Toolkit 1: Google Classroom

Overview:

Google Classroom is a free web-based platform that helps educators create, manage, and streamline the distribution of assignments and communication with students.

Use:

  • Setup: Teachers can create a class and invite students using their school email addresses.

  • Assignment Management: Easily distribute, collect, and grade assignments.

  • Communication: Post announcements, updates, and engage with students through comments.

Benefits:

  • Organization: Keeps all class materials and assignments in one place.

  • Accessibility: Students can access materials from anywhere with internet access.

  • Efficiency: Reduces paperwork and enhances communication.

Classroom Applications:

  • Flipped Classroom: Use Google Classroom to post video lectures for students to watch at home, allowing for interactive activities during class time.

  • Collaborative Projects: Students can work together on assignments using Google Docs and Slides, promoting teamwork and collaborative skills.

  • Feedback and Grading: Provide real-time feedback on assignments and streamline the grading process.

Toolkit 2: Kahoot!

Overview:

Kahoot! is an interactive game-based learning platform that allows educators to create quizzes, surveys, and discussions in a fun, engaging format.

Use:

  • Creating Quizzes: Educators can design quizzes or choose from a library of existing games.

  • Playing Games: Students join via a game PIN and respond to questions on their devices in real-time.

Benefits:

  • Engagement: Increases student motivation and participation through competition and game mechanics.

  • Instant Feedback: Provides immediate results and analytics on student performance.

  • Versatile Use: Can be used for formative assessments, review sessions, or icebreakers.

Classroom Applications:

  • Review Sessions: Use Kahoot! before tests to help students review material in an engaging way.

  • Assess Understanding: Quickly gauge student understanding of concepts through interactive quizzes.

  • Icebreakers: Start a lesson with a fun quiz related to the day’s topic to energize students.

Toolkit 3: Padlet

Overview:

Padlet is an online bulletin board tool that allows users to create and collaborate on boards for various purposes.

Use:

  • Creating Boards: Teachers can set up a board and invite students to contribute.

  • Collaboration: Students can add notes, images, links, and videos to the board in real-time.

Benefits:

  • Collaboration: Encourages teamwork and sharing of ideas among students.

  • Visual Learning: Supports different types of media, making learning more interactive.

  • Easy to Use: Intuitive interface that is user-friendly for all ages.

Classroom Applications:

  • Brainstorming Sessions: Use Padlet for students to post ideas during group discussions or brainstorming activities.

  • Project Showcases: Create a Padlet board where students can showcase their work, allowing for peer feedback.

  • Resource Sharing: Compile resources on a specific topic, allowing students to contribute links and articles they find.

Toolkit 4: Flipgrid

Overview:

Flipgrid is a video discussion platform that allows educators to pose questions and students to respond with short videos.

Use:

  • Setting Up Topics: Teachers create topics or questions for students to respond to.

  • Video Responses: Students record and submit video responses that can be viewed by classmates.

Benefits:

  • Engagement: Encourages students to express themselves and engage with peers through video.

  • Personal Connection: Promotes a sense of community and connection in the classroom.

  • Differentiation: Allows students to communicate in different ways, catering to various learning styles.

Classroom Applications:

  • Classroom Discussions: Use Flipgrid to facilitate discussions on complex topics, allowing students to share their perspectives.

  • Presentations: Students can present projects or findings via video, fostering creativity and communication skills.

  • Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their learning and experiences through video responses at the end of a unit or project.

Toolkit 5: Edpuzzle

Overview:

Edpuzzle is an interactive video tool that allows educators to create lessons using existing videos or their own content, embedding questions and comments.

Use:

  • Creating Interactive Videos: Educators can upload videos or use ones from platforms like YouTube, adding quizzes and notes.

  • Tracking Progress: Monitor student engagement and performance through analytics.

Benefits:

  • Active Learning: Students engage with video content actively rather than passively watching.

  • Customizable Learning: Allows teachers to tailor lessons to fit their curriculum and student needs.

  • Assessment: Provides instant feedback on student understanding through embedded questions.

Classroom Applications:

  • Flipped Learning: Assign Edpuzzle videos for homework to prepare students for in-class discussions.

  • Video Lessons: Use to explain complex concepts, allowing students to revisit content as needed.

  • Assessment: Evaluate student understanding through quizzes embedded in the video.