Learning Engagement through Virtual Tools

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand why varied virtual tools and apps are relevant for the teaching-learning process in virtual and in-person teaching settings. (Week 1)

2. Differentiate between the advantages and disadvantages of using apps depending on their own context. (Week 1) 

3. Utilize diverse strategies to integrate apps into teaching practices effectively. (Week 2)

4. Evaluate an array of virtual Apps, Generative AI tools and social media apps suited for their classroom.(Week 3 and 4)

5. Set up apps for learner engagement and incorporate them into their own lessons through a learning-by-doing approach. (Week 3 and 4)

6. Design examples of lessons using digital apps and Generative AI  for virtual and in-person settings by organizing an app portfolio. (Week 5)

Session Description

Introductory Week - January 4-10  

Getting to know the learning platform and getting to know each other

Moderator: Zuleika Zapateiro / Everyone

Focus: Getting to know each other 

Activities:

1. Complete Canvas Profile

2. Enroll in course

3. Watch the orientation video on how to use Canvas or the document

4.  Explore the content space sites (Canvas)

5. Introduce themselves in the Discussion forum set up for introductions

6. Review the padlet for the collaborative portfolio going over the model portfolio, in order to start thinking about how they will set up their portfolio in the platform

7. Review Netiquette and Avoiding Plagiarism pages

8. Use D-id: https://studio.d-id.com to introduce themselves (participants) 

IMPORTANT: Participants need to complete the tasks in the corresponding week; all work has to be completed by or before the deadline and no work on prior weeks will be possible. 

Week 1: January 11–17 

App Relevance, Advantages and Disadvantages. Application 1 

Moderator: Miguel Carranza 

Focus: Understand the relevance of virtual tools and be aware of the advantages and disadvantages based on the participants' context.

Supporting Readings: 

• Loveless, B. (2023). Are Learning Apps Helping or Hurting Education? https://www.educationcorner.com/learning-apps-helping-hurting-education.html

• Sturman, S. (2018, August). Integrating Apps into Education. Benefits of using Apps in Education. https://ubwp.buffalo.edu/happe/home-page/integrating-apps-into-education/

Specific Objectives: 

By the end of the week, participants will have:

1. engaged in conversations related to virtual tools through discussion forums.

2. developed varied activities focused on exploring virtual tools and setting up an activity for their learners.

By the end of this week, you will have completed the following tasks: 

Task 1: Scrambled doc and reflection on the relevance of virtual tools (Read, Organize, Contribute)

Task 2: Read, Reflect, and Share: Review the advantages/disadvantages article. Share on Wakelet thoughts and reflections. Post in discussion Forum (Read, Review, Contribute) 

Task 3: Explore 3 virtual tools: Wakelet, Diffit, and Notebooklm

Task 4: Choose a tool, try to use it and share how the application of the tool you chose in task 3 went.

Task 5: Review our portfolio model on Padlet and write your teaching philosophy on the use of virtual tools in education, following the suggested text.

Week 2: January 18–24

Incorporating AI Tools Virtually and In-person, Application 2

Moderator:  Zuleika Zapateiro 

Focus: How to incorporate apps in virtual or in person settings. Evaluate apps for complexity, ease of use, high and low connectivity contexts. Determine how to best select an app for the classroom.

Supporting Readings:

• Isaias, P Miranda, P. (2013) Digitally Literate: Framework for the development of Digital Literacy. IADIS

• https://www.iadisportal.org/digital-library/digitally-literate-framework-for-the-development-of-digital-literacy.

• Meier, P Hanham, J (2018) A Framework for Digital Media Literacies for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. E-learning and Digital Media

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325555057_A_Framework_for_Digital_Media_Literacies_for_Teaching_and_Learning_in_Higher_Education

Websites

• 15 BEST APPS IN THE CLASSROOM FOR TEACHERS

• LESSON AND TOOLS FOR TEACHING ABOUT AI

• AI IN THE CLASSROOM -PROS AND CONS

Specific Objectives:

By the end of this week, you will have completed the following tasks:

Task 1: Review a list of virtual apps and evaluate the feasibility of their application (Reflect, Contribute - Response to guided questions)

Task 2: Reflect on the topic of Digital Literacy and how it links to the use of Learning Engagement through Virtual Apps (Reflect, Contribute)

Task 3: Analyze lessons that incorporate apps and explore these apps: 

• PollEverywhere https://www.polleverywhere.com

• Audyo: https://www.audyo.ai/ 

• Ideogram: https://ideogram.ai

• Pretty Polly: https://www.prettypolly.app

Task 4: Continue working on collaborative app portfolio on Padlet.  Identify opportunities and gaps in participants’ own context. and reflect on which apps will have the potential to be used to address those gaps/needs, add reflection to the appropriate section in the portfolio (Reflect, Contribute)

Week 3: January 25–31 

Use of Virtual tools, Setting them up, Reflections and Discussions. Application 3 

Moderators: Olenka Villavicencio 

Focus: Application - use of virtual tools such as apps and GenAI tools, setting up virtual tools for educators to use, and understanding how these tools contribute to the focus of the lesson. 

