Check out these useful tools that are transforming how students learn.
When it comes to the most popular edtech tools among teachers, some apps, websites, and games have stood the test of time, while others tend to come and go with each new year. So, what are the most popular edtech tools this year? Here's a collection of some of the most-searched-for edtech tools among today's teachers.
But just how effective are these tools at helping students learn? Some tools definitely have more potential than others. Click on any of the titles below to read our full review of the tool's classroom potential. From there you can also see a collection of teachers' candid reviews of how these tools actually performed with their students. What's more, many of these reviews also include a link to our privacy evaluations -- before choosing any tool for your classroom, be sure to check them out.
Don't see your favorite tool? This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Since we have over 3,000 apps, websites, and games reviewed for classroom potential, chances are we've already got a listing for it.
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ABCYa!
Tons of options, though pesky ads can annoy without a subscription
Bottom line: Practice core subject skills with fun games at school or at home.
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ClassDojo
Handy management and portfolio tool can promote student growth
Bottom line: With thoughtful implementation, it can help teachers and parents support students' growth through goal-setting, feedback, and celebration.
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Code.org
Popular games, big names get kids and teachers pumped to program
Bottom line: A well-planned, -produced, and -curated set of free resources bound to get kids hooked on learning to code.
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CommonLit
Feature-rich literacy resource offers superb support for readers
Bottom line: Access a hefty collection of reliable, ready-to-print, leveled passages that allow you to tailor lessons, assign online reading, and track progress.
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DreamBox Learning Math
Individualized, game-based math adapts to kids' needs
Bottom line: This is a pretty nice all-in-one solution for extra math support and practice with solid adaptive tech, but students might need help with the interface.
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EdPuzzle
Crop, customize, and remix online video content with interactive tool
Bottom line: As a flipped-classroom or student-creation tool, this tool offers lots of opportunities for use, but teachers will need to be creative if they want students to engage.
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Epic! - Unlimited Books for Kids
Free, expansive digital library unlocks treasure trove of books
Bottom line: This large collection of books and videos on a wide variety of topics is an easy -- and free -- enhancement to any classroom library.
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Flipgrid
Pose questions, spark thoughtful video responses with stellar tool
Bottom line: A simple way for students and teachers to create online discussion, so long as your classroom culture is mature enough to use it wisely.
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Flocabulary
"Schoolhouse" Rock meets Tupac in this delightful hip-hop-based platform
Bottom line: Flocabulary has the goods. It's savvy enough to keep kids focused, and teachers will be tapping their toes to the unorthodox learning method.
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Freckle
Target skills and differentiate with dynamic practice and assessments
Bottom line: Rich with content-aligned assessments, printable worksheets, and progress analytics. Mindful teachers will find it a valuable resource to promote skills mastery through practice.
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GoNoodle
Brief bursts of physical exercise add classroom fun, build brainpower
Bottom line: In a genre of its own, GoNoodle is a ready-to-go and classroom-friendly exercise program that challenges students to get moving.
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Google Classroom
Simplify communication, collaboration, and document sharing
Bottom line: Google Classroom is a great way to manage and organize learning, though teachers who need more features may need to look elsewhere.
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i-Ready
Solid adaptive instruction in reading and math, with data at the ready
Bottom line: Quality, responsive instruction and the deep dive into data make this a strong contender for classrooms.
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Imagine Math
Great adaptive learning comes with live teacher support, unique rewards
Bottom line: A fantastic, comprehensive program where teachers can track progress and motivate using meaningful rewards.
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IXL
Immediate feedback and breadth a major plus, despite emphasis on drills
Bottom line: Students can improve targeted skills with tons of practice modules and visually appealing tasks.
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Kahoot!
Gamelike student-response tool can spark competitive fun
Bottom line: Effortlessly fun quizzing that can lead to productive formative assessment and student reflection if implemented effectively.
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Khan Academy
Missions boost learning with balance of focus, freedom to explore
Bottom line: A solid resource for Common Core math instruction as well as foundational knowledge in a number of other subjects.
Khan Academy Kids
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Creative, smart mix of pre-K to K activities is a breath of fresh air
Bottom line: It's tough to stand out in the crowded early learning space, but this collection does just that, offering a one-stop shop for creative learning of foundational skills.
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Kodable - Coding for Kids
Fun procedural reasoning for kids; great curriculum for teachers
Bottom line: With impressive supports for teachers, Kodable is a fun way for elementary school students to understand coding.
