Awesome Applications for the Classroom!
Here are five applications that I think can transform your time in the classroom. Everything from class management, electronic grading, remote assignment submission, to video lessons are covered here. Most of these have a free tier which is useful but the true power comes from the premium subscriptions! I can vouch for these apps as worth the money!
GradeCam
Website: www.gradecam.com
Description: This is a great way to speed up grading regular tests and quizzes. It enables the teacher to create scantrons that can be scanned by a smartphone or tablet (or even an elmo on a desktop). These scans are graded instantly and stored in the system. There are also tools for remote testing, online quizzes, and more! Well worth the cost to save time.
Plickers
Website: www.plickers.com
Description: A smartphone app that uses printed out QR codes to record student answers to quiz questions. The cards can either be printed free of charge or high quality plastic ones can be ordered. This is a great way to get everyone off of a screen for a short time. Similar to a clicker system used in some schools but no batteries or external devices needed! Multimedia is able to be used and the community of fellow educators is an awesome resource for quiz decks if you don’t want to make your own.
Classroom Screen
Website: www.classroomscreen.com
Description: If there was one application on this list that I would call a MUST HAVE it is this! I’ve used it for years for free and it just keeps getting better and better with new tools and widgets added all the time. It is primed for both in class or remote learning and has tools to support both. There is a paid tier which I think should honestly cost more than it currently does. Once you use this tool and integrate it into your normal classroom routines, you’ll wonder how you managed without it!
Loom
Website: www.loom.com
Description: If Zoom is for live classes, then Loom is for pre-recorded lessons. Perfect to create a log of mini lessons or full blown classes. It’s up to you. While a simple video uploading platform, it boasts features that encourage interactivity from students and can help any hybrid classroom shine! I haven’t used it much but plan on integrating it more in the future!
Padlet
Website: www.padlet.com
Description: A multi-user writing canvas and creative space. This is perfect for group projects and solo work alike! Students can collaborate with their peers in real-time as well as receive teacher feedback just as quickly. There are multiple types of pads that can be created such as timelines, mind maps, open canvases, geographical maps, and more! If you have been looking for a way to do group projects in a more collaborative way, then Padlet is for you! As with all these apps, there is a free level and paid as well. They even have schoolwide pricing if that is an option for your context. I highly suggest you check them out!
There you go! I hope you are able to use these to better integrate technology into your classroom. The time saved from using these apps off set any cost associated with acquiring them. I guarantee it!