Appendix E: Digital Tools Reference
Recommended digital tools for online and hybrid teaching environments.
Technology tools to enhance, adapt, and streamline classroom activities
How to Use This Appendix
This reference guide provides:
- Digital alternatives to physical activities (for online/hybrid teaching)
- Efficiency tools that reduce prep time
- Accessibility tools that support diverse learners
- Management tools that improve classroom flow
Organization: Tools are grouped by PURPOSE (what you're trying to accomplish), not by tool name.
Key:
- 🆓 = Free version available
- = Paid only or freemium with significant limitations
- = Mobile-friendly (works on phones/tablets)
- = Best on computer
- = Web-based (no download needed)
- = Requires download/installation
POLLING & QUICK CHECKS
Replace hand-raising, thumbs up/down, and other physical response systems
Poll Everywhere 🆓
Best for: Real-time audience response, live polls during class Features: Multiple choice, word clouds, open-ended, Q&A Free version: Up to 25 responses per poll Paid: Unlimited responses, more question types Classroom use:
- Quick checks: "Which answer is correct?"
- Prior knowledge: "What do you already know about...?"
- Opinion polls: "Which character is most heroic?" Link: polleverywhere.com
Mentimeter 🆓
Best for: Interactive presentations with embedded polls Features: Live voting, word clouds, quizzes, scales Free version: 2 questions per presentation, unlimited participants Paid: Unlimited questions and presentations Classroom use:
- Engagement: "Rate your energy 1-10"
- Assessment: Quick quiz questions
- Brainstorming: Word cloud responses Link: mentimeter.com
Kahoot! 🆓
Best for: Game-based quizzes and review Features: Multiple choice quizzes, timed responses, leaderboards Free version: Create and host unlimited kahoots Paid: Advanced question types, reports Classroom use:
- Review games
- Formative assessment
- Competition-based engagement Link: kahoot.com
Google Forms 🆓
Best for: Quizzes, surveys, exit tickets Features: Multiple question types, auto-grading, response collection Always free (with Google account) Classroom use:
- Exit tickets: Submit responses before leaving
- Self-assessments: Rate your understanding
- Pre-assessments: Check prior knowledge Link: forms.google.com
Plickers 🆓
Best for: Low-tech polling (students don't need devices) Features: Paper cards with QR codes, teacher scans with phone Always free Classroom use:
- Classes with limited devices
- Multiple choice checks
- Formative assessment without tech barriers Link: plickers.com
COLLABORATION & DISCUSSION
Replace in-person small group work, pair shares, and collaborative projects
Padlet 🆓
Best for: Digital bulletin board, brainstorming wall Features: Post ideas, images, links; comment on others' posts Free version: 3 padlets Paid: Unlimited padlets Classroom use:
- Brainstorming: Everyone adds ideas to shared wall
- Gallery walk: Digital stations students visit
- Collaborative notes: Class creates shared resource Link: padlet.com
Jamboard 🆓
Best for: Digital whiteboard, collaborative drawing/writing Features: Sticky notes, drawing, images, frames (like slides) Always free (with Google account) Classroom use:
- Concept mapping: Groups create visual organizers
- Sorting activities: Categorize terms
- Collaborative brainstorming: Everyone adds sticky notes Link: jamboard.google.com
Miro 🆓
Best for: Advanced collaborative whiteboard Features: Infinite canvas, templates, sticky notes, voting Free version: 3 editable boards Paid: Unlimited boards, advanced features Classroom use:
- Complex concept mapping
- Design thinking projects
- Collaborative planning Link: miro.com
Google Docs/Slides 🆓
Best for: Collaborative writing, presentations, note-taking Features: Real-time co-editing, commenting, sharing Always free (with Google account) Classroom use:
- Collaborative writing: Groups co-author document
- Shared notes: Class creates study guide together
- Digital gallery walk: One concept per slide, everyone annotates Link: docs.google.com, slides.google.com
Flipgrid 🆓
Best for: Asynchronous video discussions Features: Students record video responses, reply to peers Always free Classroom use:
- Discussion board: Video responses instead of text
- Presentations: Students share learning via video
- Peer teaching: Explain concepts to classmates Link: flipgrid.com
BREAKOUT ROOMS & GROUPING
Organize students into pairs or small groups (online or in-person)
Zoom Breakout Rooms (included in Zoom)
Best for: Synchronous online small group discussions Features: Auto or manual grouping, broadcast messages, timer Included with Zoom account Classroom use:
