Flipgrid is a video discussion platform that allows instructors and learners to engage in audio and video recorded conversations. The "Grid" is the grouping of videos by members of the course. Other members of your grid can respond to videos to create discussion threads.
For more information about using Flipgrid, please read the Flipgrid Educator's Guide.
Kahoot! is a tool for interactive online synchronous and asynchronous learning assessments. The instructor hosts a synchronous learning video session, and shares their screen while students use a device, such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone, to respond to gamified questions presented in multiple choice, true/false, poll, or rank order format (Kahoot!, 2019). A self-paced learning option is also available through the Kahoot! mobile app. The Kahoot! game designer allows teachers to select a game format, enter questions, answer choices and correct answers, and configure response times. Instructors can also define point values for questions and create image reveals as fun elements. Up to 2000 students can play at a time with the paid version.
Mentimeter is an online polling technology wherein the instructor can set the questions and define the target audience. Multiple question types are available. Learners can give their input using a mobile phone or any other internet connected. Poll data may be immediately presented via a PowerPoint plug for class discussion. WordClouds, rankings, and matrix views are among the many data visualization options. Data may further be exported to spreadsheet for more in depth analysis.
Padlet is similar to a whiteboard. Instructors can use Padlet to note observations, answer prompts, make connections, speak to classes globally, or create a web page on a topic. Padlet features include: uploading files, text, video, and images. Example uses include:
Storyboarding or idea mapping tool for a design project.
Use for brainstorming questions at the beginning of an inquiry project.
ePortfolios - Learners can upload Google docs, creative writing, videos from Flipgrid, and pictures of artwork and write a reflection on what they learned.
Prezi is online presentation creation software that includes a canvas where presenters can pan and zoom to various parts of the canvas to emphasize ideas presented. Visit 7 Outstanding Example Presentations Using Prezi for a more thorough explanation and examples of Prezi presentations.
Slack (Searchable Log of All Conversation and Knowledge) is a mobile and online collaboration tool that synthesizes a variety of communication mediums. It coordinates communication through “channels” that offer features for messaging, tools and file management. For learning purposes, the instructor can create a channel for the class; learners can create channels for work groups, and at any time, individuals can create new groups with new channels. Threads are a sub component of channels that allow for side conversations within a channel. Slack also offers instant communication through voice and video calls. The paid version of Slack offers interactive screen sharing. Finally, Slack channel contents are searchable for future reference, so information in archived channels is easy to locate.
ThingLink allows users to:
Upload images to annotate
Add tags containing comments, clickable links, videos, and other images using the image editor
Embed videos into an image
Add tags and clickable links to annotated videos
Share images and videos via a link or embed code (Canning, 2015)
Trello is an organizational tool commonly used in the business world to track work tasks from a "To Do" backlog to "In Progress" to "Done." Trello "boards" contain task "cards" to track task (or assignment or project progress). Trello is a great tool for group projects. Each group can create a Trello board to organize their process in completing a class project. The group can assign each team member, the instructor, and anyone else they want to be viewing and editing members of the group board. Members of the board can assess and analyze the groups’ process and progress through the Trello activity log and provide feedback and suggestions.
Academic videos on YouTube help reinforce concepts presented in other modalities and visualize discussion board topics
YouTube videos visualize scenarios and provide expert commentary that makes content more understandable and relevant
YouTube videos easily plug in to most Learning Management System course pages
Many common presentation and video creation tools, such as Video Scribe and Screencastify
Zoom is a video conferencing tool with many uses for online courses. Zoom recordings can be saved in mp4 format for later viewing, editing, and posting on common forums such as YouTube and Learning Management Systems.
Introduction Discussions
Live Meetings
Virtual Office Hours
Group Discussions
Group Presentations
Screen sharing, recording and annotation
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