This page contains several technology-based tools and resources that can be used in the classroom by both students and educators. have personally used all of these tools and would recommend them to anyone. On this page, there is a description of the tool/resource, the affordances (the ways it can be used), and constraints (limitations). If you click on the title of each tool you can go directly to the tool's website to learn more information (or you can click on the image next to it!).

Image Credit: Anchor. (2021). Introducing the brand-new Anchor: a better-looking way to say it all. https://blog.anchor.fm/updates/rebrand

Anchor

Anchor is a podcast recording platform sponsored by Spotify. This platform allows users to create their own podcasts, record episodes, edit the visual and audio features, and receive a commission from the episodes. An example of the Anchor platform in use can be found in my audio essay. I also use this platform to create a student-led weekly newsletter within my classroom.

Affordances:

Anchor is free to use!
Users can record directly on the website, or upload audio from another location.
Users can edit their audio to their liking before publishing.
Users can create custom cover art for their podcasts.
The podcast can be listened to directly on Anchor's website or on Spotify.

Constraints:

Uploading the audio for a podcast and attaching it to the desired podcast name can be a bit tricky. However, once the user understands the process, it becomes easier.
In order to enhance the audio quality, microphone equipment will need to be purchased separately.

Canva

Canva is an online design platform that allows users to create professional-style creations. Canva also connects designers to printing businesses so that users' designs can come to life. Users can create posters, slideshows, logos, cards, and more.

Affordances:

Canva is a free website for all.
Educators can have access to the pro version for free.
Students can use Canva to create professional presentations.
There are millions of templates that can be edited for personal use.

Constraints:

The pro version of Canva does cost $120 per year for users that do not qualify for free access.
There are many templates that may overwhelm some users.

Image Credit: Canva. (n.d.). Behind the Circle. Medium.com. https://medium.com/canva

Image Credit: Wikipedia. (n.d.) Flip (software). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip_%28software%29

Flip (Formerly FlipGrid)

Flip (previously known as Flipgrid) is a video software that allows users to communicate and collaborate with each other through short videos. This software is primarily used within classrooms, where the educator creates a group, and invites students to join. Students then respond to different topics, and others can respond via video or text to the videos posted.

Affordances:

This platform allows users separated by distance to communicate.
Users that struggle with written communication are given the opportunity to respond orally while meeting the same criteria.
Flip is free to use for all.

Constraints:

Video length is restricted, so users may have to rerecord if they do not finish the video within the allotted time frame.
This software requires access to a webcam and a microphone for use.

GimKit

GimKit is a gamified learning platform that allows students to either review or learn new concepts on their devices. The platform was created by a high school student that wanted to be more engaged in his learning. GimKit 'kits' can be played live or can be assigned for students to complete asynchronously.

Affordances:

Kits are easy to set up and students can easily access them by typing in a code.
There are many modes that the kits can be played in, allowing for student choice and added engagement.
Students can either work collaboratively or independently on the kits.
Kits are automatically graded and show the scores for each student at the conclusion of the kit.
Educators can see the results of the kit for each student to address any reteaching that needs to take place.

Constraints:

Students can potentially focus only on the gaming portion of the kit, and not the content to be learned.
The pro version of the GimKit platform is around $60 a year. The free version is limited on the modes that can be played in.
Students need one-to-one devices in order to play the kits properly.

Image Credit: Gimkit [@gimkit]. (n.d.). Twitter. Retriever July 25, 2022, from https://mobile.twitter.com/gimkit

Image is free to use under Creative Commons licensing.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom is an online classroom hub where students can see information posted by their teacher. Students access Google Classroom through a code set up by the teacher, and can see all information posted until the classroom is archived by the teacher.

Affordances:

Assignments are all in one place and can be organized easily by topics
Students can collaborate on Google Drive documents.
Rubrics can be attached to assignments so educators can grade directly through Google Classroom, which keeps all of the grades stored.
Students can access feedback from their teachers and resubmit work.
Parents can be connected to Google Classroom to monitor their child's school work.
Educators can manage multiple classrooms at once.
Educators can schedule posts ahead of time to be posted on a specific date and at a specific time.

Constraints:

Google Classroom can only be used if the school institution qualifies for Google Workspace for Education.
The software can only be used through Google Drive features (outside of links).
Any further upgrades to the software require a fee per student.

Nearpod

Nearpod is an interactive lesson builder. Nearpod takes typical lectures and adds engagement features that keep students interested in the subject matter. Educators can add videos (with formative assessments embedded), collaborative boards, quizzes, virtual field trips, simulators, and games to their lessons.

