Kahoot

 Play and Practice with Kahoot

What is Kahoot?

A free interactive activity application that can be downloaded to your smartphone and you can access on your web browser from either a smart device or computer. This is similar to Google forms in a sense that you can make tests and questionnaires, but these are focused to be more fun and to be seen as an interactive activity, the game keeps track of points and you get points by answering correctly, having an answer streak and you get more points depending on how fast you answer correctly and how many you have answered correctly in a row. You can add multiple choice or true or false questions in the free version of it. 

How can I start using Kahoot?

You will need to create an account to be able to create quizzes. From there you can make your own questions, add images you have saved onto your device and add the possible answers (you can select which one(s) is correct). After you created all the questions you want you can create the “room” where you will have a code you can use to invite others to use so they can join, they have the option of selecting their own nicknames to use while playing. At the end it will show the 3 highest scores and who they were. 

How can I benefit from this resource?

Kahoot can be a more interactive way to add quizzes and see how the students are doing and what they are struggling with (group-wise).  A good idea for an activity could be to make a non-graded quiz to see how the students are doing, what they have locked down and what they need to focus a little more on. The idea is to take simple class related activities and making them more fun and memorable for the sake of our students' learning experience. 

Pros:

• It is interactive and fun 
• It is free 

Cons: 

• Very very basic features 
• Paid version is better but it is a subscription
• Cannot keep track of individual scores 
• Can be repetitive if overdone  

Link 

https://create.kahoot.it/creator

Skribbl

 

Play and Learn with Skribbl

Description of the resource

A free to use website in which you can create  a Pictionary style game where a participant (one at a time) will have three words to choose from and will have to try and draw out the word for the other players to guess what that word is. Those who get it right get a point, you can also vote up or down depending on the drawing and vote kick players who are misbehaving. You can add your own words and select to use only customized words or to add them to the very vast library of words they have already, the more players guess right. the more points the drawer gets, and the faster the players guess (position based, 1st, 2nd, etc.) the more points they get. they have a timer you can set (25-90 sec) for them to draw and for the others to guess, as the time lowers, they get hints in the form of letters at the top of the drawing and it will always have the amount of letters the word(s) have in the form of underscores. 

How can I start using Skribbl?

You just join the website create a game, change the settings if you want (words to be used, time limits, rounds, etc.), create the game, get the link to join others and invite them to the lobby and start the game, do the rounds and at the end it will show the winner, with the most points. 

Skribbl can be a  more interactive and fun way to implement and check vocabulary and understanding. You can make a game with descriptive words, colors, facial features, type of hair, etc. 

Pros: 

• It is free 
• You can add your own words to use 
• It's fun 

Cons: 

• If you use only customized words, you have to make sure you input enough for the amount of students. 
• If you type the word in wrong they will have to type it wrong to get it right 
• Some words in the default settings may be too difficult or unknown to them 

Link 

https://skribbl.io/

Google Jamboard

Brainstorm with 

What is Google Jamboard?

A free Google service you can use for creating a virtual whiteboard where you can invite others to collaborate and write on it. You have some basic features such as;. text, sticky notes, free writing/drawing and a laser pointer. These features are very basic, around 5 colors, 3 static font sizes and no other fonts. 

How can I Get Access to Jamboard?

All you need is a google account to be able to use this free google service. you can create one on the website and invite via email or link, you can paste the link almost anywhere and the recipient should have access to it. Just remember to allow others to edit or you will need to grant individual permissions for this. 

What can I do with a Jamboard?

You can have multiple students participate in real time and be able to view all the answers of the participants as they are created, allowing for group correction and peer review. While in a google meet, you can ask some participants to make examples on the board, just as you might do in a traditional classroom. 

Pros:

• Good online tool for virtual board 
• You can have multiple people participate at once 
• Can check the answers of multiple people at once
• Can create many boards in one session 

Cons: 

• Very very basic features 
• Can be hard to keep track of who wrote what 

Link

https://jamboard.google.com/

IDroo

 Sharing a whiteboard with IDroo

What is IDroo?

Is an online educational multi-user whiteboard. It provides us with instant real time collaboration in your browser without the hassle. It’s a  digital whiteboard where you can allow students  to write on it or not.

How do I access IDroo?

This resource can be used through Skype or used in  the  online  version. The online version only requires you to access with an account and it can be Gmail, Facebook or just a username. For using it on Skype you need to open it and click Allow access so IDroo can use your contact information. Close the About iDroo window. Click the + button in the Participants window to add new users to the board. Choose one or more participants and click Add. 

Whan can IDroo do for my classes?

IDroo will help explain in an online platform since you can use the online board as if it were a real one. You can explain a topic or show the class how a problem is solved. This resource is great for in-class exercises and is perfect for those teachers who like to rely on a whiteboard during important segments of a lesson. Additionally, it has the option to change the board into a grid sheet for specific purposes if needed.

