My Top 10 Tech Tools for 2021

In proper pandemic teaching form, this school year has been a rollercoaster. The 2020- 2021 school year started with virtual teaching then moved to a hybrid model in April 2021. We finished the 2020-2021 school year with the idea that the 2021-2022 school year would begin with only in-person, traditional classes. After much contemplation and decision-making, the school year started with limited hybrid instruction. Many students returned to the traditional classrooms full-time. In December 2021, the number of staff and students contracting Covid 19 skyrocketed, prompting the return to 100% hybrid instruction for 3 weeks. Here are my Top 10 Tech Tools for 2021. These tools can be used in virtual, hybrid, or traditional classroom instruction. 

Padlets, an online bulletin board, were my most used and favorite tech tool of 2021. I used a Padlet in almost every presentation for adult learners and teacher mentees, working with college students, and as a landing space for resources (a collection of links). There are multiple layouts available making it easy to select the style of Padlet that best suits your needs. I like using the Shelf, a way to place content in columns, format to store information under headings or organize feedback. For example, I’ve created a Know/Want to Know/Learned (KWL) Padlet that I used during presentations to find out the knowledge base of participants. Padlets are not free; however, teachers can use three free Padlets.

QR Codes, a scannable barcode, have significantly impacted my teaching in both virtual and traditional classrooms. QR codes are easy to create and easy to use. To make a QR code go to a free website such as https://www.qr-code-generator.com/. Enter a link to the website you want to make a QR code for, and the generator website will make a QR code. The QR code can be downloaded and inserted on a Google Slide or poster.  QR codes can also be used in learning centers to reinforce or develop skills. Students don't have to have a specific QR code reader app to access information. They can use the camera app on phones and tablets to activate the QR code. Once students scan the QR code, it can be set up to take them to a website where they can watch a video, observe a science experiment, watch a teacher created video demonstrating how to complete a task, etc.

Google Slides is an online presentation app. I like that multiple people can work together on one Google Slide. For example, using Google Slides to create individual journals where students can answer questions, solve mathematical problems or write stories is one use. I like to have multiple students write in one class journal. Once we finish working in our class journal, I change the way the document can be accessed by changing the “Shared” settings from editor rights to viewing rights. This change means students can see the work. However, they cannot alter the document. To avoid mishaps, set guidelines before using a shared document. Another consideration is students or teachers can always restore a prior version of a Google Slide if anyone makes unwanted edits.

A Bitmoji is an expressive cartoon avatar. I use them frequently to add flavor or provide a visual to connect to the learning or to convey interest. I’ve used Bitmojis to ask students how they are feeling or check for understanding. I’ve placed Bitmojis on Google Slides and asked students to put a number in the chat to show how they feel.

Pear Deck is an add-on used to make Google Slides interactive. Some of the useful features of Pear Deck include spaces for students to enter long and short text, drag a dot to select an answer choice, circle and draw their answers and select responses to multiple-choice questions. I like the Pear Deck Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), a practice that integrates social and emotional skills into the school curriculum, quick checks and grading features. Another convenient feature of Pear Deck is its ready-made template slides and lessons.

Have you played Blooket? Blooket is a gaming platform that can get students excited and engaged while assessing their learning. After learning about Blooket I’ve used it in multiple professional developments. The adults are usually so into the game that they groan when it ends. I’ve used the game to assess the participants' understanding of the information shared. I've also used it with students, and they love Blooket. Blooket is free for teachers and students in my school system.

Jamboard is a free digital whiteboard that is part of Google Suites. Students can add electronic sticky notes, draw, add gifs or text, and more to a whiteboard. Jamboard can be interactive and collaborative. Students can work independently, in small groups or the whole class can work together to complete tasks on a shared Jamboard. 

I used to love taking my class on field trips. When we switched to virtual learning I started developing Virtual Field Trips and finding Virtual Tours. Many historical websites offer virtual tours. Websites like searchablemuseum.com are fantastic for learning about Black History. I created Virtual Field Trips by connecting several short videos from the San Diego Zoo website. Another resource is Skype A Scientist, a website that connects students with Scientists.  

Google Forms are part of Google’s web-based apps suite. They are great for gathering information. Google Forms can also be used for quick formative assessments and surveys and come in handy for assessing student learning. I’ve used them for spelling tests (yes, we still give spelling tests). To use a Google Form for a spelling test, create the form with enough “short answer” spaces for your test. Call the words and allow time for students to type in their answer. When you finish giving the test change to setting so that no one can submit additional forms. You can also set the form up for multiple choice answers so that students can select the correct spelling of the word. Another attractive feature of Google Forms is the grading feature for multiple-choice questions. 

Ditch That Textbook is a ridiculously good website for educators. The website podcast, blog, YouTube channel, courses, workshops, etc., are full of ideas educators can use to move beyond textbooks. The site has everything you need. I use the templates frequently to develop assignments where students can mimic texting or tweeting. Ditch That Textbook also has templates that look like Spotify or TikTok. Each year Ditch That Textbook has a conference where educators share great ideas. The conference has been free and online for the last two years.