Affordances:

Nearpod can sync up with previously made Google and Microsoft items to add engagement features.
Students can easily join the lessons through a code displayed at the start of each lesson.
At the conclusion of each lesson, educators receive a summary including any scores students received for easy grading.
There is a library of previously made lessons by other educators and professionals that educators can use. The lessons can be used as-is, or can be customized to fit the needs of the students.
Educators can host the lesson in front of the class, have the students complete the lesson at their own pace, or assign the lesson as homework.

Constraints:

Students need one-to-one devices in order for the software to work as intended.
The free version of Nearpod allows for 100MB of storage and only 40 students can join the lesson at a time, To upgrade to for more storage, increased allotment of students per lesson, and added engagement features, it starts at $159 per year.

Image Credit: Utah Education Network. (n.d.) Nearpod. https://www.uen.org/nearpod/

Image Credit: Peardeck. (n.d.). Peardeck. https://www.peardeck.com/

Peardeck

Peardeck is another type of interactive lesson builder. Peardeck is an interactive tool through Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint that adds interactive elements into individual slides. These tasks can be completed either synchronously as a whole group lesson or asynchronously as a student-paced lesson. Creators can add multiple-choice responses, drawings, short answers, and other interactive elements into lessons.

Affordances:

Many people already use Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint as a form of presentation creation, so they would not have to learn two different types of software at once.
Peardeck is user-friendly by offering a limited amount of engagement add-ons.
Educators can give written feedback on students' written responses and allow for revisions.
The basic version of Peardeck is free for all.

Constraints:

The premium version of Peardeck costs an individual $150 per year, or districts can buy usage for all teachers for a custom amount.
For all other engagement add-ons, other than written response, educators cannot give feedback to students.

Planbook

Planbook is an online educator planning website. This website allows educators to plan out lessons for individual classes, collaborate with other teachers, and easily shift lessons when needed.

Affordances:

There are many tutorial videos available to ease users into independent use.
Educators can share links to their plans with other educators and administrators.
Files and hyperlinks can be added to lessons for easy access to materials.
Standards for every subject are embedded into the software, for easy attachment to lessons.
A mobile app is available for use on cellular devices.
A 30-day free trial exists for interested users.

Constraints:

Planbook costs $15 per year (or discounted rates for longer licenses) or can cost districts $13.50 per teacher per year.
Tutorial videos can be confusing.

Image Credit: Planbook. (2022). Planbook. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/planbookcom/?ref=page_internal

Image Credit: Quizizz. (2021). Logos. Quizizz. https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/605f512eb39652001be729c5/logos

Quizizz

Quizizz is a gamified learning platform that allows students to review previously taught skills either through a multiple-choice or written format.

Affordances:

A library of pre-made quizzes is available for users to access and use.
After completing games, educators can access comprehensive data on individual student performance, for easy assessment.
Users can "buy" power-ups mid-game after answering questions correctly which allows for the easier answering of other questions.
When users incorrectly answer a question, there are opportunities at the end of the quiz to answer the question correctly.
For individuals, a free version of the platform exists.
Individual questions on quizzes can be linked to state standards.

Constraints:

The premium version of the platform needs to be purchased by districts for full-school use.

Sphero

Sphero is a robotics company that helps students learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) and computer science through tiny, adorable robots. Students use different variations of coding software to move a spherical robot around from their personal devices. Students can program the robot's direction of movement, sounds, light colors, and so much more!

Affordances:

Students learn 21st Century Skills, like creative thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.
Students gain the employability skill of coding that can be used in any field of work.
Educators can assign students activities that correlate with Common Core Standards.
Students can work independently or collaboratively while using the robots.
Class sets of the Sphero robots can be purchased.
Accessories and other added features can be purchased to add to the excitement of the robots.

Constraints:

Students need access to a technological device in order to use the Sphero robots.
Registering and logging into the software can be difficult and time- consuming.
The robots themselves start at $50 per mini Sphero and increase in price for the different models.

Image Credit: Cherry Valley Public Library District. (2019). Tween Spherographs. https://cherryvalleylib.librarymarket.com/events/tween-spherographs

Image Credit: Tinkercad user [@bunyip.2]. (2020). Tinker Cad Logo. Tinkercad Autodesk. https://www.tinkercad.com/things/9CWFBMYFhxz-tinker-cad-logo

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a three-dimensional (3D) printing platform that allows users to create designs using shapes and bring them to life. Users can share and collaborate on designs to meet their needs.

Affordances:

Users can create almost anything online and easily share it with others.
Users can view the designs of other Tinkercad users, create a copy, and alter the design to meet individual needs.
Tinkercad designs can be easily shared and printed to a 3D printer, where they can be brought to life.
Tinkercad is free to use.
Tinkercad also has a coding and circuits program for use as well.

Constraints:

Users need to go through training on how to use the different features before beginning to create designs.
Tinkercad is not user-friendly and requires a lot of time to figure out how to use the program.

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