For: Elementary teachers, students & families

Classroom example: Share class photos, post updates, send private messages to parents about student progress or behavior.

Reviews: Teachers like that messaging is translated into 35+ languages.

Platform: Web, iOS, Android

For: Anyone

Classroom Example: A teacher could send an email to all of his/her students and/or their parents

Reviews: There are many different email providers, but Gmail is the most widely used and has 4.1 ⭐ on the Google Play Store.

For: Teachers & students

Classroom Example: A teacher can post a morning announcement or reminder for students to access.

Reviews: Teachers report appreciating it being the “hub” of class work and communication.

Platform: Part of Google Workspace accessible via any web browser.

For: Anyone!

Classroom Example: Exit Ticket (Create a form with 3 questions about the day's lesson to check comprehension.)

Reviews: 4.7 ⭐ from Software Advice

For: Teachers managing attendance, behavior, grades, and student info in one app

Classroom Example: Take attendance quickly, log behavior notes during class, and check student progress in one place

Reviews: Teachers like the all-in-one functionality

For: Teachers who want visual tools for class management (timers, noise meter, random name picker)

Classroom Example: Project a timer during group work, use noise meter to help students self-monitor volume, or show traffic light signals

Reviews:Teachers say it’s great for transitions and classroom structure

Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Chrome extension

For: Teachers or students needing focus support with timers and relaxing sounds

Classroom Example: Use during silent reading or independent work to help students stay focused with calming background sounds and timers

Reviews:Teachers say it creates a calm atmosphere; students find it soothing and motivating

For: Students motivation for productivity

Classroom Example: Use it during lesson planning or grading sessions; students can use it for timed writing or studying

Reviews: Users love the simplicity; some mention the need for better syncing between devices

For: Teachers using PowerPoint in class who want to embed timers directly into their slides.

Classroom Example: Use UbiTimer to time student presentations or transitions between group stations right inside your slides

Reviews:Teachers say it helps avoid switching between tabs for timers during a lesson

For: Schools and teachers tracking student behavior, academics, attendance, and family engagement

Classroom Example: Log positive and negative behavior, generate progress reports, and follow up with families easily

Reviews: Common in charter schools and behavior-focused environments

Description: Presentation tool

For: Creating presentations, showing videos, sharing information

Classroom Example: Students are assigned to teach each other ten words in a new language. Each word has a slide with the word and a video of a native speaker pronouncing it

Reviews: PCMag: 4.5 Stars

For: Elementary and middle school teachers communicating with parents and tracking behavior

Classroom Example: Give points for good behavior, send class updates, share photos, and message parents directly

Reviews: Loved by many for parent communication and student motivation, though some raise privacy concerns

For: Teachers managing noise levels visually

Classroom Example: Use a microphone to detect classroom noise and the on-screen balls bounce more as it gets louder. Students visually see when to quiet down.

Reviews: Fun and free tool often recommended in early elementary classrooms

For: All grades

Classroom Example: Students build robots and other functioning physical systems and engage in classroom and interscholastic competitions.

Reviews: The hands-on nature of VEX projects encourages collaboration and teamwork, making it an engaging and effective tool for experiential learning.

Platforms: Integrate with any Web browser or other tools such as Google Slides, PowerPoint, or some LMSs

For: Teachers of in-person, hybrid, or remote learning; administrators

Classroom Example: During a lesson, a teacher can embed a short-text response question to check student comprehension. Student responses are collected in real-time and feedback can be given mid-lesson.

Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from Common Sense Education

Platform: Web, iOS, Android, and LMS integrations

For: K-12 teachers, district leaders, and higher ed

Classroom Example: A teacher can create from scratch or use and modify an existing lesson. Throughout the lesson, the teacher can insert a variety of assessment activities such as a 'Draw It' slide or an open-ended question.

Reviews: 4 ⭐ community rating from Common Sense Education

Platform: Web browser, iOS, Android, and LMS integrations

For: Secondary and higher ed

Classroom Example: A teacher could create an exam combining multiple choice and free response sections. Students take the exam on paper, but the teacher can scan all answer sheets for grading, feedback, and analytics.

Reviews: Users like the fairness brought to grading and the time saving aspect.

Platform: Web browser or iOS

For: 6-12 math teachers, students, school districts

Classroom Example: An Algebra teacher could assign a multi-step problem for solving a system of equations. If a student makes a mistake, Mathspace provides hints or even video explanation.

Reviews: Mathspace has mixed reviews; users enjoy the adaptive, feedback-rich features, but there are concerns about usability.

Platform: Web, iOS, Android

For: K-12 teachers, Higher ed, hybrid learning

Classroom Example: A teacher could set up a lesson with a Quick Question warm-up, followed by a lesson with live responses and an exit ticket.

Reviews: 4 ⭐ Community rating from Common Sense Education

For: All grades

Classroom Example: Building a robot with an AI neural network that can move independently and recognize objects.

Reviews: An in depth system that can form the basis of a robust STEM / Robotics curriculum.

