Whew! Last week was truly a whirlwind. I really want to tell you about this. We were fortunate enough to attend ISTELive 24 in Denver, the largest educational technology conference in the United States. we are so We had a great time meeting many of you, handing out posters, tote bags, t-shirts, and even hitting the dance floor at the Vivacity '90s party! But the best part was seeing all the amazing new tools coming to classrooms this fall. Here are a few of your favorites. necessary I want to know.
1. zSpace AR/VR learning experience
zSpace offers a tabletop virtual reality program that really wowed us. Using a zSpace computer and a stylus, students can manipulate 3D objects right in front of them, including planets, shapes, and parts of the human body. It’s hard to explain how amazing this technology is, so I recommend watching this short video for an overview.
zSpace has software suitable for a variety of grade levels and curriculum areas, including STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Learn more: zSpace
2. Swivl's Mirror
As teachers, we know how important student reflection is to the learning process. But we know how time-consuming it is to read written reflections or meet one-on-one with students. So we were definitely intrigued by Mirror, a new Reflection Station product that uses AI to measure and analyze student understanding.
Students take turns recording their oral reflections using a mirror device, and the AI then goes to work analyzing individual understanding and the class’s overall understanding. The AI technology uses word choice to determine how students are thinking and whether they are working in their zone of proximal development.
Teachers can also try AI technology on their own devices by downloading the free MirrorTalk app.
Learn more: Rotation
3. Padlet Sandbox and Video Discussion
Are you mourning the loss of Jamboard? Us too! That's why I was excited to see Padlet release Sandbox, a collaborative whiteboarding option similar to Jamboard. You can also import boards from Jamboard to Padlet. Sign up for beta testing.
Likewise, with the disappearance of the popular tool Flip, Padlet has added video discussions to its already robust library of tools. And you can import your Flip video discussions right into Padlet.
4. Beanstack Reading Challenge
If you’re looking for a fun and motivating way to get your students to read more (and who doesn’t?), check out Beanstack, a platform that gamifies reading by rewarding students with fun badges and other rewards for recording what they read.
Beanstack also analyzes students' reading trends to inform teachers of their overall reading level. And teachers and schools can design custom reading assignments and lists to develop a reading culture (e.g., a principal's recommended book list or a school-wide list for Black History Month).
Learn more: Bean Stack
5. ViewSonic's ClassSwift
You may know Viewsonic for its interactive displays, projectors, and monitors, but did you know that they also offer AI-based student engagement tools that make it easy to create push-and-response materials from any content?
ClassSwift lets you easily turn PowerPoint slides, Canva templates, or other images into interactive activities and push them to student devices. Then, the tool’s comprehensive student reports give you insight into student understanding. Finally, thanks to ClassSwift’s generative AI capabilities, you can create quizzes and other materials in minutes.
Learn more: ClassSwift
6. School AI
This all-in-one AI platform for schools is impressive. Built by teachers for teachers, it’s built on secure AI chat “Spaces” that help students learn and practice new material, and also perform a variety of teacher tasks. There are thousands of existing Spaces, and you can create your own Spaces based on grade level and state standards.
It's easy to create your own worksheets, jokes, word problems, IEP plans, and more!
Learn more: SchoolAI
7. Your Block
Finding an online filtering system that allows students to access what they need and stay safe online can be difficult. Educators love Blocksi because it combines web filtering with screen monitoring and threat detection tools to provide an all-in-one solution for the classroom. Teachers can also easily send “attention” messages to students who need to be redirected.
Learn more: Blocksi
8. Pocket Talk
If you teach in multiple home languages in your classroom, Pocketalk is a game changer. It’s a pocket translator that supports 80+ languages with instant translation features, including text translation camera and ASL features.
Learn more: Pocketalk
9. Otus
Few learning management systems are created by K-12 teachers, for K-12 teachers. That's why we were impressed with Otus, which was founded by a 7th grade social studies teacher who knew there had to be a better way to view and analyze student data. Otus also differs from many LMS platforms in that it includes classroom management and assessment tools. I also like that it focuses on tracking student interests in addition to grades and long-term data to provide a picture of the whole child.
Learn more: Otus
10. LG CreateBoard TR3DK with Google Chrome OPS
If you use Google Classroom, this new option from LG is a game changer. The Google Play Store comes pre-installed, and with the addition of Chrome OPS, you can automatically connect to Google Classroom, Google Workspace, and other tools using single sign-on, making it one of the most intuitive displays available.
Learn more: CreateBoard
11. Switch Lab by Switch Vehicles
Okay, this all-in-one kit for CTE and STEM programs is really cool. Students actually build their own full-size, road-legal electric vehicle! This kit includes textbooks, curriculum, and more.
Learn more: Vehicle Conversion