- Think-Pair-Share: 2-person breakout rooms
- Small group discussions: 3-5 person rooms
- Jigsaw: Expert groups then home groups Link: zoom.us
Google Meet Breakout Rooms (included in Google Meet) 🆓
Best for: Small group work in Google Meet Features: Create up to 100 breakout rooms, randomize or assign Included with Google Workspace (free edu) Classroom use:
- Partner work: Paired breakout rooms
- Small groups: 3-5 student rooms Link: meet.google.com
Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms (included in Teams)
Best for: Small group work in Teams Features: Auto-assign or manual, up to 50 rooms Included with Microsoft 365 Classroom use:
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Peer teaching Link: teams.microsoft.com
Random Group Generator (Web-based) 🆓
Best for: Quickly generating random groups (in-person or online) Features: Input names, output random groups Always free Options:
- ClassTools Random Name Picker: classtools.net
- Random Team Generator: randomlists.com/team-generator
- Wheel of Names: wheelofnames.com Classroom use:
- Fair group formation
- Random calling
- Partner assignments
TIMERS & TRANSITIONS
Manage time, create urgency, signal transitions
Online Stopwatch 🆓
Best for: Visual countdown timers for activities Features: Customizable timers, alarms, stopwatches Always free Options:
- Online-Stopwatch.com: Multiple timer styles
- Timer Tab: browser-based, simple
- ClassroomScreen: Timer + other classroom tools Classroom use:
- Activity time limits: "You have 3 minutes"
- Transition urgency: Countdown to next activity
- Test timing: Visual for students Link: online-stopwatch.com, timer-tab.com, classroomscreen.com
ClassroomScreen 🆓
Best for: All-in-one classroom management display Features: Timer, random name picker, noise meter, text box, symbols Always free Classroom use:
- Display timer for activities
- Pick random student
- Show instructions while timing Link: classroomscreen.com
Cuckoo 🆓
Best for: Setting multiple timers simultaneously Features: Name each timer, run multiple at once Always free Classroom use:
- Station rotations: Different timer for each station
- Multi-step activities: Track each phase Link: cuckoo.team
ANNOTATION & VISUAL COLLABORATION
Digital versions of gallery walks, poster sessions, concept mapping
Google Slides (with comments enabled) 🆓
Best for: Digital gallery walk Features: One concept per slide, students add comments/sticky notes Always free Classroom use:
- Gallery walk: Students "visit" each slide, annotate
- Peer review: Comment on each other's work
- Collaborative posters: Each group creates one slide Link: slides.google.com
Nearpod 🆓
Best for: Interactive lessons with embedded activities Features: Polls, quizzes, drawing, collaboration, VR field trips Free version: Up to 40 students per session Paid: Unlimited students, premium content Classroom use:
- Interactive lectures with embedded checks
- Drawing activities: Students annotate on slides
- Collaborative boards: Everyone contributes Link: nearpod.com
Peardeck 🆓
Best for: Interactive presentations (works with Google Slides) Features: Drag-and-drop, drawing, text response during presentation Free version: Basic interactions Paid: Advanced features, reporting Classroom use:
- Interactive lectures: Students respond during presentation
- Formative checks: Embedded questions
- Participation: Everyone engages simultaneously Link: peardeck.com
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT & FEEDBACK
Quick checks for understanding, exit tickets, self-assessment
Google Forms (Quiz Mode) 🆓
Best for: Auto-graded quizzes, exit tickets Features: Immediate feedback, answer key, point values Always free Classroom use:
- Exit tickets: Quick end-of-lesson check
- Formative quizzes: Auto-graded multiple choice
- Self-checks: Students see results immediately Link: forms.google.com
Quizizz 🆓
Best for: Self-paced quizzes and review games Features: Student-paced (not teacher-paced like Kahoot), memes, avatars Free version: Unlimited quizzes and students Paid: Advanced reports, no ads Classroom use:
- Homework review: Students work at own pace
- Formative assessment: Check understanding
- Gamified practice: Engaging review Link: quizizz.com
Socrative 🆓
Best for: Quick formative assessments, exit tickets Features: Quizzes, polls, quick questions, space race game Free version: 1 room, 50 students Paid: Multiple rooms, more students Classroom use:
- Exit tickets: Quick question at lesson end
- Formative checks: "How confident are you?"
