Smart Tech Choices

Tools That Actually Help in Your Classroom

Let’s face it – there are more education apps out there than students sneaking gum under desks. The trick isn’t using technology; it’s using the right tech that doesn’t just look flashy, but actually saves time and makes your lessons stick. Here are some tried-and-true tools to engage your students, keep your sanity, and foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation in your classroom.

1. Nearpod – Interactive Presentations Made Easy

Why it works: Nearpod turns your regular presentations into interactive experiences with polls, quizzes, drawing boards, and VR field trips.

Implementation tip: Use it to embed quick formative assessments into your slides. Align activities with your learning goals to check for understanding in real time without pulling out paper exit tickets.

2. ClassDojo – Streamline Classroom Management

Why it works: ClassDojo combines behavior tracking, parent communication, and student portfolios in one place. Students love seeing their points accumulate, and you can send home quick notes without composing a novel each time.

Implementation tip: Establish clear behavior expectations before introducing ClassDojo. Make it part of your daily routine so students see it as a consistent support tool, not a threat.

3. Padlet – Foster Collaboration and Creativity

Why it works: Padlet is like an online bulletin board where students can post text, images, and links. Use it for brainstorming, sharing research findings, exit reflections, or even gallery walks for projects.

Implementation tip: Set clear posting guidelines to avoid clutter. Connect Padlet activities directly to lesson objectives, such as posing an essential question and having students respond with evidence from their reading.

4. Flip (formerly Flipgrid) – Elevate Student Voice

Why it works: Flip lets students record short videos to respond to prompts or explain concepts. It’s great for students who freeze up in front of the class but shine when recording privately.

Implementation tip: Start small – try it for weekly reflections or vocabulary explanations. Tie each Flip prompt to your learning targets so it becomes an academic tool rather than just a fun video app.

5. Google Workspace – The Old Reliable

Why it works: Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms streamline planning, collaboration, and grading. Pair it with Google Classroom to manage assignments efficiently and reduce the dreaded paper pile.

Implementation tip: Integrate Forms for quick quizzes to gather instant data. Use shared Slides for group projects where each student owns a slide, promoting accountability while keeping work organized.

Bringing It All Together

Technology should support – not replace – strong teaching. Before using any tool:

✔️ Identify your lesson goals first

✔️ Choose the tool that directly supports those goals

✔️ Model how to use it clearly

✔️ Reflect on its impact and adjust as needed

Done right, tech can foster creativity (students creating their own videos or infographics), collaboration (shared documents or brainstorming boards), and innovation (designing digital projects that reach beyond the classroom).

In other words, tech doesn’t magically make teaching better – but with thoughtful implementation, it sure makes great teaching more powerful.