Supporting Readings:

• Best 30 DALLE 3 prompts you must try right now. (2023, December 4). Anakin Blog. https://anakin.ai/blog/best-dalle-3-prompts/

Supporting Websites

• https://aplicaciones.ai/en/education-copilot

• https://academy.genial.ly/

• https://zapier.com/blog/ai-art-generator

• https://help.genially.com/how-to-create-interactive-questions-with-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-genially-Hkveo5urC 

• https://www.toolify.ai/alternative/mapify    

• https://freshvanroot.com/blog/best-ai-assistants-compared-2024/

• https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/14200040?hl=e                 

Tools to be explored this week: 

• During the Synchronous session: The following Virtual Tools will be showcased and they may allow educators to create: lesson plans, rubrics, texts, exams, images, etc.

Genially, Gemini, Copilot 

• Interactive exploration: Participants will have the opportunity to explore additional apps and GenAI tools options.

         Genially ,Canva,Mapify

• The following Generative AI Tools may allow educators to create texts, lesson plans, rubrics, etc. 

        Gemini,Perplexity,Claude.

• Generative AI Tools for creating images.

         DALL-E AI, Copilot, Leonardo AI.

Specific Objectives:

By the end of the week participants will have:

1. created two original teaching resources (e.g., a presentation, a lesson plan, an infographic) using the selected virtual tools and GenAI tool.

2. reflected on the impact of using virtual tools and GenAI on student engagement, learning outcomes, and teaching efficiency.

By the end of this week, you will have completed the following tasks:

Task 1: Explore and become familiar with a list of four (4) virtual tools. Use at least one (1) app and one (1) Gen AI tool through hands-on activities/resources generated in the classroom and reflect on their application. (Choose two original resources, apply in your own context, and reflect about them) . Share them in  our Padlet Collaborative PortfolioEnlaces a un sitio externo. and reflect on resources created. Consider instructional purpose, learner engagement, and assessment.

Task 2: Choose only one activity from the 2 virtual tools used in the classroom and write a detailed description or create a video of the learners’ reaction to this activity/resource (Mid-week contribute - share reflections on Discussion forum)

Task 3: Continue working on your collaborative app portfolio, - identify how easy or difficult it was to use the virtual tools in the classroom. Share reflections on which app(s) has (have) the most potential for participant's context in the discussion forum.

This week's work will allow you to explore GenAI tools may allow creation of text, images and video. In connection with other apps, it leads to creating interactive content, as well as platforms to save, organize and share content.

Other virtual tools that can be explored on your own or that we have explored or will explore.

Text: ChatGPTE (explored in week 1), CLAUDE. , Perplexity , and Ask your PDF  sitio externo. - All AI

Images & Audio: Ideogram , Audyo  (explored in week 2) (AI)

Video: Synthesia  (to be explored in week 4) (AI)

Interactive Content: Canva  (App)

Save, Organize and Share content: Wakelet  (explored in week 1) Padlet . (explored throughout the session) - (App)

Week 4: February 1–7

Continue with app setup and how apps contribute to the main goals of the lesson. Application 3 

Moderator:  Mary Allegra 

Focus: Application/use of Generative AI tools for educators, setting apps, and how these tools contribute to the focus of the lesson.

Supporting Readings:

• Bowling, E. (2023, October 6). Ten free AI tools for reducing teacher workload. Medium. https://awildsurmise.medium.com/ten-free-ai-tools-for-reducing-teacher-workload-e377286923cc 

• Langreo, L. (2023, August 15). Beyond ChatGPT: The Other AI Tools Teachers are Using. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/beyond-chatgpt-the-other-ai-tools-teachers-are-using/2023/08 

• Poth, R. (2023, October 20). 7 AI Tools That Help Teachers Work More Efficiently. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/7-ai-tools-that-help-teachers-work-more-efficiently/ 

Tools to be explored this week: 

During the Synchronous session: The following Generative AI Tools will be showcased and their use demonstrated based on their purpose. As such these tools may allow educators to create: Lesson plans, rubrics, questions from texts/audios/videos, etc.

