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Best EdTech of 2019

Our editorial team published 180 reviews of educational tools this year. Behind each of these reviews is a rigorous evaluation and testing process that can take days to weeks. Along the way we look into the tool's pedagogical approach and learning design, its fit for different classrooms and learners, and the way it challenges and delights students. In short, we have high standards, and that's why we're excited to share this list of the best edtech of 2019. These 11 tools are a unique bunch, ranging from small, artful apps to rock-solid, research-backed curricula. We think they've all got tons to offer your classroom, but we know you and your students are the ultimate judges.

Of course, there were many other great tools that just missed this list but are still worth checking out. We've included some of our favorites as honorable mentions at the bottom of the list.

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Best EdTech Award Winners

Nico & Nor Wonder Farm

Fun and engaging app will help basic plant growth concepts take root

Bottom line: There's little doubt that this app will help students understand the basics of plant growth, especially if the included lessons are used.

Grades: Pre-K–1 Price: Free
  • Download from App Store
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DoodleMaths

Short, daily practice and positive language make success accessible

Bottom line: A good, adaptive program that can be used to support a growth mindset along with strong math skills.

Grades: Pre-K–8 Price: Free to try, Paid There's a two-week free trial. Contact the developer for pricing options.
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Lalilo

K-2 literacy program offers comprehensive, adaptive activities

Bottom line: An easy-to-recommend tool thanks to its broad coverage of key skills and nice balance of student-driven and teacher-differentiated learning.

Grades: K–3 Price: Free, Paid The free version includes a basic dashboard and phonemic awareness and phonics exercises. Paid version (contact for quote) adds sight word and guided-reading exercises, weekly reports, lesson assignments, and an advanced dashboard.
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Tinybop Schools

Collection of STEM simulations that students will love to explore

Bottom line: Tinybop Schools offers meaningful scientific exploration to students, particularly when partnered with good teaching and discussion.

Grades: K–8 Price: Free to try, Paid 30-day free trial; Classroom plans are $150 per year for up to four teachers and 30 students. School plans are $900 per year up to 100 teachers and 500 students. Custom pricing for multiple schools is available.
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Sky Guide

Awesome astronomy app takes students on a journey through the universe

Bottom line: A quality, affordable way to bring true astronomy study to the classroom, even during the day, with a plethora of viewing options.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Paid The base app is $2.99, and there's an optional $19.99 annual subscription to SUPERMASSIVE, which adds considerable material including more objects, high-def zoom, and cinematic tours. Educators signed up with Apple's educational program get a 50% discount on the app.
  • Download from App Store
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uHandy

Microscope attachment for mobile devices inspires field investigation

Bottom line: The use of stickers instead of slides helps students examine their world at the microscopic level with safety and convenience.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free, Paid The app is free; the cost of the microscope attachment and accessories range from the $34.95 uHandy Lite to the $129.95 uHandy Duet.
  • Download on Google Play
  • Download from App Store
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Race to Ratify

Great history game offers cool constitutional spin on persuasion

Bottom line: This super smart game will get students digging into and understanding the federalist and anti-federalist sides of the U.S. Constitution ratification debate.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free
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East of the Rockies

AR experience offers moving insight into tragic history of internment

Bottom line: Culturally rich and emotionally moving, with purposeful opportunities for interactivity.

Grades: 7–12 Price: $2.99
  • Download from App Store
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Youcubed

Research-backed resources that attack math myths head on

Bottom line: A fantastic resource for teachers working on changing attitudes toward math and teaching it in an innovate and engaging way.

Grades: 8–12 Price: Free, Paid Most of the material is free; teacher courses are $99 (group discounts apply).
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Parlay

Comprehensive discussion platform develops critical-thinking skills

Bottom line: A great tool in any subject or topic for teachers looking to make discussion a central part of their classroom.

Grades: 5–12 Price: Free to try, Paid Annual licenses start at $3 per student. Request additional pricing information through the Parlay site.
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Model Diplomacy

Students become foreign policy experts in this real-world simulation

Bottom line: This impressive program has ready-to-use and expert-vetted content that'll help advanced students engage meaningfully with foreign policy issues and processes.

Grades: 11–12 Price: Free
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Honorable Mentions

Root Coding

First-rate versatile robot for all ages

Bottom line: By encouraging artistic design and creative problem-solving, Root Coding fits right into your STEAM curriculum.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free, Paid The app is free; requires iRobot Root kit starting at $199. An optional Root Academy subscription is available starting at $60 for six devices. Root Education kits include Root Academy licenses.
  • Download from App Store
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Screencast-O-Matic

Create and share high-quality screencasts without breaking the bank

Bottom line: A well-designed screen and video recorder that lets teachers and students focus on creating engaging content from the get-go.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free, Paid Free accounts include recording, trimming, captioning, saving, and sharing features as well as three music tracks and 2GB bandwidth per month on the site. Deluxe and Premier plans cost $1.50 and $4 per month, respectively, and include additional recording and publishing features, video editing tools, and more.
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KOOV

Robotics kit makes design possibilities virtually limitless

Bottom line: For schools with healthy budgets, KOOV helps kids design and code interactive robots with blocks, sensors, and imagination.

Grades: 3–8 Price: Paid The app is free to download, but the trial kit is $249.99 and the educator kit is $519.99. Live online professional development is available for $300.
  • Download from App Store
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StoriumEdu

Collaborative writing game inspires purposeful storytelling

Bottom line: With some planning and customization, this unique card game can motivate thoughtful and sustained creative writing in your classroom.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free to try There's a 30-day free trial, and then it's $10 per month (billed annually) for a teacher plan. School and district plans available; contact for pricing.
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Tayasui Sketches

Slick and satisfying illustration app on par with the competition

Bottom line: This tool, while a bit of an adjustment from pen and paper, gives students ample room to grow creatively.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free, Paid The $5.99 Pro version adds new brushes and tools like cut and paste, smudge, wet watercolor, fill, and color mixing.
  • Download from App Store
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Unity Learn

Complete game creation curriculum gives students real-world experience

Bottom line: For any computer science or game design/development course, Unity Learn is a fun and effective way to get students building games right away, with plenty of room for depth.

Grades: 5–12 Price: Free, Paid Personal and education licenses are free. For companies of size, Plus and Pro subscriptions are available from $25 to $125 per month.
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Annenberg Classroom

Civics website makes teaching the Constitution manageable, meaningful

Bottom line: Go for the videos, stay for the lessons: Annenberg Classroom saves teachers' prep time when teaching the Constitution, current events, or other civics lessons.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free
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Machine Learning for Kids

Authentic AI-powered projects make kids' creations feel like magic

Bottom line: It takes a topic that would be difficult to teach in any practical way and makes it accessible for the classroom.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free
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The 1619 Project

Striking resources can add depth, rigor to lessons on slavery's legacy

Bottom line: These high-level materials will add depth and context to lessons about slavery, but they need scaffolding to connect with students.

Grades: 11–12 Price: Free to try Users can access a limited number of free New York Times articles every week. It's $2 per week for unlimited articles. Hard copies of the 1619 Project are available for purchase for $6.
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