Pros: 

• It allows for students to interact with the board as long as the teacher authorizes it
• There is a convenient chat box
• Students can access through almost any kind of account with a link provided by the teacher

Cons:

• Some specific features are reserved for pain plans exclusively
• Limited to 5 whiteboards saved on the free plan

Link

https://idroo.com

Google Drive

 Store and Organize with Google drive 

What is Google Drive?

It is an online storage application provided and overseen by Google. With Google Drive you can upload and share a variety of documents and resources there to have it all in one spot instead of needing to go into the various other websites for the other services google offers. This can also be used as a digital library for students. 

How can I start Using Google Drive?

You need a google account to access and depending on the account you will have a different size drive which you can increase by paying more. If you are using a school Gmail account, you have unlimited space while the account is still for an active institutional user. Google Drive is also a great way or accessing and organizing elements from other google apps such as Documents, Slides, Forms, etc.

A teacher can use it for uploading the documents they will need the students to have or to also keep everything in one place. An English teacher can upload a variety of books for the students to pick and read for the end of year book report. Not only that, but the teacher will be able to administrate who gets to edit and view the shared elements in the app.

Pros:

• It is free and easy to use 
• If you have a school Gmail account, you have unlimited space. 
• You can access from almost anywhere as long as you are logged in and have an internet connection. 
• You can download the resources. 

Cons:

• Not everyone has unlimited storage space and may have to pay for more 
• If you only save things there you will need an internet connection to access 
• Requires a google account 

Link 

https://drive.google.com/

Google Sheets

Keep Track with Google Sheets 

Description of the resource

A free Google service you can use for  attendance, record keeping and grades. Other teachers and administration can also be able to view it but it is up to the creator of the sheet to allow access to edit, comment or only view. So you could easily design a something like a schedule and share it with your class for all to see and maybe even chime in with information of their own.

All you need is a google account to use the service online, admittedly, you also need internet connection; however, that is the standard when teaching  from home.

Keeping track of students grades per assignment, attendance, contact information, name and student ID number.  You can make a list to pass role or keep track of your students’ grades and points they accumulate during a period or year.  If cleverly designed, a spreadsheet can even do the grading for you. 

Pros:

• Very similar to Microsoft excel in functionality
• Can downlaod sheets and export to other formats (excel) 

Cons: 

• Not the same as excel, while some skills do carry over 
• Need internet connection, unless downloaded 

Link

https://www.google.com/sheets/

Google meet

 

Give your classes though Google Meet

Description of the resource

A free Google service you can use to create virtual meetings where you can share your screen, show videos, see and talk to others who have a microphone and camera. Can be downloaded to your smartphone or desktop for use on the go or you can join via invite, link, email or meeting link. 

How can I start using it?

You will need a google account to use this service, you can create links for other to join and they will be able to join, but some restrictions may apply when using institutional emails, if its created from a school email account, those with the school domain can join with the link without issues but those outside the school domain may need to request permission to be let in the meeting and that will be done by the host of the meeting. if you are using a personal email you have a 60 minute time limit, if not there is no time limit for how long the meetings can last. You can go to the website and from there you can create a meeting where you will get the option to invite others via link or email.  From there they can either join directly or be accepted into the call. 

How does it help my classes?

For a virtual classroom setting where you can interact with your students in real time. Meet allows you to give a class about adjectives, where you can share a presentation you prepared, present it, give the students an activity to do and ask if they had any questions about it almost like you're in the same room.

Pros:

• Very good free service for meetings 
• decent audio and video quality (also dependent on your internet connection) 
• Google, so almost anyone would have access to it 

Cons:

• No breaking into smaller groups 
• Very limited features 

Link

https://meet.google.com/

Google forms

Create and Assess with 

What is Google Form

A free Google service you can use for tests, questionnaires, surveys, etc. Allows users to create forms, surveys, and quizzes as well as to collaboratively edit and share the forms with other people. Educators can use Google forms to assess their students at the beginning of the class and gauge pre-existing knowledge.

How can I use it?

All you need is a google account to use the service online 

How to create a form:

Log in to your Gmail or Google account and click the "Drive" link at the top of the page.

Click the red "Create" button in the left column and then select "Form." A form template opens in a new tab.

Type a name for the form in the "Title" field. Select one of the templates and click "Ok."

How can it help my classes?

Initial (diagnostic) testing, end of year / period testing, 

You can apply a diagnostic test of basic English to see where the students are struggling. 

Create a test/quiz on a unit and see the results of the students' hard work. Additionally, Forms has a helpful feature for creating graphs for the form's results and even for grading the forms automatically.

Pros:

• It is a free online tool that allows you to collect information easily and efficiently.
• 
  

Cons:

• The design customization is very limited.
• It is necessary to have internet to be able to use this tool.

Link

https://www.google.com/forms/

SCREENCAST-O-MATIC

 Record and Share with 

SCREENCAST-O-MATIC

What is Screencast-O-Matic?

Screencast-O-Matic's free screen recorder makes it easy to record your webcam, screen, or both. Can be used when you ask students to record a topic they need to explain. You can create perfectly polished videos in no time. Use the screen recorder to make how-to videos, tutorials, e-learning videos, product walkthroughs, and more.

