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Top Tech Tools for Project Based Learning in 2018

8/30/2018

2 Comments

 
Project-based learning challenges students to create something original. There are so many digital tools available, it can be overwhelming to find the best resources for your class.

Since all PenPal Schools projects end with a design task, we asked educators in the PenPal Schools community which tools they love the most. Here are the top edtech tools that global educators recommend for PBL. Create videos, drawings, presentations, collages, quizzes, and more!

Video

Tool
Age
​Cost
Tech Requirements
Description
​Animoto
12+
Freemium
Web-based; desktop or mobile
Quickly create and share videos using uploaded photos, videos, images from online services like Flickr.
​Magisto
12+
Freemium
Web-based; mobile
Choose photos and videos and Magisto’s AI stitches it all together.
Openshot
14+
Free
Download
Open source video editing software.
Shotcut
14+
Free
Download
Open source video editing software.
​Pitivi
14+
Free
Download
Open source video editing software.
Toontastic
8+
Freemium
Mobile; iPad; Android
Choose the characters and setting for each scene, then move the pieces around to create short animated videos.
Stop Motion Studio
10+
Freemium
​​Mobile; iPad; Android
Use the camera on your iOS tablet or smartphone to create terrific stop action movies.
YouTube Video Manager
10+
Free
Web-based
Add a soundtrack, cut shots, add a title slide and make other basic edits to videos uploaded to Youtube.
​iMovie
12+
Free for specific ios devices; or $4.99
Download, iPad
Choose clips, add effects, and create high-quality movies on iOS devices.

Drawing

​Tool
​Age
​Cost
​Tech Requirements
Description
​AutoDraw
8+
Free
Web-based
Quickly draft, paint and download your work. Use the auto-draw option to turn your drawings into realistic images.
Sumo Paint
12+
Free
Download; or web-based
Draw and illustrate professional quality images.
​PencilApp
6+
Free
Web-based
Quickly draw, paint, and download images.

Audio Production (Music/Podcasts)

Tool
​Age
​Cost
​Tech Requirements
Description
​Audacity
12+
Free
Download
Compose music, mix tracks, record podcasts, or create audio presentations.
GarageBand
10+
Free
Download; iOS devices
Play virtual instruments to compose music, record podcasts, or make audio presentations.
Video Star
13+
Freemium
Download; iOS devices
A video creation tool that allows kids to make original music videos for songs.

Writing/Presenting

​Tool
​Age
Cost
​Tech Requirements
Description
Canva
12+
Free
Web-based
Design graphics and presentations using templates, icons, photos, and a variety of colorful visual assets.
Google Slides
10+
Free
Web-based
Quickly create and share presentations using Google templates.
Strip Generator
8+
Free
Web-based
Build black and white comics using preloaded characters, settings, and text bubbles.
Witty Comics
8+
Free
Web-based
Build colorful comics with preloaded characters, settings, and text bubbles.
Pixton
10+
Freemium
Web-based
Build colorful comics with preloaded characters, settings, and text bubbles.
Padlet
10+
Freemium
Web-based
Create a virtual collaborative cork board with visuals and notes.
Prezi
14+
Freemium
Web-based
Create engaging presentations with 3D zooming effects.

Quiz Builders

​Tool
​Age
​Cost
​Tech Requirements
Description
Kahoot!
10+
Free
Web-based
Create engaging quizzes to help test comprehension, review concepts, or survey a group of people.
Quizlet
12+
Free
Web-based
Create quizzes, flashcards, and other helpful study tools.
Google Forms
12+
Free
Web-based
Create quizzes, surveys, and polls.

Misc

​Tool
​Age
​Cost
Tech Requirements
Description
Adobe Spark Video
14+
Freemium
Web based or mobile app; desktop or mobile
Create graphics, web pages or video stories in minutes with Spark’s free graphic design app
Do your students use other tools that our community should know about? Let us know if the comments or send your recommendation to support@penpalschools.com!

Disclaimer: Before encouraging students to use any of the recommended resources above, make sure to thoroughly test each site, review the terms of service, and set aside class time to demo the tool with your students. Students are most successful using new technology in the classroom when they feel safe and supported by their teachers!
Download the PDF: Top Tech Tools for Project Based Learning
File Size: 207 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2 Comments
Kim Andreas
9/3/2018 11:57:57 am

I would like a PDF of this list of multimedia tools. Could you provide this for me, please?

Reply
Jessica
9/7/2018 02:02:16 pm

Hi Kim! We just added a PDF that you can download - find it at the bottom of the post!

Reply

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