Platform: Web, iOS, Android, LMS integration

For: 3-12 teachers, higher ed, remote learners, students, districts

Classroom Example: A teacher could compose a set of questions with embedded images and diagrams as an interactive lesson. Students receive instant feedback an explanations.

Reviews: 4.7 ⭐ from Google Play Store

Platform: Web, iOS, Android

For: K-12, higher ed

Classroom Example: A teacher wishing to test students can create or use an existing Kahoot quiz. Kahoot provides a report detailing each participants' scores, allowing students to be assessed individually in a gamified manner.

Reviews: 4.5 ⭐ from Google Play Store

Description: It is a digital learning and reading platform that provides access to over 40,000 books, audio books and educational videos.

For: Reading books, audio books and access to watching educational videos online.

-Best for students 12 and under.

Classroom Example: Students are assigned different reading materials that can be read, watched or listened to.

Reviews: 5/5 Common sense Education

Description: Presentation tool

For: Collaborative creation

Classroom Example: Students are asked to work together on a homework assignment. Students can use google slides to collaborate on their ideas, bringing everything together into one location. Students can then build their presentations in the tool

Reviews: PCMag 4, Google Play 4

Description: Focuses on reading ( phonics, fluency,comprehension, early literacy and support in math and language arts.

For: Students in Pre K up until 3rd grade

Classroom Example: Great resource for teachers to print materials, lesson plans and structured curriculum that make it easy to use in online teaching and the classroom.

Reviews: 3/5 on Common sense Education

Description: An adaptive online math- practice game. It uses fantasy style in a fun interactive way that allows students to solve math problems and to power their characters.

For: Teachers and students grades 1-8

Classroom Example: Teachers can align it with the Common core standards, assign specific skills and track student performance and see reports.

Reviews: 4.1 on Google Play

Description: Go Noodle is a digital platform of short interactive movement and mindfulness activities for kids

For: Students in K-6 both at home or in the classroom. Teachers often use it for transitions and during brain breaks.

Classroom Example: Students can do this before and after transitions to get movement breaks in. They are a combination of workout, dancing and mindfulness videos that are kid friendly.

Reviews: 3.9 on Google Play

For: All subjects and levels.

Classroom Example: A scavenger-hunt type activity where students complete 'missions' that earn points towards the overall 'experience.'

Reviews: Students will love working in teams and being creative with these fun digital scavenger hunts, and teachers can control how challenging the hunt is.

Description: Online quizzing platform

For: Creating quizzes, administering pre-canned quizzes, gamification

Classroom Example: A teacher wishes to test students on their lesson. The teacher creates a Kahoot quiz, assigns it to students in class or at home and monitors their progress. Kahoot provides a report detailing each participants' scores, allowing students to be assessed individually in a gamified manner

Reviews: PCMag 4.0, Google Play 4.5

For: All subjects and levels.

Classroom Example: A scavenger-hunt type activity where students complete 'missions' that earn points towards the overall 'experience.'

Reviews: Students will love working in teams and being creative with these fun digital scavenger hunts, and teachers can control how challenging the hunt is.

Description: DIY or Template based jeopardy games

For: In class games or as an assignment to make your own game

Classroom Example: Can be used as an end of class trivia game, a warm up or as review. Alternatively, students can be assigned to make their own games and present them to the class.

Reviews: 4 stars EducationalAppStore

For: Teachers, students, parents

Classroom Example: Send homework reminders or schedule changes directly to parents’ phones

Reviews: Praised for simplicity and privacy; some say message limits are a downside

For: Teachers, students (especially younger), parents

Classroom Example: Students upload assignments, teachers give feedback, parents view progress

Reviews: Loved for its student engagement and digital portfolio features

For: Teachers, parents

Classroom Example: Share newsletters, schedule conferences, send emergency alerts

Reviews: Great for parent-teacher communication;

Description: Lexia learning is a collection of literacy-instruction programs designed to support reading development

For: Teachers to assign and see progress and learning. it is tailored to students ages K- High school

Classroom Example: Students get placed initially based on their skills, the program adjusts difficulty and provides scaffolded support. Teachers can track student progress, identify which skills are weak,and adjust instruction accordingly.

Reviews: 4/5 on Common sense education

Description: Storyline Online streams videos of renowned actors reading children's books, that provides an engaging and accessible way for children to enjoy stories.

For: Students ages 3-8, and teachers to get a different way to get read aloud's done in a fun approach, they also have free activity guides for each story that aligns with common core standards.

Classroom Example: Students can listen to stories that are 5-10 minutes long that all come with tools that enhance the reading experience and support literacy development.

Reviews: 4/5 on Common Sense Education

Description: Digital math platform designed to help students visualize and understand core math concepts through interactive virtual manipulatives.

For: Teachers and Students grades K-8

Classroom Example: Students can do over 250 tasks that align with various math standards. The live feature on the platform allows teachers to observe and interact with students in real time

Reviews: 3/5 on Common sense Education

Platform: Web, iOS, Android

For: Anyone!

Classroom Example: A teacher can create a group with parents and students as members and share photos, videos, and updates.

