#classroomengagement

As the school year trudges into its middle months, the initial excitement of fresh books and new projects begins to wane. The pencils are no longer sharp, the lesson plans that once felt inspired now seem routine, and even the most eager of young learners start looking longingly out the window, where the wild world beckons with far more interesting distractions. One might wonder: whose job is it…

Meeting the diverse needs of learners is both an art and a science—and technology makes it far more possible. Below are five current edtech tools that support differentiated instruction, boost engagement, and equip students with essential 21st-century skills.

1. Nearpod

Description: An interactive tool that combines slides, quizzes, and activities in real time or student-paced mode.

Ease of Use: Very intuitive for students and teachers.

Cost: Free basic; premium plans for schools.

Best For: All subjects (especially ELA and science).

Differentiation: Teachers assign lessons based on readiness and students engage at their pace. Supports visual and interactive learners.

2. Edpuzzle

Description: Makes video lessons interactive with embedded quizzes and teacher narration.

Ease of Use: User-friendly editing and assigning tools.

Cost: Free tier available.

Best For: Flipped learning and video-based review.

Ownership of Learning: Students control pace and receive feedback, building accountability.

3. Book Creator

Description: A creative platform where students make multimedia books with voice, video, and images.

Ease of Use: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

Best For: Language arts, social studies, and science projects.

Differentiation: Students choose how they present ideas—great for all learning styles.

4. Kahoot!

Description: A game-based quiz tool perfect for formative assessment and review.

Ease of Use: Super simple, fun, and fast-paced.

Best For: Review sessions and quick check-ins across subjects.

5. Flip (Flipgrid)

Description: A video response tool for discussion and reflection, ideal for asynchronous learning.

Cost: 100% free for educators and students.

Best For: ELA, SEL, foreign language, and student-led reflections.

Each of these tools provides a unique pathway to differentiation. Edpuzzle and Book Creator especially allow students to take ownership of their learning—through self-paced exploration and personalized expression. As we equip students for the digital future, leveraging tools that adapt to how they learn best is not just good practice—it’s essential.

References

Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). How to Differentiate Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms. ASCD.

Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054.

Ready to ditch the droning lectures and transform your classroom into a buzzing hive of activity? Buckle up, teachers, because it's game time!

Games aren't just for recess anymore. Infused into your lessons, they can be potent tools for boosting engagement, sparking critical thinking, and making learning an exhilarating adventure.