The new school year brings with it a fresh start, new challenges, and of course, the need for new tools. As an educator, you are constantly searching for ways to engage your students and make learning more efficient and effective. Thankfully, there are many amazing tools available to help you do just that. In this article, we will explore six back-to-school tools that are perfect for teachers. These resources will not only save you time but also enhance your teaching and make the learning experience more enjoyable for your students.
1. Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a free web-based platform designed to help teachers create, distribute, and grade assignments in a paperless way. With this tool, you can easily share announcements, assign work, provide feedback, and communicate with your students in a secure and organized environment. It also integrates seamlessly with other Google tools such as Google Drive, which allows for easy document sharing and collaboration. This is a must-have tool for any teacher looking to streamline their classroom management.
2. Kahoot!
Kahoot! is an interactive learning platform that makes quizzes, surveys, and discussions fun and engaging. Teachers can create custom quizzes or choose from a library of publicly available ones on various subjects. Students compete against each other in real-time, which motivates them to participate and strive for the top spot on the leaderboard. This tool is perfect for reviewing material, assessing student learning, or as an icebreaker activity at the beginning of the school year.
3. Flipgrid
Flipgrid is a video discussion platform that allows teachers to post questions or prompts and have students record short video responses. This tool promotes student voice and collaboration, as well as encourages creativity and critical thinking skills. Teachers can use this tool for class discussions, presentations, or even as a way for students to introduce themselves to their classmates at the beginning of the school year.
4. Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform that allows teachers to create visually appealing and professional-looking materials for their classroom. Teachers can use this tool to make posters, infographics, presentations, and more. With thousands of templates and design elements at your disposal, you can easily customize materials for any subject or grade level. This is a great tool for making your classroom stand out and capturing your students’ attention.
5. Edpuzzle
Edpuzzle is an interactive video platform that allows teachers to create their own video lessons or use ones from popular educational channels such as TED-Ed and Crash Course. Teachers can add questions, quizzes, and comments throughout the video to check for understanding and keep students engaged. This tool also tracks student progress, making it easy to monitor their learning and address any misunderstandings.
6. Classcraft
Classcraft is an online game platform that transforms the classroom into a collaborative role-playing adventure. In this game, students are divided into teams and earn points by completing assignments, exhibiting good behavior, or helping their classmates. This tool promotes teamwork, positive behavior, and a fun learning experience. It also allows teachers to easily track student progress and communicate with parents.