- Quick quizzes: 5-question checks Link: socrative.com
Edpuzzle 🆓
Best for: Video lessons with embedded questions Features: Embed questions in videos, track viewing, prevent skipping Free version: 20 videos Paid: Unlimited videos Classroom use:
- Flipped classroom: Videos with checkpoints
- Asynchronous learning: Students watch and answer
- Accountability: Track who watched what Link: edpuzzle.com
RANDOMIZERS & PARTICIPATION TOOLS
Fair calling, random selection, equity in participation
Wheel of Names 🆓
Best for: Random name selection, spinning wheel Features: Input names, spin to select randomly, customizable Always free Classroom use:
- Random calling: Fair selection
- Group formation: Spin to assign roles
- Decision-making: Choose between options Link: wheelofnames.com
Flippity Random Name Picker 🆓
Best for: Google Sheets-based randomizer Features: Uses Google Sheet template, no login needed Always free Classroom use:
- Random calling: Pull names randomly
- No repeats: Tracks who's been called Link: flippity.net
ClassroomScreen Name Picker 🆓
Best for: Built into classroom management tool Features: Random name selection with all other ClassroomScreen features Always free Classroom use:
- Display name picker while also showing timer, instructions
- Multi-tool classroom display Link: classroomscreen.com
WHITEBOARD & DRAWING TOOLS
Digital equivalents of whiteboards for problem-solving, sketching
Google Jamboard 🆓
Best for: Simple collaborative whiteboard Features: Drawing, text, sticky notes, images Always free Classroom use:
- Collaborative concept maps
- Visual brainstorming
- Math problem-solving (draw diagrams) Link: jamboard.google.com
Microsoft Whiteboard 🆓
Best for: Advanced digital whiteboard Features: Infinite canvas, inking, shapes, templates Included with Microsoft account Classroom use:
- Brainstorming sessions
- Visual problem-solving
- Collaborative drawing Link: whiteboard.microsoft.com
Zoom Whiteboard (included in Zoom)
Best for: Quick whiteboard during Zoom sessions Features: Draw, text, shapes, collaborative Included with Zoom Classroom use:
- Demonstrate concepts during online class
- Students annotate shared screen
- Collaborative problem-solving Link: zoom.us
Explain Everything 🆓
Best for: Creating video explanations with annotation Features: Record while drawing/annotating Free trial, then paid Classroom use:
- Create tutorial videos
- Student explanations: Record thinking
- Flipped lessons with annotation Link: explaineverything.com
ASYNCHRONOUS DISCUSSION & REFLECTION
When students can't meet live but still need to collaborate
Google Classroom 🆓
Best for: Assignment distribution, discussion threads Features: Post assignments, collect work, discussion questions Always free Classroom use:
- Discussion prompts: Students reply asynchronously
- Assignment submission: Digital turnin
- Class stream: Announcements and updates Link: classroom.google.com
Flipgrid 🆓
Best for: Video-based asynchronous discussion Features: Students record videos, reply to peers via video Always free Classroom use:
- Asynchronous discussions: Video responses
- Presentations: Record and share
- Peer feedback: Video replies Link: flipgrid.com
Padlet 🆓
Best for: Asynchronous brainstorming and discussion Features: Post text, images, links; comment on others Free version: 3 padlets Classroom use:
- Discussion board: Post thoughts, reply to peers
- Collaborative resource: Build shared knowledge base
- Gallery: Share projects, provide feedback Link: padlet.com
VoiceThread 🆓
Best for: Asynchronous multimedia discussions Features: Upload content, students comment via voice/video/text Free version: 3 VoiceThreads Paid: Unlimited threads Classroom use:
- Document analysis: Students comment on primary sources
- Peer feedback: Voice comments on presentations
