Top Digital Platforms for Classroom Use and How to Use Them Effectively
Introduction
The modern classroom is increasingly digital, using a variety of platforms to support teaching, communication, and student engagement. Whether you're a teacher in a physical or virtual classroom, digital platforms streamline class management, enhance student engagement, and improve accessibility. In this article, we’ll explore popular digital platforms for classroom use, how they benefit both students and teachers, and best practices for using them effectively.
1. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Learning Management Systems (LMS) are platforms designed to help teachers manage coursework, assignments, and student progress. They centralize resources, assignments, grades, and communication, making classroom management more efficient.
Google Classroom
What It Is: Google Classroom is a free LMS tool offered by Google that allows teachers to create, distribute, and grade assignments while staying connected with students.
Key Features
- Streamlined assignments and grading.
- Google Drive integration for easy file sharing.
- Easy communication through announcements and posts.
How to Use Google Classroom
- Getting Started: Sign in with your Google account, create a class, and invite students via email or class code.
- Organizing Class Materials: Use the "Classwork" tab to post materials, quizzes, and assignments.
- Grading and Feedback: Google Classroom offers a grading tool where you can provide scores and feedback to each student individually.
Canvas
Canvas is an LMS designed for K-12 and higher education. Its features are more robust than Google Classroom, making it suitable for complex course structures.
Key Features
- Advanced grading options and student analytics.
- Integration with external apps like Zoom and Google Drive.
- Customizable modules and page layouts.
How to Use Canvas
-Create Course Modules: Set up modules that organize content by week or topic.
- Assignments and Quizzes: Use Canvas’s tools to create assignments, quizzes, and graded discussions.
- Student Interaction: Engage students with discussion boards, video comments, and chat tools within the platform.
Moodle
Moodle is an open-source LMS that schools can host on their servers, offering more customization for unique educational needs.Key Features
- Customizable interface and functionality.
- Wide range of third-party plugins.
- Support for gamification elements to engage students.
How to Use Moodle
- Course Creation: Set up a course, configure its settings, and add your resources.
- Interactive Activities: Moodle supports forums, wikis, and quizzes to foster student interaction.
- Tracking Progress: Use Moodle's analytics to track students’ engagement and assignment completion.
2. Collaboration and Communication Tools
Collaboration tools facilitate communication between students and teachers, allowing for a more interactive classroom experience.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams combines chat, video, file sharing, and collaboration into one platform, often integrated with Microsoft’s Office suite.
Key Features
- Channels for class discussions.
- Integrated video calls for remote lessons.
- Microsoft Office integration for assignments and file sharing.
How to Use Microsoft Teams
- Create Channels for Organization: Set up separate channels for group work, announcements, or specific subjects.
- Schedule Video Meetings: Use Teams for live classes or small-group meetings.
- Assignment Management: Assign, track, and grade assignments directly in Teams.
Zoom
Zoom is a popular video conferencing tool used for virtual classes, especially in remote or hybrid learning settings.
Key Features
- Breakout rooms for small group activities.
- Screen sharing for presentations and interactive lessons.
- Recording options to save lessons for future review.
How to Use Zoom
- Schedule and Start Classes: Schedule your Zoom classes and share the meeting link with students.
- Engagement Tools: Use polls, reactions, and breakout rooms to keep students engaged.
- Security Settings: Control who can join, chat, or share screens to maintain a secure learning environment.
Slack
While not traditionally used in education, Slack has features that make it useful for group work and classroom communication.
Key Features
- Channels and direct messaging for communication.
- Integration with Google Drive, Zoom, and other tools.
- Customizable notifications to manage engagement.
How to Use Slack
-Organize Channels by Topic: Set up channels for group projects or specific discussions.
- Share Files and Assignments: Upload files, share links, and integrate with other tools for a streamlined workflow.
- Encourage Student Participation: Use Slack's reaction emojis and polls for quick feedback.
3. Educational Content Platforms
Educational content platforms provide ready-made resources for students to learn independently or in class.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free educational videos, quizzes, and exercises for a range of subjects.
Key Features
- Lessons organized by grade level and topic.
- Quizzes and exercises for self-paced learning.
- Progress tracking for teachers and parents.
How to Use Khan Academy
- Assign Lessons: Choose specific videos or exercises for students based on the curriculum.
