TeachersFirst Edge
New web 2.0 tools appear each day. Many of these tools were not originally intended for classroom use, but they can be powerful learning tools for today's techno-savvy students and their more adventurous teachers. These sites appear (and frequently disappear) very quickly, launched by creative techno-geeks out there in the world.
Many of these tools require a higher-than-average set of teacher tech skills or some extra monitoring to assure student "safety." TeachersFirst Edge reviews these "tools on the Edge" carefully, and with specific ideas for using them safely and effectively in teaching and learning. Reviews point out any safety or policy concerns for the tool and offer links to management tips for each concern.
Especially popular is this subset of the Edge: BYOD Dream Tools: Free tools that work on any device. Look for the device agnostic tool tag in any review.
This is the world your students already know. Try teaching in their vernacular. A little adventurousness makes for powerful learning.
See General Tips for using Edge Tools - a must for first-time users
Browse the full listing of detailed safety/school policy tips or save time by reading them as needed from each tool review.
If you try one of these tools and find it especially useful, be sure to leave a comment on it to share your students' successes with other teachers. If you know of another tool that teachers would find beneficial, please suggest it via our webmaster account, as a "suggested resource."
Here's the Edge:
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Jumanally - Genially
Grades
4 to 12
tag(s): collaboration (87), critical thinking (146), game based learning (244), gamification (90)
In the Classroom
Customize the Jumanlly template to align with your current unit (e.g., grammar, fractions, ecosystems). As students move through the game board, they answer questions or solve puzzles that are directly tied to the content. Divide the class into small teams, each choosing an avatar to navigate the board. Students work together to make decisions and complete tasks, encouraging communication, teamwork, and cooperative learning. Invite students to design their own version of the Jumanlly game based on a unit they've studied. They write the rules, create questions, and incorporate subject-relevant multimedia.Edge Features:
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Board Game - Genially
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): digital literacy (24), game based learning (244), Teacher Utilities (175)
In the Classroom
Convert your current unit into a board game, where each space features a content question or mini-challenge. Use it before a test to make review fun and collaborative. Create a board game where each move includes defining a term, using it in a sentence, or drawing it. Great for ELA, science, or social studies vocabulary practice. Have students design their own board games using the template to demonstrate understanding of a unit or topic. They write questions and present them to the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tangram Game - Genially
Grades
1 to 10tag(s): game based learning (244), gamification (90), geometric shapes (130), tangrams (8)
In the Classroom
Connect the tangram puzzles to math lessons by having students identify the shapes used, calculate angles, or compare areas. Discuss how transformations (rotation, reflection, translation) change piece placement. Students create their own tangram figures digitally or on paper, then challenge classmates to solve them. Include a math reflection explaining the shapes used and any transformations involved. Explore the origins of tangrams in Chinese history, then compare them with other cultural puzzles or pattern games. Use this as a springboard for a social studies connection or art integration project.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Chaotic Kitchen Escape Game - Genially
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): digital escapes (28), game based learning (244), gamification (90), puzzles (150)
In the Classroom
Incorporate math problems involving fractions, conversions, or modifying recipe amounts. For example, students might solve a puzzle that requires doubling or halving ingredients to unlock the next step. Add clues tied to physical or chemical changes in cooking (e.g., why bread rises, or what happens when butter melts). Use short videos or images to illustrate real-world science concepts. Connect the escape room to a cultural studies unit by integrating recipes or food-related traditions from around the world. Have students solve clues based on world geography, customs, or languages. Assign students to create their own kitchen-themed escape clues using class content, such as vocabulary, math, or even literary references. Find additional resources at TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Digital Escape Rooms, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Would You Rather Game - Genially
Grades
K to 1tag(s): critical thinking (146), game based learning (244), gamification (90)
In the Classroom
Kick off class with fun or themed "Would You Rather" questions (e.g., book vs. movie, Mars vs. ocean exploration) to build classroom community and get students thinking. Create questions from the viewpoint of a novel's character or historical figure. For example, "Would you rather lead a peaceful protest or publish a newspaper article?"--then discuss what the character might choose and why. Assign students to create their own "Would You Rather" questions based on a content area (e.g., ecosystems, math strategies, historical eras), and then lead the game with peers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Language Learning Game - Genially
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): game based learning (244), gamification (90), vocabulary (243), vocabulary development (97)
In the Classroom
Use the template to create a game focused on current vocabulary words. Have students play individually or in teams to define words, match them to images, or use them in sentences. Try adding audio clips for pronunciation practice. Design a mini escape room with grammar puzzles, such as identifying correct verb tenses or fixing sentence errors. Have students solve tasks to "unlock" levels while applying grammar rules. Have students use the Genially template to create their own language games based on a unit of study. They can then present and trade games with peers for extra review and practice.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Body Parts Game - Genially
Grades
1 to 4tag(s): body systems (41), game based learning (244), gamification (90), human body (91)
In the Classroom
Before using the Genially game, divide students into teams and give them paper cutouts of body parts. Challenge them to assemble the parts on a poster or a large paper body outline. Have students play the Genially Body Parts Game in pairs or small groups. After playing, ask them to list three new facts they learned. Play Simon Says, in which students must touch or move specific body parts, is excellent for kinesthetic learners and reinforces vocabulary.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Farm Quiz - Genially
