Content and Learning Apps
Khan Academy Kids
Creative, smart mix of activities for pre-K to 2 is a breath of fresh air
Bottom Line: This early-learning standout offers scaffolded, creative learning of foundational skills.
TinyTap: Kids' Learning Games
Book-and-game builder empowers creativity, boasts vast content library
Bottom Line: With some patience and planning, this game maker can be a classroom game changer.
ScratchJr
Drag-and-drop programming is an effective intro for budding coders
Bottom Line: With a little adult help, this is a rich platform for getting kids into programming and digital creation.
BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week
High-quality animated videos engage young kids in a variety of topics
Bottom Line: Great videos, though kids' learning should be enhanced with interactive elements to encourage deeper, more active learning.
Math Makers
Charming leveled puzzler slyly mixes fun with logic, essential math
Bottom Line: These puzzles are a really fun approach to developing an intuitive sense of important math concepts, particularly for kids who feel that math is boring or inaccessible.
Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos
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.
Read&Write
Useful text-to-speech extension unlocks the written word
Bottom Line: This handy set of accessibility tools helps students get the access they need when they need it, promoting independence and building confidence.
Google Earth
Dazzling globe-trotting tool has endless classroom applications
Bottom Line: This tool defines engagement and offers a completely open-ended experience perfect for use across the educational spectrum.
Gizmos & Gadgets
Top-notch tool empowers kids to invent, build, and control wirelessly
Bottom Line: Easy-to-use, versatile electronic invention set that works wirelessly with your hand-held device.
NASA
Visually super NASA-backed treasure trove may overwhelm
Bottom Line: A visually stunning way to get kids interested in science and space exploration.
Kahoot! Geometry by DragonBox
Innovative game-based approach to teaching geometry
Bottom Line: Kids build fundamental geometry skills as they play, but connections to classroom math will require teacher support.
Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox
Mesmerizing step-by-step puzzler sets the foundation for algebra
Bottom Line: This innovative game-changer teaches algebra, changes the way kids learn it, and even changes how they feel about it.
Arduino Science Journal
Turn your phone into a lab sensor to collect and analyze data
Bottom Line: Science Journal does a good job recording real-time motion, sound, and light data using phones.
Productivity, Creation, and Classroom Management Apps
TalkingPoints
Multilingual messaging tool enhances school-to-home communication
Bottom Line: Easy-to-use tool for supporting communication and engagement with families in 150+ languages.
Nearpod
Engage and assess students with media, videos, and interactive slides
Bottom Line: The teacher- or student-paced learning can improve 1-to-1 environments and the learning activities are top notch.
Seesaw
Versatile digital portfolio appeals to teachers, students, and parents
Bottom Line: A powerful multimedia learning and communication tool that demonstrates student progress over time.
Time Timer
Manage and conceptualize time with great visuals, a few bugs
Bottom Line: A decent option for visual timer needs, being sufficiently customizable, but there are still a few bugs and room for improvement.
Plickers
Useful, low-tech rapid-response tool promotes formative assessment
Bottom Line: This can be a useful tool for getting quick feedback or snapshots of learning in tech-limited classrooms.
Dictionary.
Vast word reference features tons of content and word games
Bottom Line: Powerful tool crammed full of games, classic reference information, and flexible controls.
Canva for Education
Create, collaborate, and share with versatile design tool
Bottom Line: From interactive presentations to group collaboration to parent communication, Canva is a one-stop shop for a variety of classroom tasks.
Jamboard
Versatile whiteboard with fun features integrates with Google Suite
Bottom Line: Great collaborative tool for groups, whether remote or in person.
Microsoft OneNote
Note-taking giant built for flexible, collaborative work
Bottom Line: A powerful (and free) tool for thinking and organization that's making smart strides in the education space.