1. MagicSchool

2. QuestionWell

Generative AI tools for generating presentations using simple description statements:

1. Gamma.ai 

2. Slides.go

Generative AI tool, which is a YouTube Question Generator:

1. QuizRise 

2. QuizWizard

Specific Objectives: (aligned with session objectives 4 and 5)

By the end of this week participants will have: 

1. reflected on  AI tools that suit their teaching context

2. differentiated between Generative AI tools that can be integrated into their teaching practice

By the end of this week, you will have completed the following tasks:

Task 1: Choose one of the three articles about AI tools for education. Read it and share your thoughts and reflections. Post in the discussion forum.

Task 2: Explore at least three (3) AI tools useful for educators. Then, generate the three teaching resources using the AI tools chosen. Share them in the corresponding discussion forum. Finally, reflect on the teaching materials generated (consider instructional purpose, connection with the learner’s previous knowledge, level of engagement, assessment, and/or any other aspect you consider).

Task 3: Apply/Use the three (3) chosen AI resources in the class. Afterwards, choose one of the three AI apps used in the classroom. Share it in the corresponding discussion forum and write a detailed description of the learners’ reaction to this activity/resource.

Task 4: Continue working on your collaborative app portfolio on PadletLinks to an external site. - identify how easy or difficult it was to use the three (3) AI tools to design your classes. Share reflections on which AI app(s) have the most potential in your classroom. 

Week 5: February 8–15

Getting to know the learning platform and getting to know each other

Moderator: Marisa Huaccho 

Focus: Closing session and reflections on key takeaways of Learning Engagement through Virtual Apps. Sharing of app portfolio.

Specific Objectives: 

By the end of the week participants will have 

1. highlighted, through their collaborative app portfolio, specific activities for the classroom using chosen apps.

2. provided a set of recommendations to other teachers based on lessons learned through their experience.

By the end of this week, you will have completed the following tasks:

Task 1: Share, discuss, and reflect. Share the link to your app portfolio with peers in the discussion forum. Then, record a short video reflecting on the following:

Mention which virtual tools you found most useful for engaging students. Why?

Discuss any challenges you have faced.

Mention how you plan to use them in your teaching practice.

Comment on one of your peers' posts.

Task 2: Reflect and share. What advice would you give to other educators who are interested in using tech tools to engage students in virtual learning?

Task 3: Fill out the EVO2026 feedback survey.

Interactive space: Facebook and/or WhatsApp/Telegram Groups as applicable and agreed with participants

Content space: Canva and Google Drive (Folders per session), Padlet for collaborative app portfolio, and additional apps for activities and applications

Live meeting space: Zoom 

1. 1. 1. Badger: https://badgr.com/auth/login 

      2. Baamboozle: https://www.baamboozle.com/ 

      3. Canva: https://www.canva.com 

      4. D-id: https://studio.d-id.com

      5. Diffit:https://app.diffit.me/

      6. Edpuzzle: https://edpuzzle.com 

      7. Flipgrid: https://info.flip.com 

      8. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com 

      9. Google AI Studio. https://aistudio.google.com/app/apps

      10. Giphy: https://giphy.com 

      11. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com 

      12. Kahoot: https://kahoot.com  

      13. Liveworksheets: https://www.liveworksheets.com

      14. Mural: https://mural.co 

      15. Nearpod: https://nearpod.com 

      16. Peardeck: https://app.peardeck.com/join 

      17. Synthesia: https://www.synthesia.io/

      18. Quizlet:  https://quizlet.com/es 

      19. Sticker Maker:https://getstickerpack.com 

      20. TEDed: https://ed.ted.com 

      21. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com 

      22. ThingLink: https://www.thinglink.com 

      23. Voicethread: https://voicethread.com 

      24. Wordwall: https://wordwall.net/ 

      25. Wooclap: https://www.wooclap.com 

1- Bowling, E. (2023, October 6). Ten free AI tools for reducing teacher workload. Medium. https://awildsurmise.medium.com/ten-free-ai-tools-for-reducing-teacher-workload-e377286923cc

2- Color Whistle. (2023, July 24). E-Learning Web Apps for Online Classroom. 

https://colorwhistle.com/top-e-learning-web-apps/. 