- Discussion: Multi-modal responses Link: voicethread.com
ORGANIZATION & WORKFLOW TOOLS
Keep materials organized, streamline activity preparation
Google Drive 🆓
Best for: File storage, organization, sharing Features: Folders, sharing, collaboration, 15GB free Always free (with Google account) Classroom use:
- Store activity templates
- Share materials with students
- Organize by unit/chapter Link: drive.google.com
Notion 🆓
Best for: Comprehensive planning and organization Features: Databases, notes, wikis, project management Free version: Unlimited pages (generous free tier) Paid: Advanced features Classroom use:
- Lesson planning: Store templates and plans
- Activity library: Database of activities
- Student resources: Shared class wiki Link: notion.so
Trello 🆓
Best for: Visual task management Features: Boards, lists, cards, checklists Free version: Unlimited boards and cards Paid: Advanced automation Classroom use:
- Track lesson progress
- Plan unit sequences
- Manage activity rotation Link: trello.com
ACCESSIBILITY TOOLS
Support diverse learners, language barriers, disabilities
Google Translate 🆓
Best for: Language translation for ELL students Features: Text translation, voice input, image translation Always free Classroom use:
- Translate instructions for ELL students
- Support bilingual work
- Translate student writing for feedback Link: translate.google.com
Read&Write (Google Chrome Extension) 🆓
Best for: Reading support, text-to-speech Features: Text-to-speech, word prediction, dictionary Free version: Basic features Paid: Advanced tools Classroom use:
- Read text aloud for struggling readers
- Support writing with predictions
- Vocabulary support Link: texthelp.com/read-write
Immersive Reader (Microsoft) 🆓
Best for: Reading support built into Microsoft tools Features: Text-to-speech, line focus, text spacing Included in Microsoft 365, OneNote, Edge Classroom use:
- Make text accessible for all readers
- Support comprehension with visuals
- Adjust text display for readability Link: Built into Microsoft products
Otter.ai 🆓
Best for: Live transcription of lectures/discussions Features: Real-time transcription, recording, searchable notes Free version: 600 minutes/month Paid: More minutes, advanced features Classroom use:
- Provide transcripts for students who need them
- Accessibility accommodation
- Review of discussion content Link: otter.ai
RECOMMENDED TECH STACK BY TEACHING CONTEXT
Minimal Tech Stack (1-2 tools)
For teachers who want minimal technology:
- Google Forms - Exit tickets, polls, quizzes
- ClassroomScreen - Timer, random names, display
Why: Free, simple, no login for students, covers 80% of needs
In-Person Teaching Stack
For face-to-face classrooms:
- Google Forms - Assessments, exit tickets
- Mentimeter or Poll Everywhere - Live polling
- ClassroomScreen - Timers, name picker
- Google Slides - Digital gallery walks
Synchronous Online Teaching Stack
For live Zoom/Meet classes:
- Zoom or Google Meet - Video conferencing with breakout rooms
- Mentimeter - Live engagement during lecture
- Google Docs/Slides - Collaborative work
- Google Forms - Quick checks and exit tickets
- Jamboard - Whiteboarding and brainstorming
Asynchronous Online Teaching Stack
For self-paced online courses:
- Edpuzzle - Interactive video lessons
- Flipgrid - Video discussions
- Google Classroom - Assignment management
- Padlet - Asynchronous collaboration
- Google Forms - Self-checks and reflection
Hybrid Teaching Stack
For mixed in-person and remote:
- Google Classroom - Central hub for all students
- Flipgrid - Participation option for remote students
- Mentimeter - Works for in-person AND remote simultaneously
- Google Slides/Docs - Collaborative work across locations
- Zoom - For remote students to join live class
Free vs. Paid: What's Worth Paying For?
