Online Ed Tech Tools
Below you will find a list of some of my favorite ed tech tools to use in the classroom. Along with a link to the website, you'll find a short description of the tool as well as why I love it.
Explain Everything
What it is:
Explain Everything is a digital whiteboard that both teachers and students can use to collaborate, create presentations, lessons, and more!
Why I love it:
This tool allows for so much creativity. Students can embed videos, photos, images, and text within their presentation with ease. Not only can students explain concepts and demonstrate content understanding, but they also can add their own creative touches to their creations.
NewseumEd
What it is:
NewseumEd is a website that offers resources for social studies, civics, and media literacy. The website provides primary sources artifacts, and interactive exhibits. The tools and resources are best for third grade through high school.
Why I love it:
In a world where social studies is often overlooked, this website supplements curriculum with primary sources and engaging, valuable artifacts. It also has a fantastic section on teaching media literacy, including lessons on separating news from "noise."
Nearpod
What it is:
Nearpod is an interactive slideshow tool that helps increase engagement and collaboration.
Why I love it:
I've used Nearpod as a teaching tool in both online and face-to-face lessons. I love that Nearpod allows for real time interaction, which really encourages students to take ownership of their learning. It's a great formative assessment tool.
Google Drive
What it is:
Google Drive is cloud-based productivity software that allows for collaboration in real time. With Google Drive, teachers and students can create word documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. To access Google Drive, each student does need their own Google account.
Why I love it:
The opportunities for collaboration are abundant, and Google Drive easily syncs across all devices. Students can share files with not only each other, but also with me, so I can easily supervise from my own device. Use of Google Drive can be easily integrated into any subject meaningfully.
Code.org
What it is:
Code.org is a website dedicated to coding and programming education. The website has multiple free courses that are meant to be utilized with teacher guidance, as well as video tutorials and games. The activities are focused and engaging.
Why I love it:
Your students are bound to get hooked on coding through high-interest, self-paced activities. Content is available for grades K-12, from beginner concepts to advanced computer science. Teachers have access to quite a few resources, including entire curriculum that provide lesson plans, videos, hand outs, independent practice, and group activities.
Padlet
What it is:
Padlet is an app that allows classrooms to collaboratively curate information onto a digital bulletin board. Students can add text, media, links, documents, and more to their note. Students and teachers can comment and provide feedback to one another on their "post-it" notes.
Why I love it:
Padlet is easy to use and easy to look at! I like that bulletin boards can be kept private and can be accessed through a password only. Padlet is a great way to formatively assess students and provide instant feedback. Padlets are great for everything from class projects to informal discussions.
Schoology
What it is:
Schoology is a Learning Management System (LMS). Through this website, teachers can create and teach online lessons or units. Teachers can create assignments, assessments, discussions, and provide feedback through Schoology. Students can work independently or collaboratively to complete work at their own pace.
Why I love it:
Though Schoology does take time to learn, it can be utilized in any content area. Students can access lessons and assignments from anywhere, even if they're absent. Teachers can provide easy and fast feedback through assessments, a gradebook, and emails/messages. Schoology is best for older elementary through high school.
Flipgrid
What it is:
Flipgrid is a website through which teachers can create "grids" where students post video discussions. Teachers can create multiple grids with their own topics, as well as descriptions and expectations. Students post video responses to the topic, and can also respond to each other.
Why I love it:
Flipgrid is a simple way to facilitate online discussions, with less anxiety for students who struggle with speaking aloud in class. Flipgrid is another great tool that can be integrated into any content area. Students could use Flipgrid to explain a math problem, create a book review, or to gauge student understanding quickly and easily.
Screencastify
What it is:
Screencastify is a Chrome browser extension that allows users to record screens, as well as videos and voices. Completed videos can be uploaded to YouTube, or saved to a Google Drive.
Why I love it:
This tool really takes presentations to a whole new level. Teachers can use Screencastify to give directions, explain a website or online tool, or demonstrate how to do something. It could even be used to provide feedback or communicate with parents. Students can create screencasts to demonstrate knowledge or show how to solve a problem (think Khan Academy-style videos). It's an innovative instructional tool that kicks presentations up a notch.
Book Creator
What it is:
Book Creator is an online book creating tool. Students can create their own books and comic strips using text, audio, and images. With guidance, even younger students could create simple books of their own.
Why I love it:
Book Creator really is simple to use and great for all ages. Even your most reluctant students can find excitement in learning through Book Creator. Creating a product such as a book requires critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational skills. Students not only practice writing, but demonstrate knowledge in any subject area through writing and learn to communicate more effectively. Book Creator also helps to get those creative juices flowing and gives students ownership and pride over their work.
