Top 4 Apps for Online Teaching

Summary

In this video, Evgeny explores five innovative tools that can enhance classroom engagement and make lessons more dynamic. He covers Mentimeter, Google Jamboard, Padlet, Parlay, and Nearpod, showcasing how these apps can boost student interaction through real-time feedback, collaborative activities, online discussions, and gamified learning experiences. Each tool is demonstrated with practical examples, offering educators valuable insights into incorporating technology to foster student participation. Whether it's using live polls, interactive canvases, or immersive quizzes, these apps provide engaging alternatives to traditional lectures.

Takeaways

• 😀 MentiMeter is an easy tool to get real-time feedback from students during a lesson, helping instructors gauge classroom engagement instantly.
• 😀 Google Jamboard offers a collaborative workspace for students to work together on activities such as diamond ranking or playing board games like Monopoly.
• 😀 Padlet is an effective tool for creating discussion boards where students can engage with video prompts and respond to various questions.
• 😀 Parlay Ideas is a more advanced version of Padlet, designed for in-depth online discussions, complete with grading features and feedback tools.
• 😀 Nearpod’s 'Time to Climb' is an interactive quiz game that incorporates animation and sound effects to engage students in answering questions in a race-to-the-top format.
• 😀 Jamboard can be used to assess student understanding with interactive activities like exit tickets, where students provide instant feedback on their comprehension.
• 😀 MentiMeter allows students to anonymously submit feedback and questions, creating a more interactive and less passive learning environment.
• 😀 The integration of technology through apps like Padlet, Parlay, and Nearpod makes lessons more dynamic, reducing the likelihood of students zoning out or disengaging.
• 😀 Parlay Ideas encourages students to engage in discussions by offering structured prompts and requiring them to provide critical feedback on their peers' responses.
• 😀 The use of tools like Nearpod and MentiMeter helps create a competitive, fun atmosphere that keeps students motivated while learning.

Q & A

What is Mentimeter and how does it help in engaging students?

Mentimeter is a simple tool that allows instructors to gather real-time feedback from students during lessons. It engages students by enabling them to participate actively through polls, word clouds, and Q&A sessions, creating an interactive classroom experience.

How can instructors use Mentimeter to gather feedback in a Zoom session?

Instructors can create a presentation on Mentimeter, generate a shareable link, and paste it in the Zoom chat. Students can open the link, participate by answering questions, and the instructor can share the real-time feedback by sharing the Mentimeter screen on Zoom.

What is the main feature of Google Jamboard and how can it be used for group activities?

Google Jamboard is a digital whiteboard where instructors and students can collaborate in real-time. It can be used for activities like diamond ranking, categorization, and even virtual board games. Instructors can assign Jamboard tasks to different groups by creating multiple Jamboards for breakout sessions.

How can Google Jamboard be used for an exit ticket?

Google Jamboard can be used for exit tickets by asking students to provide feedback on their understanding of a topic. For example, students can tick thumbs up or thumbs down on their level of understanding of a concept like mixed fractions.

What is Padlet and how does it support online discussions?

Padlet is a digital board where students can post responses, images, videos, and links to contribute to discussions. It helps in facilitating interactive and collaborative online discussions, especially for topics that require student reflection and engagement.

How can Padlet be used in lessons related to digital citizenship?

Padlet can be used to create a discussion board where students respond to questions or prompts related to digital citizenship. Students can read videos or texts and then engage in reflective discussions by posting their thoughts on the board.

What is Parlay, and how does it enhance online discussions?

Parlay is a tool designed for online discussions, allowing instructors to create structured discussions where students respond to prompts and then engage in peer feedback. It offers features like grading rubrics, student response tracking, and detailed assessments.

How does Parlay differ from Padlet in terms of student engagement?

While both Padlet and Parlay are used for discussions, Parlay offers more advanced features like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication metrics. It also allows for peer review and feedback, providing more structure and tracking compared to Padlet.

What is Nearpod's Time to Climb, and how does it engage students?

Nearpod's Time to Climb is an interactive quiz game where students race to the top by answering questions correctly. The game includes animation, sound effects, and a leaderboard to motivate students, making learning more fun and engaging.

How can Nearpod's Time to Climb enhance learning during a lesson?

Nearpod's Time to Climb provides an interactive way for students to test their knowledge during a lesson. It engages students with animated characters, real-time feedback, and a competitive leaderboard, which makes learning dynamic and enjoyable.