Helpful free applications that you can use to teach your classes.
There are free online applications you can use to help you teach your class and at the same time help your students learning. You can choose the apps that are applicable to your class activities and assessments.
Screencast-o-matic
Captures a video of whatever is happening on your computer screen for up to 15 minutes. It is perfect for recording demonstrations of applications as well as recording voice-over at the same time. Use it to teach your students to work with documentation, apply maths, or search for information. Screencast-o-matic does not include video editing.
Prezi
Is an alternative to PowerPoint that allows you to add in text to suit your topic. Choose from templates or from scratch. Prezi allows you the ability to video your presentation allows you to include yourself in your video presentation that PowerPoint does not.
Tutorial on making a Prezi Video
PowToon
Is an animation software that helps you create your informational video. As with any video recordings, keep your videos short to avoid slow upload times. You can share the link to your videos through MS Stream, which has automated captions available.
Tutorial on making a video with PowToon
EdPuzzle
EdPuzzle allows you to embed questions and short exercises into your teaching videos. Students can prepare for the next class by completing the tasks set in the video and you can track their progress. Use EdPuzzle together with an MS Forms quiz and you have tangible evidence for feedback and feedforward. Here’s a short video about
Explain Everything
Is an interactive remote whiteboard and screen recorder in one. The free version allows you to save 3 projects. It’s a good tool to explain some of your most tricky concepts step by step for your classes.
How does Explain Everything work?
Genially
Another interactive presentation and infographic tool. Make as many presentations as you like with unlimited views. Templates and resources are available to get you started.
Webcam Record
This Chrome extension lets you make quick videos of up to 30 seconds to share in a hurry and saves to your Google Drive for easy sharing.
Tools you could use without leaving Canvas and Teams
It’s handy to have links to feedback and collaboration tools on your Canvas pages or inside your Teams ‘room’ so they can stay within these environments and not get too distracted by other things.
Feedback tools
Go SoapBox
This is a simple tool that can help you gain insight into what your students know or think about any topic.You can conduct real time polls, add a confusion meter and allow for anonymity. You get an excel spreadsheet showing responses to guide your responses to the answers your students gave.
An introduction video for Go SoapBox
Plickers
Is a way to collect instant responses to multi choice questions using a unique link for each class that you can share in Canvas and in Teams. You can also do a discussion or a survey.
Kahoot!
Is a game based learning platform that you can use to measure current knowledge of a new topic or as revision for upcoming assessments. It uses timed questions to add suspense and can be used individually or in teams and can be accessed using an app or a weblink.
To learn more about using applications click here.
Hints and Tips
- Be patient – especially if you are trying a new type of app. There could be a learning curve for both you and your students – but the outcome will be rewarding.
- Be flexible – some students may have internet/bandwidth or other issues that may require you to provide an alternative method.
- Talk to your students – students may not always feel comfortable communicating their needs -check in with students and make sure that they are okay with the parameters of how you want them to use the app and adjust accordingly.
- Weekly plan – Give students a weekly plan for their classes at least one week in advance, so students benefit from seeing the context for each task or activity.
- Have a back-up plan – Life happens. It is always important to be ready for those cases when a student loses their internet connection or has a family emergency that prevents them from being there when you teach the app. Being prepared for unforeseen circumstances will ensure that you are able to quickly adapt to the changing needs of your students.