Reviews: 4.6 ⭐ from Google Play Store

Platform: Web, iOS, Android, SMS

For: Teachers, administrators, families, ESL programs

Classroom Example: A teacher can write a message to a specific parent regarding low attendance; TalkingPoints can translate the message if necessary.

Reviews: 4.4 ⭐ from Google Play Store

Platform: Web, iOS, Android, SMS

For: Teachers, administrators, families, ESL programs

Classroom Example: A teacher can send out a message about an upcoming class event; the message can be translated if necessary

Reviews: 4.5 ⭐ from Google play Store

Platform: Web browser

For: K-12 teachers, students

Classroom Example: A teacher could build a review kit of their current unit with multiple-choice and true/false questions. The kit can be played in a live mode so students can compete.

Reviews: 4 ⭐ from the Community rating on Common Sense Education

Platform: Web browser

For: K-12 teachers

Classroom Example: A teacher could generate a worksheet on any topic.

Reviews: 4 ⭐ from the Community rating on Common Sense Education

Platform: Web, Google Slides

For: Elementary and secondary teachers

Classroom Example: A middle school science teacher could present a 'How Far Migrating Animals Can Travel in One Day' slow reveal graph.

Reviews: Users state this process helps students of all levels process complex data.

Platform: Web browser

For: K-12 teachers

Classroom Example: Text Translator, Text Leveler, Text Summarizer, etc

Reviews: 4 ⭐ from the Community rating on Common Sense Education

Description: Video Editor

For: Video editing, adding effects, text etc.

Classroom example: if you wish to create a video to show to the class or assign students a video based project CapCut would be used in the background to prepare the video

Reviews: PCMag: 4.5 Stars

Considered easy to use with advanced features available if desired

Description: Learning gamification

For: Reviewing language learned in class, having fun at the end of a class, creating a sense of competition

Classroom example: When learning the past tense, students review the language learned using Blooket as opposed a worksheet. The teacher can create a custom game or use one the many available

Reviews: MobileAppDaily 4.4 Stars

Students who don't understand can click through the game without gaining understanding. Can be assessed using the tools at the end of the game

Description: Tiled gamification

For: review of information learned in class, having fun

Classroom example: teachers can warm up or wind the class down with Baamboozle, either reviewing information or promoting fluency through riddles or idioms. Teachers can create their own or choose from many premade offerings

Reviews: EducationalAppStore: 5.0 stars

Additional game modes can be unlocked for a very reasonable fee

Description: DIY or Template based jeopardy games

For: In class games or as an assignment to make your own game

Classroom Example: Language use can be reviewed by category, with students able to choose their own category (nouns, verbs, idioms etc.). This allows for freedom of choice

Reviews: 4 stars EducationalAppStore

Description: Online quizzing platform

For: Creating quizzes, administering pre-canned quizzes, gamification

Classroom Example: Teachers can use Kahoot to review specific examples as a group. Each student must choose an answer before the game advances, allowing the teacher time to explain the question before students are able to continue.

Reviews: PCMag 4.0, Google Play 4.5

Description: Video presentation

For: watching or uploading videos, showcasing additional information, giving students a visual

Classroom example: Teachers can use YouTube to illustrate a concept that can be hard to explain to language learners. Carefully chosen and timed videos can greatly enhance understanding.

Reviews: Capterra: 4.7 Stars

Users complain about ads but are overall satisfied with the platform

Description: Presentation tool

For: Largely for presentations but can be used to record video

Classroom example: Teachers who wish to record a presentation to send to students to review at home can do so all in one tool with the built in recording tool. Is not an editing tool

Reviews: PCMag: 4.0 stars

Description: Online science platform, provides engaging hands on lessons that spark curiosity and foster a love for science through real world examples.

For: Teachers and Students grades K-5

Classroom example: Can be used for students to have whole class instruction but also can be adapted for small groups or individual learning, along with distance learning.

Review: 5/5 on Common Sense Education

For: All grade levels

Classroom Example: Teachers can find articles on many different topics and then differentiate the reading levels for their students so the information is accessible to everyone.

Reviews: Pros: A sprawling library of high-interest texts with adjustable reading levels. Cons: A lot of the functionality and material sits behind a paywall.

Description: Cloud / web-based video editor with collaboration features, that can create interactive video and has classroom integration.

Classroom Example: Have students create a collaborative video project as the final assessment for a unit.

Reviews: Abundant stock libraries of video and audio, helpful support. An excellent way to provide learning experiences. Mobile experience not nearly as good as web experience.

Description: Screen recorder and editing software.

Classroom Example: A tool for teachers to create videos for flipped-classrooms or other situations where you want to screen-record and then share the video.

Reviews: An excellent piece of software for online teaching / flipped classrooms. Produces high quality videos. Cost of $180 / year for full feature set.

Description: All-in one video making software for educational use.

Classroom Use: Teachers & Administrators can record video tutorials and lectures, create professional development videos, and deliver distance learning. Students can create video projects.

Reviews: Relatively easy to use, lacks some functionality compared to other video creation software.