- Monitor Progress: Use teacher dashboards to see how students are performing on assigned tasks.
- Encourage Self-Learning: Encourage students to explore Khan Academy for topics they find interesting.
Edmodo
Edmodo is a social learning platform that facilitates communication, collaboration, and content sharing among teachers, students, and parents.
Key Features
- Social-style posts and communication.
- Assignment and grading tools.
- Parental access to track student progress.
How to Use Edmodo
- Post Assignments and Resources: Use Edmodo’s “Backpack” feature to share resources with students.
- Encourage Class Discussion: Use posts to create discussions, polls, and quick questions for engagement.
- Provide Feedback: Grade assignments and send private feedback to students.
Nearpod
Nearpod allows teachers to create interactive presentations with activities like polls, quizzes, and collaborative boards.
Key Features
- Interactive lessons and quizzes.
- Real-time feedback on student responses.
- Integration with Google Slides for custom presentations.
How to Use Nearpod
- Create Interactive Lessons: Build lessons that include videos, quizzes, and polls to make content more engaging.
- Use Live Participation: Run live lessons where students respond in real-time to questions and polls.
- Analyze Reports: View insights on student performance for each lesson.
4. Assessment and Engagement Tools
Assessment tools help teachers evaluate understanding while engagement tools make learning fun and interactive.
Kahoot!
Kahoot! is a gamified quiz platform that adds excitement to assessments and reviews.
Key Features
- Multiple-choice quizzes with a leaderboard.
- Customizable questions and answer options.
- Available on mobile devices.
How to Use Kahoot!
- Create Custom Quizzes: Design quizzes that align with your lesson objectives.
- Host Live Games: Run games in real time, with students responding on their devices.
- Assign Self-Paced Quizzes: Kahoot! allows quizzes to be assigned for self-paced practice.
Quizlet
Quizlet is a tool for flashcards, quizzes, and study games, helpful for memorization and review.
Key Features
- Flashcards, matching games, and quizzes.
- Collaboration features for group study.
- Study tracking to show progress.
How to Use Quizlet
- Create Flashcards: Make flashcards for vocabulary, dates, or other key concepts.
- Assign Games for Review: Use games like "Match" or "Gravity" to make studying engaging.
- Track Progress: Quizlet offers progress reports to see how well students are retaining information.
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere allows teachers to create polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions in real-time.
Key Features
- Real-time feedback on polls and quizzes.
- Embeddable in presentations for easy access.
- Multiple response types, including text and multiple choice.
How to Use Poll Everywhere
- Create Quick Polls: Start polls during class for quick checks on understanding.
- Embed in Lessons: Add polls directly to presentations for seamless interaction.
- Analyze Results: Review poll data to adjust future lessons.
5. Digital Whiteboards
Digital whiteboards are tools for brainstorming, collaborating, and visually exploring concepts.
Jamboard
Jamboard is a Google tool for collaborative whiteboarding, ideal for brainstorming sessions and group work.
Key Features
- Multiple pages for organized brainstorming.
- Integration with Google Workspace.
- Real-time collaboration and drawing.
How to Use Jamboard
- Start a Jam Session: Create a new Jam, invite students, and start adding text, drawings, and images.
- Group Brainstorming: Use Jamboard for group activities like mind mapping or problem-solving.
- Review and Save Work: Save each Jam as a PDF to review after class.
Miro
Miro is a digital whiteboard tool often used for complex concept mapping and project planning.
Key Features
for brainstorming and mapping.
- Real-time collaboration and feedback.
- Integration with tools like Slack and Google Workspace.
How to Use Miro
- Choose a Template: Start with templates for activities like SWOT analysis or mind mapping.
- Collaborate in Real-Time: Allow students to work on different areas of the board.
- Export and Review: Export boards for review or continued work in future classes.
Moodle supports forums, wikis, and quizzes to foster student interaction.
- Tracking Progress: Use Moodle's analytics to track students’ engagement and assignment completion.
Conclusion
Incorporating digital platforms into the classroom enriches the learning experience by making it interactive, accessible, and efficient. By leveraging these platforms—whether through an LMS, communication tool, content resource, or assessment tool—teachers can create a dynamic classroom environment that supports each student’s unique learning style. Start by exploring one or two platforms that align with your goals and expand from there to enhance your teaching and students’ success.