How can I start using it?

You can download the program or use the online version both are free to use.

All you need is an email to sign up. Once that  is done it will send you to the home screen where you can start your recording. Simply click on the screen icon, webcam icon or the both icon to tell the program what you want to record. Click record and begin your video.

What can it do for my classes?

Presentations, classes, projects, and lesson guides, pretty much anything you would present in a normal class. Teachers can use it to record a lesson so that students can watch it whenever they need it. Teachers can have the students record their presentations so all they have  to do is share the video link with  their fellow classmates while having the students take notes. 

Pros:

• No limit to how many videos you can make.
• Quality is okay for a free program.
• Free video editing.

Cons:

• Video editor is limited.
• Only exports images as PNG files

Link

https://screencast-o-matic.com/

Canva

Design class material with Canva

What is Canva?

Canva is a free graphic design platform that's great for making templates, presentations, posters, documents and other visual content. Canva can be used by teachers to generate posters, guidance, and projects, but it can also be accessed by students for tasks. It has a wide array of features that allow you to edit photos without extensive photo editing knowledge or experience. Best part is it has a simple drag and drop interface that makes customizing easier.

How do I get access?

You don’t need to download anything. It is as simple as signing up with your email and  there  you are done. You will be taken to the home page and from there you can start to create posters, guidance, and projects.

How can I use it for teaching?

Currently, Canva for Education is available for K-12 teachers and their students. All  the teacher needs to do is to sign up with an already existing email to be able to bring their students onboard. Simply share the link https://www.canva.com/edu-signup/ with your students. Once they get verified, they can bring your whole class onboard! They  will also need  to have an already existing email. 

You can have students create presentations and share links  to the  class so everyone else can see it. You can have students create online posters on a specific topic with images and have them share it that  way  you don’t have to download it to see it. 

Pros:

• It’s  Free.
• Simple to use.
• Everyone in class can share their work with ease.

Cons: 

• To access the complete potential of the program you need to subscribe and pay.
• Limits you to how many templates and presentations you can save.
• Storage Limit.

Link

https://www.canva.com/

Google Classroom

 Manage your Class with 

Google Classroom

What is Classroom?

It is a free online classroom service from Google that you can use via website or application for all the major platforms (IOS, OS, Windows, android). This allows you to create a classroom and invite via email or invite link / code to almost anyone of your choice as long as the email they try to use is not an institutional one that does not match the creator’s domain. You can create meetings, assign homework and activities, keep track of grades, upload documents and resources as well as assign tests. This also implements other Google services such as meet, forms, etc. 

Entering Google Classroom is really easy, you only need an email to gain access to the classroom, then you can either use the website or the application once downloaded to enter the virtual classroom.  Your students will only need an e-mail as well.

Why it's perfect for teachers

This application is designed for online teaching and recordkeeping for teachers, so you can use this in a variety of ways. Most of them are aimed towards teaching and ease-of-access for teachers. 

If you do daily activities, you can use those as the attendance. 

You can create an “English” classroom where you can upload entire lessons, complimentary video links, additional resources such as digital texts, blogs or websites to aid the students in their learning (you can create units, and topics to distinguish the resources). You can also add an activity to be done every X (day,week, etc.) and a test at the end of a period to make sure the learning is adequate and where are they struggling and each one's' strengths. Additionally, it organizes everything neatly for an easier grading experience when you have a rather large class.

Pros:

• It is free 
• It is multiplatform
• Many students already use 
• pretty intuitive 
• implements other google services
• Made for online setting 

Cons: 

• If it’s a school email, everyone has to have the same domain (email ending). 
• If it’s not a school email, you can’t use school domains to enter 
• Lacks many features but makes up for it with additional Google services 

Link

https://classroom.google.com/

Discord

 

Keep the conversation going with Discord

What is Discord?

This is a free application for major platforms (smartphones, iPhones, mac and windows) where you can voice / video or text chat with others. You can create servers to connect with multiple people where you can break into smaller groups for text and voice, you also have the option of sharing files directly to them or by uploading them to a server. There is also an option to share screens and add bots to servers (which can serve for a variety of purposes, like translator, dictionary, music, etc.) 

How do I get it?

You can either download the app or use the website (can join as guest) to login and be able to use discord. We recommend you make an account to have access to all the free features. You will be able to include your students through invites and even add them as friends.

A teacher can benefit from Discord

You can use this for a general class where you can share your screen, turn on your cameras, add bots, and upload files directly to the server with the added ability of breaking into smaller groups so they can get a more “private” practice with each other. You can create smaller groups where the students can work as pairs, trios or any size team where they can freely talk to one another without interrupting or hearing other teams, and the teacher can join at any time to hear and supervise their work. 

Pros:

•  It is free 
• It is multiplatform
• Many students already use 
• Pretty intuitive 
• Has lots of features 
• You can add bots to automate the help the students get, dictionary or translator

Cons: 

• Not designed for class giving so it does not have a lot of academic or school oriented featured integrated to it 
• You need an account to make use of all the free features

Link https://discord.com/