Book Creator- this tool allows student to create eBooks. They can incorporate writing by using text or freehand writing tools. The tool also comes with a drawing component and has a built in Google Image library. Students can add videos, create audio recordings, use a built in camera to create pictures and video components within a book and link text and images to content-based websites.The tool also has 3D animations that can be added. A book can have an unlimited number of pages and can be published an shared with a QR code or a link. This tool can be used with any grade level of students since it has some built in levels of sophistication and can create in multiple languages. It is perfect for ENL students as well as foreign language projects. It can also be used as a tool for developing student portfolios of work over time.
Pixton EDU- This tool allows the user to create a comic or graphic novel . Panels are created from a variety of backgrounds and there are options for uploading custom backgrounds. Students begin by making their own avatar in a class that the teachers create. They then build on their panels with characters, words, animations and props to narrate a story about a topic. Students can create as many panels as needed. Once completed they can download their comics through a link or a pdf files to be shared or used in other applications. The tool has a built in recorder to support the development of student text as needed. This tool can be used with any grade level or content area.
Bloxels- This tool is used to create 2D characters and games. Teachers use the tool to illustrate student knowledge of a content theme. They begin by creating characters using a color palette and then animate them by teaching them to walk, jump and fall. Students then build a background for their games, create objects , in the form of artwork to include in their games. They can also add text blocks at various points in the game to narrate what is happening in the games actions. This tool can be used at all grade levels and is particularly engaging for literary studies, social studies and science topics. When games are completed students can publish them in the Bloxels arcade where they receive a public link to share.
Padlet- is an online digital bulletin board that can be used to collect, organize, and share posts in layouts like grids, maps, timelines, and walls.The tools for student response include, draw tools, audio recordings, videos, images. It can be used for surveys or sharing links to student work with a comment feature for class feedback. The Sandbox option allows for immediate interaction by students ,similar to a Jamboard , for brainstorming ideas. This is also a helpful tool for any grade or subject area.
Pod Bean- platform for hosting, and publishing podcasts. This tool can be used with an audio recording tool to create podcast episodes that can then be published and made public online. This tool is best used with grades 4 and above.
iMovie with Padcaster- a video creation and editing tool that incorporates images, videos,text and transitions . This tool can be used to create video content for all grades and content areas. The Padcaster device allows the user to video record using a tripod with a microphone and a variety of camera lenses. This tools is best used from grades 4 and up.
BreakOut EDU-This tool provides thousands of lessons in a game-based learning platform that uses interactive digital challenges and hands-on experiences to teach and reinforce academic content. Lessons are aligned with state standards. Teachers can assign whole class lessons as well as create their own lessons for students based on original content. This tools is best used from grades 3 and up.
AI tools- Gemini, Notebook LM, Chat GPT- these tools can be used by teachers for customized lesson design and modification