5 EdTech tools you should try in 2019
Written by Charlotte Brearley, BSD Education
At BSD, we believe that regular exposure to technology in a wide range of contexts is the best way to prepare students for using technology in their futures. One great way to bring technology into your classroom is to use EdTech tools. Technology tools do not necessarily all include curriculum or lesson plans, but they strive to highlight how technology can be used in a range of ways, and will help make your classes more engaging and relevant.
To start the year, here are 5 tools we think you should give a try!
1. Formative
Formative is a great web-based app that allows you to give assignments to students and provide personalized and real-time feedback. You can use ready-made “formatives” or create your own to share with your students. You can then view student progress and answers in real-time and assess their learning and progress as they go.
To sum it up: a really easy to use tool that simplifies assessment in your classroom.
2. Equity Maps
Equity Maps is a great iPad app that enhances collaboration, helps you keep track of which of your students participate in class discussion, and how much they are participating.
All you have to do is tap your students’ icons as they engage in the discussion. At the end, you’ll get summary analytics of how often each class member participated and how many were active participants. The instant feedback helps participants to reflect and helps you ensure your classroom discussions are equitable and inclusive.
To sum it up: a tool to encourage equitable dialogue and wider collaboration in your classroom.
3. Geoguessr
Geoguessr is a fun game that develops students’ global awareness, problem solving and research skills. The game starts by dropping the player into a random location on Google Street view. The player then has to figure out where they have been dropped to the closest possible point. Students have to think about different types of information within the map that they can use to solve a problem, use initiative and demonstrate perseverance.
To sum it up: a great game that can be used as a class filler to develop a range of skills.
ProWritingAid does what it says on the tin — it’s a tool that helps your students improve their writing assignments, but not just in relation to spelling and grammar. This tool looks at everything from sentence variety to the use of cliché!
All you need to do is write in the tool itself or upload a document, and you’ll get a summary report giving the strengths and weaknesses of the piece. You can then discuss this with your students.
To sum it up: an incredibly useful tool to help you give in-depth and personalized feedback on your students’ writing.
5. Creaza
Creaza is a tool that can be used to create presentations, mind maps, cartoons, and videos. Students can collaborate on their projects in real-time.
Creaza also consists of creative tools with built-in content and hundreds of ready-made activities. You can easily assign activities to your students, follow their work, comment and give feedback along the way.
To sum it up: a creative tool to create more engaging learning experiences.
Interested in learning more about Ed Tech tools? Email Charlotte at cb@bsd.education or read more articles here.
