Padlet allows the user to choose from a few different types of layouts for the virtual bulletin board. This makes for many project possibilities. Students might use a "wall" set up, like this very Padlet. This makes categorizing information simple and neat. This is an optimal set up if students are arranging information by grade level. Padlet also has a map arrangement, where students can drop points on a map. This is useful for doing a project as described in the Google Earth post, but collaboratively. Padlet also allows for timelines and mind maps.

With all of these options, students can find a means to complete a project that is comfortable for them. A student that is not comfortable with writing, or that is still learning English might choose to create a Padlet with the map option. Students that prefer visuals might choose to map a mind-map or upload numerous media sources into a grid layout.

ISTE Standards: Padlet is used to organize information, and there are many ways students can do this. This would make the tool appropriate for addressing the standard of being an innovative designer and a creative communicator. Students have options when working with Padlet, and choosing the most appropriate and effective tool for the task is part of progressing towards meeting the standards.

Canva can be used in both synchronous and asynchronous settings. Canva allows for students to add additional collaborators or work by themselves. Visuals can be designed with or without real-time communication.

Canva relies heavily on visual components, which can make it effective for students that struggle with different components of language or for students that prefer using visuals to learn information.

Infographics are one type of graphic that are easy to make with Canva. Infographics provide many areas for students to collaborate and also provide areas for visuals. Infographics are an easy way to share information on one document. An infographic is a useful and appropriate product that might be made during a PBL experience. One specific example might be a school-community based project that asks students about their preferred positive incentives and rewards.

ISTE Standards: Canva is used heavily for tasks that require a design process. This would make the tool appropriate for addressing the standard of being an innovative designer. In addition, using Canva tasks students with being creative communicators. Students have many options when working with Canva, and they must choose the best one.

This tool is applicable in an asynchronous setting due to do its creative power that students can use at home. Animoto provides students with an easy way to share ideas and information in an accessible way. A benefit of this tool is that students can find videos or create graphics to express information or ideas. This does not necessarily involve the student speaking, which is beneficial for students that are still developing their confidence or ability in verbal communication.

Animoto could be applied during a PBL unit involving frequent picture and video taking. One example of this might be a plant growth or gardening project. These topics take time, and video editing tools can be used to create a time-lapse or include commentary of others in the final product.

ISTE Standards: This tool helps students meet a few ISTE standards. Animoto helps students be knowledge constructors, mainly by giving them a way to curate information. This standard asks that students use information from many resources to create an artefact collection that is meaningful. In addition, this tool will support students in the design process, and in being a creative communicator.

This tool is intended to be used collaboratively, which can happen in both synchronous and asynchronous settings. Using the tool does not require real-time, face-to-face communication and long as all collaborators have access to the whiteboard.

Students might use this tool as a way to brainstorm or create a plan or draft of a final product. A brainstorming session might have students outlining project requirements while other students list ideas on how to fulfil the requirements.

ISTE Standards: Mural is collaborative, so digital citizenship is a factor in using this tool. Since this tool is a digital whiteboard that can be used for brainstorming, another standard it addresses is being a knowledge constructor. Students must evaluate resources and curate information when brainstorming.

Google Sites is versatile, but is effective for use in asynchronous settings. Multiple collaborators can contribute to a Google website, making the tool useful and appropriate for different schedules. If a student does not want to contribute with writing, there are other tasks they can do to develop the site: uploading visuals, ensuring links work, or even double checking citations.

A student might use Google Sites to create a capstone for their PBL experience. This might be for the class. Otherwise, students can create a website that can be shared with local communities. One specific example might be a website designed to share the results of a recycling initiative over the course of a school semester.

ISTE Standards: Google Sites can help students meet these ISTE Standards: Digital citizenship, knowledge constructor, innovative designer, and creative communicator. With creating a website, students are leaving a digital footprint. Students also must be responsible for not sharing their private information on the website they create. This would include blocking out names, the school name, or other identifying information on anything they post. Creating the website is also another example of students curating information. In addition, students must figure out the most effective design for the website that is functional, organized, visually pleasing, and communicative.

Zoom offers a method for collaboration in real-time, which makes it ideal for online-synchronous learning. Collaboration is a crucial component of project-based learning. Zoom's breakout room feature makes it an ideal tool for managing groups within a larger class setting. In addition, the chatbox feature is useful for students that struggle with verbal communication.

Zoom could be used for any project-based assignment at any point where students need to interact with each other or with the teacher.

ISTE Standards: Using Zoom meets the ISTE standard describing digital citizenship. Using Zoom requires students leave a digital footprint and interact with others online. Part of being a good digital citizen is understanding that things done online are permanent, and that kindness is key.

Google Earth can be used for projects asynchronously because the tool does not depend on real-time communication for its use. Even in collaborative projects, students can create a list that includes all of the destinations of interest. Google Earth is very visual, which is beneficial for students with varying needs.

Google Earth has applications in projects revolving around cultural awareness, travel, or even Earth Science. For example, a student might want to do a project about Mexican culture for Hispanic Heritage Month. This student might use Google Earth to "travel" to different Mexican states and provide satellite imagery as a way of promoting cultural awareness. In Mexico, cultures often vary by region.

ISTE Standards: Google Earth can help students progress towards being knowledge constructors that explore real-world issues. In addition, Google Earth can help student become more experienced global collaborators.

Mentimeter works well in synchronous setting due to the real-time communication happening during such a setting. Since the tool can generate visuals in real time, it makes sense to use it in real time. In addition, Mentimeter is appropriate for students with various learning needs, since it asks students for typed responses. Students with verbal challenges or anxiety struggles can benefit from this.

This tool is useful for PBL due to its many uses in generating visuals. If students were working on a project that involved obtaining feedback from a community, Mentimeter would be an effective tool for collecting responses and generating a visual.

ISTE Standards: Mentimeter, like Zoom, asks students to be responsible digital citizens. When contributing answers to a real-time visual generator, it is important to be appropriate. In addition, using Mentimeter would be an example of a student being a creative communicator in their choice of digital tools.

Edublogs is based on sharing experiences in writing, which makes it well suited to an asynchronous setting. With blog and discussion posts, students can reply on their own time and can put thought into their responses.

A PBL experience aligned with the use of Edublogs might persuasive writing. If students were asked to be mock candidates and to create a campaign, students might contribute blog posts to persuade classmates to vote for them. This can help students learn about the government, its processes, and the rhetoric that is common when it comes to persuasion.

ISTE Standards: Edublogs is another tool that gives students a chance to develop in becoming digital citizens. Edublogs can also help students in becoming knowledge constructors, mainly by having them potentially explore real world issues.

Using Parlay in a synchronous setting is valuable due to the possibility of real-time communication. Communication in a synchronous setting allows participants to see body language, hear vocal tone, and look at facial expressions. These are all factors that can enhance class discussions and create engagement among students.

Students might use Parlay for PBL to gain ideas from the site's topics. Students might also use the results of a discussion in their project. One example might be the Parlay topic "We Need Diverse Books", which encourages students to discuss various books and their effects on the student's perception. In a PBL experience, this topic and discussion can be a useful way to gain or share background information about a problem or cause.

ISTE Standards: Using Parlay can also help students meet the digital citizenship ISTE standard. In addition, this tool can help students become global collaborators, mainly due to its ability to help students see multiple viewpoints.