TOP PICKS | 33 TOOLS
Great Apps for BYOD Programs in Schools
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Flexible Content-Focused Tools
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.
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.
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.
Lab4Physics
Bring physics to life using lab sensors built right into your smartphone
Bottom line: Use your smartphone to gather data and study speed, gravity, waves, and other physics concepts.
Science Journal by Google
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.
NPR News
Top-notch digital content takes students beyond the airwaves
Bottom line: Provides an easy, fun, and effective way to engage students with radio.
Useful Classroom Management, Assessment, and Productivity Tools
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.
Bloomz
Full-featured parent-teacher communication platform
Bottom line: One-stop multi-tool for parents, teachers, and students.
Classkick
Easy-to-use, real-time monitoring, feedback, and assessment for 1-to-1
Bottom line: It's a great option for teachers who want to go paperless, provide specific feedback, and encourage collaboration among students in 1-to-1 classrooms.
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.
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.
Formative
Superb real-time assessment tool a fit for 1-to-1, BYOD classrooms
Bottom line: Cleverly designed for teachers, Formative offers a flexible and attractive solution for gathering a variety of student response types and offering individualized feedback.
Kahoot!
Game-like 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.
LessonUp
Flexible interactive presentation tool engages kids at school and home
Bottom line: LessonUp is for teachers who like designing unique lessons to reach every learner.
Screencastify
Easy screen-recording tool facilitates outside-the-box instruction
Bottom line: If you have access to Chrome, Screencastify is an easy instructional tool that lets teachers and students communicate in new and creative ways.
Slido
Increase student buy-in with interactive polls and Q&A sessions
Bottom line: Engaging classroom response platform offers teachers and students real-time feedback opportunities.
Edmodo
Manage classes, content, and communication with social LMS platform
Bottom line: This free platform allows for teacher-monitored classroom communication with basic tools.
Gimkit
Game-show group fun and independent study in one engaging tool
Bottom line: Put students in the driver's seat with collaborative setup and gameplay features.
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.
Pear Deck
Interactive slideshows offer a variety of ways to engage and assess
Bottom line: Useful presentation features and interactive slides provide terrific options for formative assessment from any device.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WordPress
Inviting, customizable mobile blog platform with easy-to-use interface
Bottom line: Wordpress's app makes it easy to create and edit blog posts, manage comments, and view friends' blogs, and could be an indispensable tool for communication and collaboration if well-implemented.
Inspiring Arts and Creativity Tools
DIY.org – Creative Challenges
From cardboarding to cooking, this app helps kids find the fun in DIY
Bottom line: Fabulous way for kids to get skills and share their projects digitally.
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.
Canva
Create snazzy designs in seconds with flexible, cloud-based tool
Bottom line: With stable internet access and enough time to get started, this is a flexible, accessible way to create beautiful designs in your classroom.
Photoshop Express Photo Editor
Top-notch photo editor helps perfect pics for creative projects
Bottom line: This is a powerful, free creation tool from the industry leader in photo editing.
Sway
Create dynamic visual presentations on flexible storytelling platform
Bottom line: A seamless transition from design to presentation makes Sway a great fit for presenting carefully curated content.
Animoto: Slideshow Maker
Slick video slideshow tool lets kids tell stories and share them
Bottom line: Anything that happens during school can be turned into an engaging video slideshow.
Autodesk Sketchbook
Impressive creation tool for teens serious about art
Bottom line: Gives students easy access to professional tools for creating digital art.