3- Edwards, L. (2023, April 27). What is Mentimeter, and how can it be used for teaching? Tips & tricks. Tech & Learning. https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-mentimeter-and-how-can-it-be-used-for-teaching-tips-and-tricks

4- Farah K. & Barnett, R. (2018). A 5-step guide to making your own instructional videos. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-step-guide-making-your-own-instructional-videos/

5- Guinness, H. (n.d.). The top AI art generators in 2024. Zapier | Automation that moves you forward. 

https://zapier.com/blog/ai-art-generator/

6- Isaias, P Miranda, P. (2013) Digitally Literate: Framework for the development of Digital Literacy. IADIS https://www.iadisportal.org/digital-library/digitally-literate-framework-for-the-development-of-digital-literacy

7- Kassiani Nikolopoulou, MSc. (2025, October 20). Google Gemini Prompts With Ready-to-Use Examples. Quillbot Blog. https://quillbot.com/blog/ai-prompt-writing/prompts-for-gemini/

8- Kharbach, M. (2023, May 19). A very Good Visual on How to Evaluate Educational Apps to Use in Your Class. Educators Technology. https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2017/02/a-very-good-visual-on-how-to-evaluate.html. 

9- Langreo, L. (2023, August 15). Beyond ChatGPT: The Other AI Tools Teachers are Using. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/beyond-chatgpt-the-other-ai-tools-teachers-are-using/2023/08

10- Loveless, B. (2023). Are Learning Apps Helping or Hurting Education? Retrieved from: 

https://www.educationcorner.com/learning-apps-helping-hurting-education.html

11- Mistelbacher, R. (2024, November 1). The best AI assistants compared: Claude vs Gemini vs ChatGPT vs Mistral vs Perplexity vs CoPilot. Fresh Van Root. https://freshvanroot.com/blog/best-ai-assistants-compared-2024/

12- Reyna, J., Hanham, J., & Meier, P. C. (2018). A framework for digital media literacies for teaching and learning in higher education. E-Learning and Digital Media, 15(4), 176-190. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753018784952

13- Pearson L, (2023). Online language teaching tools: A comprehensive guide for educators.  Retrieved from: 

https://www.pearson.com/languages/community/blogs/2023/12/online-language-teaching-tools.html

14- Permiakov, E. (Director). (2020). Best Apps for Teachers [Motion Picture]. 

https://youtu.be/vTDh-h7Xti4?si=yBxCzD5sKwfwDiIN. 

15- Permiakov, E. (Director). (2021). Best Apps for Online Teaching [Motion Picture]. 

https://youtu.be/1gSjx0SkfzE?si=cW8NgRqjq-DaBZ5Y. 

16- Permiakov, E. (Director). (2021). Top 5 Apps to Make Virtual Lesson Interactive [Motion Picture]. https://youtu.be/C7vxAn0w7YA?si=X71S6FNSNHXxxpZ8. 

17- Poth, R. (2023, October 20). 7 AI Tools That Help Teachers Work More Efficiently. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/7-ai-tools-that-help-teachers-work-more-efficiently/

18- SANAKO. (2021, February 21). Language Teaching Strategies. Retrieved October 2022, from Applying Gamification into Foreign Language Teaching: https://sanako.com/applying-gamification-into-foreign-language-teaching 

19- Son, Jeong-Bae (2011). Online Tools for Language Teaching. The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language 15 (1)  https://tesl-ej.org/wordpress/issues/volume15/ej57/ej57int/

20- Sturman, S. (2018, August). Integrating Apps into Education. Benefits of using Apps in Education. https://ubwp.buffalo.edu/happe/home-page/integrating-apps-into-education/. 

21- Harfst, Krystof-Sandor ( 2023). The Power of Digital Resources: Using online tools for language teaching. https://www.howtolearnalanguage.info/teach-languages-online/materials-and-methods/online-tools

22- Wadhwa, V. (2023, March 8). Guide to Virtual Classrooms and Online Student Engagement. Retrieved from Airmeet: https://www.airmeet.com/hub/blog/virtual-classroom-and-online-student-engagement/ 

23- Wadhwa, Virgil. (2023, June 27). Ultimate guide for virtual classrooms and online student engagement. Airmeet. https://www.airmeet.com/hub/blog/virtual-classroom-and-online-student-engagement/

24- Warwick, L. (2017, August 24). Digital Teacher. Retrieved from Padlet: Excellent Collaboration Tool for Teachers and Learners: https://thedigitalteacher.com/reviews/padlet

25- Yuyun, I. (2018). Curriculum and Technology Design: A Course to Explore Technology Applications in EFL Curriculum Design. Journal of ELT Research: The Academic Journal of Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning, 3(1), 78–86. https://doi.org/10.22236/JER_Vol3Issue1pp78-86