DON'T PAY FOR:
- Google Suite (Docs, Slides, Forms, Jamboard) - Free is excellent
- Flipgrid - Free version is fully functional
- ClassroomScreen - Free version has everything you need
- Kahoot - Free version works great for most teachers
CONSIDER PAYING FOR (if budget allows):
- Mentimeter - Free version limits 2 questions per presentation (limiting)
- Padlet - Free version only allows 3 padlets (very limiting if you use often)
- Nearpod - Free version caps at 40 students (limiting for large classes)
- Edpuzzle - Free version caps at 20 videos (limiting for flipped classroom)
PROBABLY NOT WORTH PAYING FOR (generous free versions):
- Poll Everywhere (25 responses is usually enough)
- Quizizz (free version is fully functional)
- Socrative (50 students is plenty)
- Miro (3 boards sufficient for most teachers)
Tech Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Problem: Students don't have devices
Solution:
- Use Plickers (teacher has phone, students have paper cards)
- Use no-prep activities from Appendix D
- Use classroom computer with projector for whole-class polls
Problem: WiFi is unreliable
Solution:
- Download offline-capable tools (Google Docs offline mode)
- Have no-tech backup plan ready (Appendix D)
- Use low-bandwidth tools (Google Forms loads fast)
Problem: Students can't access tool (login issues, blocked site)
Solution:
- Use Google tools (students already logged into school accounts)
- Use no-login options (Mentimeter, Poll Everywhere with QR codes)
- Share screen for students to see, respond verbally
Problem: Activity requires tech but tech failed
Solution:
- Pivot to analog version (poll → hand raising, digital brainstorm → paper)
- Use think-pair-share (never fails, no tech needed)
- See Appendix D for no-tech alternatives
Privacy & FERPA Considerations
FERPA-Compliant Tools (safe for student data):
- Google Workspace for Education
- Microsoft 365 Education
- Zoom (with edu account)
- Flipgrid
- Edpuzzle
Use Caution (check district policy):
- Tools requiring student email collection
- Tools without signed data agreements
- Social media platforms
Best Practice:
- Check with your IT department before using new tools
- Don't require students to create accounts with personal emails
- Use school-provided Google/Microsoft accounts when possible
- Don't collect unnecessary personal information
Learning More
Professional Development Resources:
- ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education): iste.org
- EdSurge: edsurge.com (edtech news and reviews)
- Common Sense Education: commonsense.org/education (tool reviews and lesson plans)
- Google for Education Training Center: edu.google.com/teacher-center
- Microsoft Educator Center: education.microsoft.com
Stay Updated:
- Tools change frequently (new features, pricing changes)
- Follow edtech blogs and newsletters
- Join teacher communities (Reddit r/teachers, Facebook groups)
- Ask colleagues what works for them
Related Appendices
- Appendix A: Activities by Time (match tools to time constraints)
- Appendix B: Activities by Subject (subject-specific tech tools)
- Appendix C: Activities by Class Size (tools for large classes)
- Appendix D: No-Prep Index (non-tech alternatives)
Note: Tool availability, features, and pricing change frequently. Information current as of 2025. Always verify directly with tool providers.