5 Digital Tools to Increase Student Engagement

5 Accessible Digital Tools to Increase Student Engagement

In our current academic climate where most teachers are embarking on a hybrid teaching model in school and remotely, technology is readily available, but which digital tools are the most engaging and easiest to use for educators? Below are the five must-have tools for your classroom.

1. Kahoot

First and foremost, this is a game and both adults and children love to play games. Kahoot is a free service that offers access to thousands of online quizzes via their online hub. There are various playing options- single, multi-player, or teams. This makes it an ideal classroom resource especially if there is a limited supply of technology in the school. Children have a certain number of seconds to answer the question and the student with the quickest correct answer receives the most points. After each question, a breakdown of correct answers is shown so the teacher can note who got what question wrong. There is also an option to create your own quiz where you can test exactly whatever you wish that has been covered recently. It holds children accountable and is extremely engaging.

2. Pear Deck

This is an interactive slides platform used during a live lesson, but it can also be given to a child who was absent or who needs to see the lesson again for reinforcement. Students can follow along with the presentation and they can interact through multiple choice or short response answers. Teachers have the option to share the student responses with the class afterward. Student responses appear immediately which helps with engagement. Pear Deck is even easier now with google making an add-on which makes it easier to access via google slides.

3. CANVA

This platform is a game-changer when it comes to engaging material. You can use Canva to design student shout-outs, newsletters, promotions, presentations, and even web design. It is easy to use because of a drag and drops element and a variety of ready-to-use templates. Students can use Canva to design unique presentations, infographics, or collaborative posters. Teachers can send birthday shout-outs; thank you notes or friendly reminders using interactive graphics which are easy to send and download. The video above is a tutorial on how to go about using Canva in the classroom.

4. Flipgrid

This is a video-sharing digital tool that is very accessible for both students and teachers. This is ideal for visual and auditory learners. Flipgrid is great for remote learning also as teachers can post various topics or themes in the format of grids and children can upload videos responding to the question or topic students can also use closed captions/ subtitles when submitting their video which means their videos can be responded to with the sound of which is ideal when learning from home in busy households. Students can respond to each other's posts which creates a social community online where they can bounce ideas off one another creating dialogue between students. It is easy to use and free for teachers to start an account.

5. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is the perfect online Math platform. It allows children to practice skills. The students learn to master various math skills before moving onto the next level. This program is used worldwide and makes learning competitive amongst schools and their respective grades. Khan Academy also has instructional videos which encourage students to learn independently at their own pace and take ownership of learning new skills. Each child has their own individual dashboard to show their progress.

All these resources are free and change the game of digital learning in the classroom. Give them a go and let us know which is your favorite and why!