Digital Literacy Tools

Communication Tool: TodaysMeet
For the communication tool, I chose to look at TodaysMeet. It provides a back channel or classroom discussion. Using a tool like TodaysMeet provides a number of benefits such as hearing from kids who might be quiet in the regular classroom and being able to review ideas and questions at a later time. It also should provide a great platform for talking about digital citizenship and using these kinds of tools in a respectful way.

Collaboration Tool: Padlet
Padlet is a tool that looks kind of like Pinterest. It is like a bulletin board where you put information. As a collaboration tool, the group can each have access to the padlet board and pin their contributions to it. Group members can then respond to each other’s posts and make connections between their posts. The options are endless for ways to collaborate with padlet.

Creativity Tool: PowToons
PowToons is a tool which lets the user create short cartoon videos on any topic. These animated videos could be made by the teacher to introduce a topic/question/project. Students can also create these videos to showcase their knowledge in a creative manner.

Critical Thinking Tool: Kahoot
Kahoot is a fun tool to use to review key concepts. Students can create their own quiz games too. It’s super easy to share and play and there are tons of kahoots already created so you do not even have to start from scratch.

Organizational Tool: Symbaloo
Symbaloo is an effective way to organize links. I like it much better than just providing a list of links. The visual is easier to read, recognize logos, group similar types of links together, etc. You could have electronic resources by grade level, subject area, or project specific. The possibilities are endless and flexible depending on your purpose and audience.

I have been using Kahoot in my classroom for a few years now as a review tool and the students absolutely love it! It is so much fun they don't even realize how much they are learning!

I like your idea of using Padlet for students to view and respond to each other.  Kahoot to review skills is a great use, too!

My students love Kahoot.  Not only the ones that I have created, but the ones that others have created as well.

I think Kahoot would be wonderful to use in the classroom to get students interacting for a test or quiz review. I know a couple of teachers that use it in their classrooms with success.

I like the idea of PowToons. I think it is a great idea to use with students to grab their attention on a new subject or topic being introduced. We all know how much kids love watching cartoons! It would surely grab their attention!