elements like polls, quizzes and Q&A sessions. Students follow links or scan a QR code to reply or answer, and the results are tallied and displayed in real time.
• AnswerGarden – A free to use online word cloud application where you can ask a question and the results are automatically generated based on responses. You can use it as a standalone application or embed it into a website or presentation.
• Articulate Storyline 360 – One of the most popular tools for creating eLearning courses, Storyline 360 is part of the Articulate 360 platform. Featuring a large library of assets, including templates, videos, icons and more, it allows for the creation of interactive training that works across both desktop, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Crowdsignal – A tool designed to quickly create polls and surveys that you can integrate within multiple applications or share via email. You can export results to spreadsheet applications such as Google Sheets and Excel.
• Google Applications – Google provides a host of different applications with different features and functions to facilitate learning and instruction. Docs, Slides, Workspace and Classroom are high-profile examples of Google tools used in instructional technology.
• H5P – Short for HTML 5 Package, H5P is a free, open-source platform for creating collaborative web-based content. Developers can create mobile friendly interactive videos, presentations and games that easily integrate with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard, Canvas or Moodle.
• PollEverywhere – An online engagement tool that makes use of surveys, quizzes, word clouds and live polling. You can use these polling features as a stand-alone tool or within different virtual meeting platforms. Its customizable content structure can be made to fit different workflows.
• Slack – A business communication platform from Salesforce that allows for distance learning collaboration through channels, virtual presentations, instant updates and announcements. As a platform, Slack is able to integrate with applications from Google, Microsoft and other third-party developers.
• Sli.do – Designed to allow interaction within hybrid meetings, this application features live polls, quizzes and word clouds that can be used across a host of different applications, including PowerPoint, YouTube and Google Slides. 

[PDF GUIDE] Still curious about the tools used in instructional design? See how they support online learning.

What Are the Benefits of Instructional Technology?

Instructional technology tools offer measurable benefits for both learners and educators. According to the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), when these tools are thoughtfully integrated, they can help close equity gaps, expand access to high-quality instruction and give educators more flexibility in how they teach and support students.

Specifically, effective use of the instructional technology allows for:

• Stronger engagement through gamification, multimedia and virtual interaction
• More personalized learning, allowing learners to move at their own pace and access extra support when needed
• Improved collaboration using tools such as video conferencing, discussion boards and shared digital workspaces
• Real-time feedback through live polls, quizzes and tools that visualize group responses instantly (such as word clouds)

These tools give instructors more ways to connect with learners, measure progress and adapt instruction across a range of learning environments.

[RELATED RESOURCE] Discover how instructional design prepares you to meet today’s workplace challenges.

Instructional Technology Resources

A tool is only as effective as the person using it, so for guidance on integrating these tools into courses, check out these helpful resources:

• Instructional Design Central
• Educause
• Lessoncast
• SchoolTube
• Smithsonian Science Education Center
• U.S. Office of Educational Technology
• U.S. Department of Education

For those interested in advancing their career in this field, pursuing an instructional technology master’s degree can provide the practical skills and theoretical foundation needed to lead technology-enabled learning initiatives. While programs vary and range from a master’s in instructional technology to a master’s in learning design, it’s important to choose one that emphasizes hands-on experience and alignment with industry needs.

The University of San Diego’s master’s degree program in Learning Design and Technology helps instructional designers master the art and science of using technology to help people learn. The program includes several courses designed to teach best practices for utilizing learning technologies, and provides students with guidance in several areas, such as how to use course authoring software and how to create interactive learning experiences.

Contact us if you’d like to know more about USD’s LDT program and curriculum. 

Frequently Asked Questions