There is certainly no shortage of tech-based tools to use in the classroom. In this article we\u2019ll examine some of the best, focusing specifically on those that are designed for encouraging, enhancing, and managing learning.<\/p>\n
Socrative<\/a> professes to be \u201cyour classroom app for fun, effective classroom engagement\u201d. In a nutshell, it is a cloud-based student response system, allowing teachers to immediately test student understanding by way of mini-quizzes, assigned to them on class laptops or tablets. Quizzes can be multiple choice, graded short answer, true-false, or open-ended short response. Socrative\u2019s strength lies in its \u201con the fly<\/a>\u201d assessment method, providing teachers with valuable and timely feedback.<\/p>\n Scratch<\/a> is a simple, fun, and engaging introduction to programming, designed specifically for 8 to 16-year-olds. Users can combine music, graphics, and photos to create interactive games, animations, and slideshows. All of their creations are shareable with others in a student\u2019s online community. It\u2019s important to note that Scratch will really only teach programming concepts<\/a>, not so much real, authentic programming.<\/p>\n According to Prezi<\/a>, \u201ccreating, giving, and tracking beautiful interactive presentations is as easy as 1,2,3\u201d with their cloud-based presentation software. Prezi presentations are nothing like your traditional presentations; zooming in and out and moving side to side across one single, very attractive and modern canvas, focusing in on images and videos inputted by the user. Prezi is very popular and consistently receives excellent reviews.<\/p>\n SelfCAD<\/a> is a free, cloud-based 3D CAD software package for students. It is incredibly easy to use, yet provides an authentic, \u2018real world\u2019 3D design experience. Another notable feature\u2014 SelfCAD has teamed up with MyMiniFactory<\/a>, to provide a database of already completed 3D printable designs, making thousands of 3D objects available for immediate 3D printing. All round, it is a very powerful and effective tool for learning in STEM, and a number of schools are getting on board.<\/p>\n Quizlet<\/a> provides a platform for students and teachers to create and share their own learning materials, including flashcards and diagrams. Quizlet Live<\/a> is the free in-class quiz game, produced by Quizlet, that can then bring these learning materials to life. In this engaging and interactive game, students must all contribute, stay focused and communicate well to win. Quizlet consistently receives excellent reviews and is a great way to bring study notes to into the 21st century.<\/p>\n Google Classroom<\/a> is a powerful community based social tool for learning. It allows students to post questions and receive answers from their teachers and fellow students. Furthermore, teachers can post intriguing questions and lesson materials for review at home. It can also be integrated with other Google products<\/a> such as Google Forms, which can be a great way to get feedback from students.<\/p>\n Spark Video is part of the Adobe Spark<\/a> suite. The application enables students to produce short, animated, narrated explainer videos. Students can easily add photos, video clips, icons, and voice, as well as professional-quality soundtracks and cinematic motion to their video creations. Video and vlog making is a great way to engage students creatively, and an \u2018out of the box\u2019 approach to class projects or reviewing learning materials.<\/p>\n With Khan Academy<\/a> you can literally learn anything; all for free. Lessons are presented by way of videos, interactive activities, and challenges. Learners also earn badges in line with their achievements and can save their progress to their own profile. Khan Academy is a great way to supplement your teaching, provide extra work to your gifted and talented students or help those who are struggling with certain content.<\/p>\n Seesaw<\/a> is an easy to use learning portfolio application, enabling students to document, showcase and reflect on what they are learning at school. Work can be made accessible to parents as well. The collective monitoring of learning by students, teachers, and parents is a great way to motivate students, and the tool is incredibly popular with teachers<\/a>.<\/p>\n2. Scratch<\/h3>\n
3. Prezi<\/h3>\n
4. SelfCAD<\/h3>\n
\u00a05. Quizlet \/ Quizlet Live<\/h3>\n
6. Google Classroom<\/h3>\n
7. Adobe Spark Video<\/h3>\n
8. Khan Academy<\/h3>\n
9. Seesaw<\/h3>\n
10. Class Dojo<\/h3>\n