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MobyMax
Track progress, play games with standards-aligned multisubject lessons
Bottom line: Use these standards-based lessons to promote independent, self-driven learning and monitor student growth, but avoid overreliance on them.
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Mystery Science
Big questions, kids' curiosity drive impressive science curriculum
Bottom line: These powerful science units capitalize on elementary school students' natural curiosity.
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NBC Learn
Video-centric resource good for discussion starters and research
Bottom line: There are a variety of worthwhile classroom applications for this interesting video content resource.
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Nearpod
Interactive slideshow tool engages students, promotes collaboration
Bottom line: This effective tool leverages the capabilities of 1-to-1 environments and offers both teacher- and student-paced learning.
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Newsela
Absorbing daily news stories offer kids just-right learning content
Bottom line: Up-to-date, high-interest articles meet students right at their level. Use this robust tool to bolster students' nonfiction reading practice.
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Nitro Type
Customizable multiplayer auto races rev up basic typing practice
Bottom line: Nitro Type is pretty darn engaging, but teachers need to prep students' typing skills first.
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NoRedInk
Useful supplement for ELA has expanded beyond grammar to writing
Bottom line: The easy assigning and tracking features for teachers -- matched with the interest-based questions and feedback for students -- make this a useful tool to grind through grammar and writing practice.
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Padlet
Create and collaborate via interactive multimedia bulletin boards
Bottom line: The versatility of Padlet presents kids with opportunities to share content and knowledge in ways most comfortable for them.
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Prodigy
Adaptive math practice wrapped in role-playing adventure
Bottom line: Sometimes kids just need some math practice to get things to stick, and Prodigy delivers in a fun format with great teacher support.
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Quizlet
Flexible study aid supports learning at home, at school, and on the go
Bottom line: A quality study tool for learning and memorizing facts. Extensions to support higher-level thinking would be a nice addition.
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Raz-Kids
Solid choice for leveled readings and progress tracking
Bottom line: Trusty -- if a tad dated -- tool for helping younger students become proficient in many aspects of reading.
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ReadTheory
Useful, adaptive tool for assessing, tracking reading ability
Bottom line: It's very utilitarian, but what it does it does well: getting students test-ready by effectively assessing and tracking reading ability.
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Readworks
Differentiate reading instruction with high-quality texts and lessons
Bottom line: The quality and scope of texts, lesson plans, assessments, and supports on this platform can help facilitate targeted reading instruction in any classroom.
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ReadWriteThink
Excellent free resource for all things reading and writing
Bottom line: A language arts teacher's dream: lesson plans, professional development, and all-around quality support.
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Remind
Teachers' text reminders keep students -- and parents -- up to speed
Bottom line: Well-designed, highly effective messaging tool has the potential to keep students and families connected with their schools.
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Scratch
Creative sandbox opens the door to coding in any subject area
Bottom line: Scratch draws students of all types into coding and lays a foundation for future learning.
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Seesaw: The Learning Journal
Versatile digital portfolio appeals to teachers, students, and parents
Bottom line: A powerful multimedia learning and communication tool that demonstrates student progress over time.
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Smithsonian: TweenTribune
Trustworthy tween news site has cool classroom component
Bottom line: TweenTribune's questions, quizzes, and educator tools can help kids follow and understand the news. Its content may work best with younger users.
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Starfall.com
Well-designed literacy site with great activities for new readers
Bottom line: This fantastic learn-to-read site has valuable extension materials for classwork or homework.
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Storybird
Social storytelling site helps kids create, publish storybooks
Bottom line: A great fit for teachers looking to develop students' writing and digital citizenship skills through storybook creation.
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TIME for Kids
Kid-friendly news/info resource can help boost brainpower
Bottom line: News content is presented in a digestible format, which, along with educator guidance, can help kids learn about key current events and other topics.
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Tinkercad
Amazingly simple yet powerful online CAD tool turns kids into makers
Bottom line: A big step forward in making iterative 3D design more accessible and social.
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TypingClub
Gamified, data-driven activities help mastery of keyboarding skills
Bottom line: This highly effective tool helps students of all skill levels improve their typing ability through guided lessons and engaging assessments.
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Zearn
Innovative combo of live instruction and adaptive online math lessons
Bottom line: If you're looking for the perfect balance of online lessons and in-person support, at home or at school, look no further.
