Kids are working as a team, but they don’t know who else is on their team. In a space race, students are randomly assigned a color, and as they answer the questions in the quiz, rockets in those colors advance. The app offers exit tickets and quick clicker services, but also a “space race” that Langenhorst likes. In social studies, Langenhorst notes, it’s particularly important to make sure students understand how events are building upon one another and influencing what comes next. Socrative has long been a favorite in many classrooms for the easy formative assessment it offers. Other popular bookmarking tools are Diggo and Pocket. “I can have a different category for different kids and different projects,” Langenhorst said. Langenhorst prefers Draggo because she can stores sites, categorize them and they are easy to share with other people, including students. As much as possible, she recommends using technology to allow students to create work that demonstrates their learning in engaging, fun ways.Įvery educator in the digital world needs a bookmarking tool to help keep track of resources, ideas and sources for students. “Really be cognizant of the digital tools you’re picking and why you are picking them,” Langenhorst said. Instead, technology should be used to enhance classroom learning in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise, including expanding learning beyond the classroom walls.

She emphasizes that, as with any classroom technology, teachers need to be careful not to just substitute a tech tool for an analog one. She put together a list of favorite digital tools for the social studies classroom and shared them during an edWeb webinar. 'Really be cognizant of the digital tools you’re picking and why you are picking them.' She used to teach social studies, but is now the K-12 Technology Integrationist and Instructional Coach at Rock Valley Community Schools in Iowa. Rachel Langenhorst helps teachers in her district find solutions for those issues. They must also consider why it might be useful for their teaching practice. Many teachers have little to no money to pay for premium versions of apps and are looking for quick and easy ways to determine how an app works. Educators are looking for ways to help students participate in a digital world, but the choices for digital engagement in the classroom can be overwhelming.

Symbaloo teacher online toolkit