EdTech Toolbox
Tool 1
🔨Tool #1: Google Slides
Google Slides is an online application that allows users to create and share presentations.
This tool can be used both in-person and virtually due to its ability to function in real-time. In-person, it allows teachers to provide feedback as students are working. Virtually, it allows students to complete assignments and submit them to the teacher. The teacher can then provide feedback as needed.
In my classroom, Google Slides is used primarily for students who are absent and need to complete their work virtually. I post a video of the daily lesson and then post a Google Slide with practice material. The student is able to complete the slide and submit it to me for feedback.
Using this tool helps me to meet the needs of my student by providing them with the same instruction and materials that they would be receiving if they were sitting in my classroom. This is beneficial because the student is not behind when they return to the classroom.
Google Slides can easily be added to Google Classroom. Doing this allows for progress to be monitored.
Text boxes can be added to Google Slides so students know exactly what needs to be completed.
The slides can be altered to show which questions a student missed. Notes can be added about the missed questions and the slide(s) can be returned for review or revision.
Tool 2
🔨Tool #2: EdPuzzle
EDpuzzle is an online tool that allows teachers to utilize videos to meet the needs of their students.
EDpuzzle videos that are aligned with the current standards can be assigned to in-person and virtual students to help reinforce the standard.
I regularly use EDpuzzle videos to preview upcoming standards and reinforce standards I have already covered.
EDpuzzle works at the pace of the student. Students listen to a portion of the video. The video then pauses and has the student complete a question of some sort. This type of interaction keeps the students engaged.
Videos can be previewed and adjusted as need to meet the needs of students.
Student progress and grades can easily be monitored. The teacher also has the ability to reassign the EDpuzzle for individual students if needed.
Overall class progress is easily monitored. The red bar appears when teacher grading is required.
Tool 3
🔨Tool #3: Jamboard
Jamboard is a digital version of a whiteboard that can be utilized for multiple functions.
Jamboard allows teachers and students to work collaboratively from any location. This makes this Jamboard easy to implement with in-person and virtual instruction.
I often use Jamboard as a collaborative board for exit tickets in my classroom. I post a prompt, and students post a response.
I have noticed students seem to put more effort into their responses when they know their classmates can read them. Students also seem eager to complete their own answers so they can read the responses of their classmates.
Student Prompts can be added to guide a group Jamboard session.
Students select a sticky note and add their individual responses to the prompt.
Students can also work collectively to contribute to one group response.
Tool 4
🔨Tool #4: Quizizz
Quizizz is a game-based program that allows teachers to review materials or administer formative assessments and collect data.
Quizizz can be used in person as a whole group instructional practice when used in the live mode. Students can compete against classmates one on one or as teams. Quizizz can also support virtual students when assigned as "homework," which distributes the activity to individual students via Google Classroom. Students can then complete the activity on their own.
In my classroom, Quizizz is used primarily as a review tool to support previously taught standards. The data which I intend to collect determines if my classes compete as a team or individually.
The game-based design of Quizizz makes the program engaging for students. The program also allows me to choose if the students work at their own pace or if I determine the speed. This enables me to differentiate based on the needs of my students.
My library allows me to organize and store Quizizz activities.
Quizizz activities can be completed live as a group or can be assigned as "homework" for individual student completion.
The reports section allows me to monitor student/group progress and assign practice based on individual needs.
Tool 5
🔨Tool #5: Kahoot
Kahoot is a game-based program that allows educators to search from a library of materials created by others or to create their own materials.
Kahoot can be used for in-person and virtual instruction. Live sessions are fun and engaging for students in the classroom, but Kahoot activities can also be assigned to Google Classroom for those who are learning virtually.
I often pull materials and activities that reinforce the skill that we are currently working on. I also use Kahoot at times as a class incentive. Students enjoy random trivia activities as a reward for completing assignments or meeting certain goals.
Kahoot activities can be easily edited to meet the individualized needs of my students. I can differentiate activities based on the readiness of my learners. The competitive game-based format keeps students engaged while learning.
The library section of Kahoot allows teachers to store and organize the activities that they like.
The discover option allows educators to explore topics and find activities and/or materials that meet the needs of their classrooms. Many activities can be used as class incentives.
Each premade Kahoot activity comes with the option to edit. This allows educators the flexibility to individualize the activities to meet the various needs of their learners.