If there was ever a year when teachers could borrow, borrow, and ask for good ideas, this would be it. All good teachers know that this is how they can improve their practice. These are some of the top tech tools that teachers can use to improve their practice.
Parlay
With Parlay, teachers can connect with students remotely and facilitate discussions about rich texts. It also allows them to monitor the progress of the conversation. Through its visual feedback system, Parlay shows which students are contributing and where the discussion is moving. With built-in tools, teachers can monitor the frequency of students’ answers in real-time even when they’re not in the same room. They can then spend their time assessing the depth of their responses.
Prezi
For years, teachers have used the software known as Prezi to create presentations. Its recent update allowed educators to be on the same screen as the graphics, which made presentations more engaging. Another excellent tool for teachers is the ability to capture short lectures or explanations in a more personal and appealing way.
Screencastify
One of the best tools for teachers is Screencastify, which allows students to work out their problems with explanations. This was recommended by a Kenyan teacher, who said that this tool helped her improve her math assessments. It can also help prevent cheating by allowing teachers to monitor their students’ progress.
Mural
Virtual collaboration has been a lifesaver with Mural, which allows students, teachers, and other contributors to create and organize virtual notes in real time. In-person meetings are the best when the group’s collective expertise can be captured visually. Mural is the next best thing if you can’t be in the same room with your colleagues or students.
Gimkit
A student created Gimkit after seeing how Kahoot! worked. This app allows teachers to create multiple question sets that allow students to compete against each other while working on their own. It’s a great way to review and surface learning. Gimkit also has various ways that students can earn points.