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If ever there was a year to integrate new technology tools for the classroom, this is it. As the world recovers from the pandemic, educators are looking for new ways to connect virtually and ensure that students receive a top-notch education. Luckily, there are many more online teaching tools now than there were last year. These programs, apps and browser extensions will make you and your students’ lives easier as you head into the 2021-2022 school year.
1. Turnitin
There aren’t many studies that address plagiarism. However, plagiarism.org reports that more than one-third of high school students have used the internet to plagiarize an assignment. Of course, there’s no telling whether they’ll do it again, that is unless you have Turnitin.
This online tool scans students’ assignments to check for plagiarism and promote integrity within the classroom. Turnitin also allows teachers to grade and deliver assessments and provide valuable feedback to students who wish to cultivate originality and creativity in their writing.
2. Screencastify
Capture all Teachers who prefer Google Chrome can add the Screencastiy extension to their web browser. This tool allows you to record your screen to playback later and share. You can even edit videos before distributing them through various platforms.
Draw on the screen to highlight important information or better clarify main points. Generate a QR code to take videos offline or share them to Google Classroom for easy access. The free plan includes a 5-minute limit per recording while the paid version will get you unlimited recording for just $50 a year.
3. Flipgrid
Flipgrid has quickly become one of the most popular technology tools for the classroom. Thanks to its flexibility and ease of use, this video discussion platform allows students to connect with each other to share their learning.
All teachers have to do is break up their class into grids — or groups — and create prompts called topics. Then, students respond to the topic and reply to others’ comments with short videos. Share book reviews, practice world language skills and celebrate students’ progress all in one place with Flipgrid. This tool is so simple that kindergarteners can use it.
4. Jamboard
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use online whiteboard, Jamboard is the tool for you. This cloud-based board enables real-time visual collaboration to support synchronous teaching.
Were a few students absent from class? Use Screencastify to record your jams and embed the videos on the screen to better explain difficult equations. Both the jam board file and your Screencastify recording will save to your Google Drive upon finishing class so you can share them with students.
5. Bakpax
The last thing you want to do after lesson planning is to sit down and grade 30 assignments. If you were to tackle the job alone, it could take hours. Luckily, Bakpax offers a better solution.
Bakpax is a grading tool that relies on artificial intelligence to automatically correct submitted assignments. Create Bakpax worksheets by typing unique questions or scan and convert old worksheets into new AI-correctable documents. Then, provide students with instant feedback and accurate grades so they can start studying for the next test sooner.
6. TinyTap
Teachers that enjoy gamifying lessons will love TinyTap. This interactive app is home to more than 100,000 games, books and learning activities to help kids better understand a wide variety of concepts.
You can also create your own activities or ask students to make ones of their own. An extensive array of user-friendly tools make creating and editing easy, even for younger kids. While TinyTap would make a great addition to your iPad, the app is especially handy if you frequently integrate project-based learning into your lesson plans.
7. Labster
Do you dream of having a collegiate-level laboratory in your science classroom? If your kids only had access to fancy compounds and next-level equipment, maybe they’d engage more. Now, you can have all of that and more with Labster.
The online biotech lab is best suited for high schoolers as its procedures are incredibly thorough. More than 200 realistic simulations help kids gain first-hand experience so they feel prepared to transfer their skills to a real lab. A post-lab feature also engages students with questions and animations to spark connections between procedures and processes.
Stay Flexible
As technology progresses and developers come out with updates and new solutions, it’s crucial that both students and teachers remain flexible. These advancements and additions might take some getting used to. However, staying up to date with the latest technology tools for the classroom will ensure your students receive a high-quality education, even if some — or all — of it is online.
