Author: Rachelle Dene Poth
There are so many options for integrating digital tools into the classroom today. So many, that getting started can become overwhelming, especially with all the resources available and ideas being shared through books, blogs, social media, conferences, and conversations. I too felt a bit overwhelmed a few years ago, but took a step back to focus on one area that I thought could benefit from some change.
I tried to find some areas where communication and collaboration were lacking or non-existent, and then decided to test out a few tools and see what happened. I listened, read, tested them, and finally decided to take a risk, pick one new tool, and try something different.
Here are eight tools that I tried and my thoughts on why they have made a difference in my classroom.
I tried to find some areas where communication and collaboration were lacking or non-existent, and then decided to test out a few tools and see what happened. I listened, read, tested them, and finally decided to take a risk, pick one new tool, and try something different.
Here are eight tools that I tried and my thoughts on why they have made a difference in my classroom.
Tools to Get Students "Talking"
There are always questions to be asked, and many times you may notice the students are not responding, even though you know that some, if not all of them know the answers. It is understandable that being called upon in class can make students nervous, for many reasons, either truly not knowing the answer, or that impending feeling of being put on the spot. With these reactions, getting students to volunteer in class can be tough, and this is why digital tools can be the “answer” to your question of “how can I get the students to talk more.” Technology should not be a substitute for having students speak, because they need to develop their confidence in speaking in class, but using a digital tool to get them started can be of great benefit.
Here are a few tools that I started with and some more recent methods. I don't necessarily use them in their traditional manner, but they worked in my classroom and I hope that it can work in yours as well.
Here are a few tools that I started with and some more recent methods. I don't necessarily use them in their traditional manner, but they worked in my classroom and I hope that it can work in yours as well.
1 | Survey Monkey
How many times have you completed a survey using SurveyMonkey? I have done so many that one day it occurred to me that I could use it for the classroom. Why not create a survey with a variety of questions for student reflection, create a quick entrance or exit ticket as a formative assessment just for some starters. I have used it to ask students to let me know content areas they need help with, we voted for club officers and answered questions about class field trips and more. The data is available and graphically represented quickly, making that “just in time” feedback easy. Try this as a different way to give a quiz or ask for a reflection.
2 | GoSoapBox
GoSoapBox is a web based tool, that opens up spaces for student responses and discussion or even polls and quizzes. Teachers create an “event” and provide students with an event code, which means that students do not have to create their own account. They enter the code to join and access the activities set up by the teacher. Using GoSoapBox for assessing students with a quick check is easy and opens up ways for students to convey their thoughts, without having to be in the same learning space.
3 | Recap
Recap is a newer tool available for teachers and students to engage in a video response system. Students can be given a prompt by the teacher and record their response, comfortably at home or wherever and whenever they want. All responses are then compiled into a “daily reel” , where teachers can view and provide feedback to the students. There are even some new features coming out with Recap and it is a free tool to use. My students have really enjoyed using this for class and come up with new ways to use it all the time.
Communication through Collaboration
There are many options available to use technology to enhance opportunities to collaborate and communicate, and to encourage students to be more involved in the class discussion.
4 | Wikispaces
Wikispaces is a great a way to share information, create a class webpage, and open discussion possibilities. The use of Wikispaces has worked really well for having my students collaborate, create a discussion page, design an informative page with resources, as just a few examples of some possible uses. Last year, my students created a travel agency using Wikispaces and worked together to make a really nice website that they shared with their peers.
5 | Padlet
If you have been looking for a way to have students brainstorm, even if not physically in the same learning space at the same time, then I recommend trying Padlet. Padlet is considered a kind of “virtual wall.” You can easily create a Padlet, post a discussion question, add a picture, curate resources and more. Students can then respond on the Padlet, add their own images, upload a file and more. It is a great way to connect and open up learning spaces to beyond the classroom, and interact with students throughout the world.
The use of tools like these and others are beneficial because they can be used to expand where and when learning occurs, in addition to providing space for students to collaborate.
The use of tools like these and others are beneficial because they can be used to expand where and when learning occurs, in addition to providing space for students to collaborate.
Creating Presentations and Telling Stories
Finally, here are a few options for having students present information in a visual way, with options for multimedia like videos and embedded objects.
6 | Buncee
Buncee is a web based tool that can be used for creating presentations, interactive lessons and more, with many options for including different characters, fonts, animations, video and more. You can watch a quick overview of the tool here:
7 | Piktochart
Piktochart is a tool for creating infographics, social media flyers, engaging presentations and more. Students have created menus, self-descriptions, movie and tv advertisements, recipe presentations and much more. Students can create free accounts as well, and it's easy to share or embed the work they create on other sites.
8 | Visme
Visme is a “drag and drop” tool, which is easy to use for creating infographics, reports, different presentations and more. It has a library full of images, charts and more, making it easy for users to create exactly what they need. Just like Picktochart, students can create a free account and get started with blank presentations or their large library of templates.
What are the Benefits?
Each of these tools helps promote more personalized and meaningful learning for students. These tools can be used to enhance, amplify, and facilitate deeper and more authentic learning. Using technology just for the sake of using is never best practice, but using it to help students find their voice, learn what they want to do, what they can do and what they need help with, does makes sense and can make a meaningful impact in your classroom.
I use each of these tools with my different classes and I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact me at rdene915@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter @rdene915, share your stories and experiences!
I use each of these tools with my different classes and I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact me at rdene915@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter @rdene915, share your stories and experiences!
