Recommended Digital Tools
At Leyden, we are fortunate to have the digital capability that we have through 1:1 computing, TSI, instructional coaches and regular opportunities for our own advancement. We are all at different levels with our abilities, so here are just a few digital tool recommendations that can be incorporated at any level and most of us are familiar with these already.
Digital tools for beginners:
Twitter
Google Maps
Google Presentations
Kahoot
Padlet This is a simple way to collaborate, get feedback, inspire discussion. It’s easy to learn and use but also has more advanced capabilities.
Voicethread This is another great tool that provides options for students to share ideas by speaking instead of writing which can help some of our students who are insightful yet find it challenging to get a point across through writing. However, there is a writing option for those who are reluctant to speak. And there is a video capability as well.
Digital tools for intermediate level:
Skype
Epals This provides opportunities for collaboration across the globe where students can simply write to each other, but they can take it much further and collaborate on projects. This also connects teachers to other teachers interested in similar topics.
Webinars
Schoology
Glogster This is a user-friendly tool for multimedia posters that can be used for projects.
Edpuzzle
Biteable For those just learning how to make videos, this is a great place to start. It’s not too complicated yet gives plenty of options to create an engaging end product.
Advanced digital tools:
Blogs
Vlogs
Virtual learning
Powtoon
Wevideo
ThingLink
Digital tools for beginners:
Google Maps
Google Presentations
Kahoot
Padlet This is a simple way to collaborate, get feedback, inspire discussion. It’s easy to learn and use but also has more advanced capabilities.
Voicethread This is another great tool that provides options for students to share ideas by speaking instead of writing which can help some of our students who are insightful yet find it challenging to get a point across through writing. However, there is a writing option for those who are reluctant to speak. And there is a video capability as well.
Digital tools for intermediate level:
Skype
Epals This provides opportunities for collaboration across the globe where students can simply write to each other, but they can take it much further and collaborate on projects. This also connects teachers to other teachers interested in similar topics.
Webinars
Schoology
Glogster This is a user-friendly tool for multimedia posters that can be used for projects.
Edpuzzle
Biteable For those just learning how to make videos, this is a great place to start. It’s not too complicated yet gives plenty of options to create an engaging end product.
Advanced digital tools:
Blogs
Vlogs
Virtual learning
Powtoon
Wevideo
ThingLink
ThingLink Product
Digital Tools in My Unit Plan
Objectives Include:
- Students will create a ThingLink in groups with 2-3 facts, 2-3 perspectives from the groups they represent (pilgrims, Native Americans, Loyals) and 1-2 opinions.
- Students will create a Public Awareness Campaign. Some tools they might choose to use include: Twitter, Glogster, Youtube, ThingLink.
- Students will create a vlog that is 1:30-2:00 minutes in length of their family’s immigration experience.
- Students will view a short video on the Syrian refugee crisis and answer questions via Edpuzzle.
- Students will complete a reflection on Padlet including 1 thing they learned, 1 connection, and 1 question they still have.