Where do you go when you want to learn about new EdTech tools? From checking out new blog posts (like this one!) to searching hashtags on social media, there are lots of ways to learn about new EdTech tools. When I attend a conference, I also stay on the lookout for companies that have just come on the scene. This way, I can connect with them, ask them questions, and see if their booth is “buzzing” with excitement from other educators, too.
If you follow along on Instagram, then you already know that I spent last week at the FETC Conference in Miami. This trip was my fifth time at this event and third as a featured speaker. In between leading workshops and sessions, I was able to get down to the Expo Hall and learn about some new EdTech tools.
New EdTech Tools
In this blog post, I want to take you through a few new EdTech tools worth exploring this year. A few of these companies were totally new to me, and several were part of the Startup Pavilion. If there is a new EdTech tool that has you excited, share on social and tag @classtechtips.
Coding for Kids
The first on the list is Matatalab, a coding kit for kids that I had the chance to see in action. It provides a hands-on opportunity for students to explore coding principles. The coding set gives students access to a mat and pieces to move into a pattern.
At FETC this year, I tried out Matatalab’s coding kit and was very impressed. They also have a musical component that you might want to explore, too. Above you’ll find a picture I snapped after chatting with one of their team members.
Little Genius Starter Kit
I’m a big fan of Osmo and have seen their apps and tools in action in classrooms across the country. At the FETC conference, I spent some time exploring their “new to me” Little Genius Starter Kit.
The quick video below gives you a sense of what it looks like in action. If this video piques your interest, I definitely encourage you to take a closer look at their website. The Little Genius Starter Kit includes four different options, including skill building practice with storytelling and letter recognition.
FETC Startup Pavilion
One thing I love about walking around the Expo Hall floor is checking out up-and-coming EdTech companies. The Startup Pavilion at FETC was full of new companies and new EdTech tools. I want to spotlight five of the more than a dozen companies and tools featured in the Startup Pavilion this year. I’ll give you a quick overview and share one reason why it grabbed my attention.
Sketch Comedy SAT Videos
If you’re looking for a new way for students to prepare for the ACT or SAT exams, you’ll want to check out Prepmedians. This website is full of engaging, sketch comedy-inspired videos to help students get ready to take these exams. Full disclosure — I’ve met their enthusiastic founder before and went to high school with his brother, but didn’t know about this awesome endeavor until I came across it on the list of startups at this year’s pavilion.
This EdTech tool grabbed my attention because… I love engaging videos that communicate information in a new way, and this definitely fits that description.
Interactive Reading Library
As you can see in the video below, Kidint is all about storytelling. It gives users access to hundreds of books and encourages reading together as a family. It works on a variety of devices and lets new users try it out for free for a full month. I like how families can set up profiles for their children and how it awards badges, too.
This EdTech tool grabbed my attention because… I’m always looking for apps and websites that promote joint media engagement.
Use this link to download my free guide with more reading and writing EdTech tool recommendations.
Video Playlists
If you listen to my Easy EdTech Podcast, you know that I love videos and even have an episode all about creating video playlists in the classroom. Well, Vubble is an EdTech tool designed to create video feeds for students with high-quality content. They’ve partnered with a bunch of notable folks already, including Pearson and the Canadian Film Centre.
This EdTech tool grabbed my attention because… video is a powerful way to communicate information, and the more we can make sure this happens in a high-quality way, the better.
Interactive Math Game for Kids
Boddle is an interactive math game for students in elementary school. It’s an adaptive learning platform and provides content tailored to the needs of individual students in your class. With standards connections and assessments for a variety of math skills, Boddle is worth checking out.
This EdTech tool grabbed my attention because… of the combination of differentiated resources and gamified learning for math.
Digital Reading Platform
Glose is a reading platform that gives students and teachers access to hundreds of books — for free. Students can customize the reading interface, and teachers can monitor student progress. It creates a social network so students can talk about what they’re reading and connect with others.
This EdTech tool grabbed my attention because… Glose has both a free and paid version meaning you can jump into this ebook library right away.
cross posted at classtechtips.com
Dr. Monica Burns is a former classroom teacher, Speaker, and Curriculum & EdTech Consultant. She is the author of Tasks Before Apps (ASCD) and #FormativeTech (Corwin). Visit Monica's site ClassTechTips.com for more ideas on how to become a tech-savvy teacher.
