Top Tech Tools for Project Based Learning in 2018

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!

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