As a teacher I think there is something magical about a classroom at the beginning of the year; the supplies are fresh, new boards are up, and everything is organized.
During the first week of school, I have to make some tough decisions for the year. One of those decisions is what educational technology tools I want to use in my classroom.
Knowing teacher collaboration is the best way to go, I went on a hunt to find out what other teachers thought. My hunt led me to Facebook where I asked 20+ teacher groups what they thought were the best educational tools out there. They came through and gave me some great options!
Here are the top 6 tech tools that other teachers are raving about:
1. SeeSaw: If you’re looking for a way to track student progress, create a digital portfolio and engage your students in the digital world, this easy-to-use app if for you! It also pairs perfectly with our next app!
2. ClassTag: Through engagement and communication, ClassTag makes teacher and parent interaction a breeze! They are even launching a Marketplace in August that focuses on rewarding the classroom for parent/teacher engagement. Rewards for my classroom, just for engaging parents? Sign me up!
3. Insert Learning: You cannot talk about educational tech without mentioning Google Classroom. Insert Learning brings Google Classroom to the next level by making each lesson and activity interactive. Try it out, you’ll be glad you did! A lesson plan go-to for every teacher! While some of the lessons cost money, there are plenty of free lesson plans. Even if you opt to spend a few dollars, you’ll probably be happy you did, as you’re supporting a fellow teacher.
4. TeachersPayTeachers: A lesson plan go-to for every teacher! While some of the lessons cost money, there are plenty of free lesson plans. Even if you opt to spend a few dollars, you’ll probably be happy you did, as you’re supporting a fellow teacher.
5. Responsive Classrooms: This tech tool is great as a professional development tool, but also provides free resources for teaching social-emotional learning in the classroom. Responsive Classroom helps you find ways to connect with your kiddos in all stages of social-emotional development.
6. Classroom Economy: Tailored to grade level, Classroom Economy simultaneously teaches fiscal responsibility, and creates a digital token economy. No more losing (paper) school bucks AND you can track student progression over time!
I hope this list helps you get your year off to a great start! May your year be full of laughter and just as importantly, may you not get sick before Winter Break!
A two-time Rookie Teacher of the Year recipient, Sam Hall has been working in Marion County Public Schools for 4 years. She teaches Social Studies at both the middle and high school level. In her spare time she creates elementary school lesson plans for reading and spends time with her daughter.
