TOP PICKS | 30 TOOLS
Awesome Productivity Tools for Back-to-School
Top Picks
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Note-Taking Apps and Sites
Pages
Writing and publishing tool is an increasingly satisfying option
Bottom line: With useful new book creation features, Pages is a much-improved publishing tool for Apple-oriented classrooms.
Bear
Write, edit, and sync content on the go with flexible note-taking tool
Bottom line: For an app that doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, it's surprisingly versatile and useful for many types of writing and note-taking.
Evernote
Organize digital content with full-featured web clipper and notebook
Bottom line: Students and teachers can learn to better manage their digital lives via this comprehensive organizational tool.
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.
Notability
Flexible note-taking tool empowers learners of all abilities
Bottom line: An excellent tool that lets students make their notes thorough and useful in the way that best suits their learning styles and abilities.
Notebook - Take Notes, Sync
Curate and organize all kinds of content into customizable notebooks
Bottom line: From the novice to the super-organized student, Notebook's versatility is a rare free find.
Otter Voice Notes
Create transcriptions on the fly with AI audio tool
Bottom line: A powerful transcription tool for folks on a budget -- just be prepared to check your work.
Resources for Gathering and Organizing Ideas
SymbalooEDU
Organize favorite educational links into handy grid
Bottom line: It's a simple, visually clean, and very helpful way to organize online information for you or your students.
MURAL
Multifaceted message boards help kids collaborate
Bottom line: MURAL can encourage individual team members to contribute to a project by making idea sharing and presentation a simple, visual process.
Kami
Versatile annotation tool helps users critically connect with content
Bottom line: Kami is an effective way to promote student interaction with texts, authentic documents, and pictures.
MindMeister
Powerful mind mapper aimed at adults, simple enough for older kids
Bottom line: Sophisticated productivity tool enhances learning and organization with simple dashboard and slick workspace.
WorkFlowy
Simple tool helps teachers and students make lists, get organized
Bottom line: A simple, free way to get organized combining lists, outlines, and notes with some extra nice-to-have features that make this tool a solid option for teachers and students.
ZoteroBib
Fewer clicks and less clutter equal a new go-to site for citing sources
Bottom line: An intuitive site that takes the stress out of citing sources, but students will still need instruction to tweak auto-generated citations.
Google Drive
Nifty tool for collaboratively editing and syncing files across devices
Bottom line: Google Drive is a smart choice for budget-conscious schools, with its free productivity tools and file syncing.
LiveBinders
Cool organization and eportfolio tool; watch out for privacy features
Bottom line: A good tool for its organizational, storage, and digital publishing features.
Office Lens
Capture, annotate, sync, and share across the digital landscape
Bottom line: Sharing options and annotation features support paperless collaboration and instruction, especially for users proficient in other Microsoft apps.
Scheduling and Goal-Setting Tools
Goalbook Toolkit
Set tailored targets with pricey but worth-it kit of tools, strategies
Bottom line: You pay for quality with Goalbook Toolkit, including access to clear, well-crafted learning goals and strategies that allow for far easier differentiation.
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.
Time Timer
Easily conceptualize, manage, and visualize time
Bottom line: Goes above and beyond standard timers to include handy customization and visual cues.
Showbie
Flexible desktop, mobile assignment tool works best with pro features
Bottom line: A flexible way to collect student assignments and offer written and verbal feedback, especially with the premium features.
Google Calendar
Simple calendars aid communication and keep kids up to date
Bottom line: As a fine replacement for paper-based planners there are some interactive components; the calendars still fill up quickly.
iHomework 2
Keep track of assignments, due dates, and tasks with digital planner
Bottom line: This flexible, easy-to-learn organizational tool will help students get set up for success, though teachers will need to follow up regularly to make sure the information is accurate.
Todoist
Calendar meets to-do list in versatile multi-platform organization app
Bottom line: Mastering all of the features will take some time, but it's a dynamic app that promotes both individual and team productivity.
myHomework Student Planner
Digital planner makes scheduling easy, if paired with teacher app
Bottom line: If used on a regular basis with teacher guidance and motivation, students can be ready to tackle their complex schedules with ease.
My Study Life - School Planner
Organizational tool makes managing complex schedules a cinch
Bottom line: If they can make it a habit, students will love staying on top of assignments and test dates with this handy, pocket-sized "personal assistant."
Templates for Presentations
Educreations
Enliven lessons and presentations with easy-to-use whiteboard tool
Bottom line: An easy, functional way to create presentations on the fly.
Explain Everything Whiteboard
Powerhouse tool for creating stellar multimedia presentations
Bottom line: Teachers and students can make dynamic presentations that involve different types of media in this innovative, fun app.
Loom
Create, present, and assess with free, effortless screencasting
Bottom line: This intuitive tool is excellent for recording and responding to screencasts of any length.
Tiki-Toki
Create eye-catching multimedia timelines for any purpose
Bottom line: Multimedia timelines connect events visually, creating pathways for deeper analysis of any chronological story.
Prezi Classic
Stylish presentation creator with unique 3D zooming effect
Bottom line: An elegant, flexible alternative to other online slide software tools, but it requires some finesse to make effective use of the features and infinite canvas.