Grades
K to 2tag(s): animals (275), game based learning (244), gamification (90)
In the Classroom
Play recordings of animal sounds and have students guess which animal makes each noise. Follow up with the Farm Quiz to reinforce learning. Read simple riddles aloud (e.g., "I give you milk and say moo!"), and have students guess the farm animal before revealing the answer with a picture or toy. Provide students with cutouts or a digital drawing tool such as ABCYA Paint reviewed here to build their own farm scenes using animals, barns, and crops. Have them label each part and describe what happens on their farm.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Google Vids - Google
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (218), creating media (16), digital storytelling (147), stories and storytelling (66)
In the Classroom
Use Google Vids to create review and introductory videos for upcoming lessons. Have students create video essays, instructional videos, or record science experiments and observations. Use the included stock footage for students to bring their stories to life through video and add music for a professional presentation. The storyboard option provides structure for students to create and edit stories, helps students start their video using a simple prompt to create a storyboard, and then refine the information to build a one-of-a-kind story. Learn more about how to create Google Vids and incorporate them into any classroom by viewing the archive of OK2Ask: Engage and Inspire with Google Vids, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Question-Answer - Genially
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): game based learning (244), gamification (90), quiz (63), quizzes (85)
In the Classroom
Start each class with a 3-5 question review using the template to refresh prior knowledge in a fun, interactive way. Have students respond individually or in teams. Build a game with definition-to-word or word-to-sentence matching to help students master new vocabulary. Use visuals and audio to reinforce multiple learning styles. Assign students or groups to build their own question sets based on research or a chapter of study, then host a "quiz day" where students play each other's games. Create a class-wide quiz competition with questions from a recent unit. Include multimedia (images, audio, or short videos) to enhance content understanding and vary the format.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Memory Game - Genially
Grades
K to 6tag(s): game based learning (244), gamification (90), Project Based Learning (27)
In the Classroom
Customize the memory game with vocabulary words and definitions or synonyms. Use it as a warm-up or review activity to build word knowledge in ELA or content areas. Create pairs using math problems and solutions, which are great for practicing fact fluency in a competitive or collaborative format. Have students research a topic and design their own memory game cards (digitally or on paper). They can share with classmates to test each other's knowledge. This activity is excellent for project-based learning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What's Behind Game - Genially
Grades
2 to 8tag(s): game based learning (244), gamification (90), multimedia (57)
In the Classroom
After reading a story or article, have students answer comprehension questions using the game. Each correct response uncovers part of an image related to the text's theme or setting. Have students create their own versions of the game as a final project. They write questions based on their research or learning, choose an image to hide, and then share their games with classmates for peer learning. Create a game using unit questions (e.g., life cycles, weather, or historical events). As students answer correctly, the picture underneath reveals something connected to the topic (like a habitat, invention, or landmark).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Drag and Complete the Text - Genially
Grades
2 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (244), gamification (90), parts of speech (39), vocabulary (243)
In the Classroom
Create a passage with missing verbs, punctuation, or parts of speech, and have students drag the correct options into the blanks. Create a brief historical narrative (e.g., the American Revolution, Ancient Egypt) with missing facts or names. Students can complete the story by dragging in accurate terms, helping reinforce comprehension and sequencing. Have students write their own short texts with blanks and correct word options. They can then challenge classmates to complete them.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Dragon's Dungeon Breakout - Genially
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): collaboration (87), digital escapes (28), game based learning (244), Teacher Utilities (175)
In the Classroom
Play the game as a class on the smartboard, having teams take turns answering questions and making decisions. Use it as an exciting review day or end-of-unit celebration. Customize the escape room puzzles with questions from your current unit (math problems, vocabulary definitions, science facts, etc.). Students must correctly solve each one to earn a gem and move closer to defeating the dragon. As students progress through the dungeon, have them keep a digital journal using Book Creator, reviewed here or a paper journal reflecting on their team's strategies, what worked, and how they solved each puzzle.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Games and Challenges - Genially
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): collaboration (87), digital escapes (28), gamification (90), Teacher Utilities (175)
In the Classroom
Customize a Genially escape room (like Education Escape Room or Mystery Breakout) with questions and puzzles that review key concepts from your current unit--perfect as a fun pre-test or review session. Divide students into small groups and assign them different puzzles or tasks within the escape game. This activity encourages teamwork, communication, and shared problem-solving as they work toward a common goal. Challenge students to create their digital escape rooms using Genially's templates. They must design puzzles, write clues, and embed subject content, transforming them from game players into game designers. Use a breakout template to reinforce vocabulary. Each "lock" can be opened only by correctly defining or using academic terms in context, making it ideal for ELA, science, or history.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Canva Thinking Routine Templates - Teach Cheat
Grades
K to 8tag(s): graphic organizers (50), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (57)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to design digital portfolios or presentation slides that showcase their learning in ELA, science, or social studies, integrating text, images, and creativity through the Teach Cheat templates. Students can create goal-setting trackers or subject-specific study guides using planner templates or collaborate on digital thank-you cards to practice writing and design skills. Students can choose a poster or graphic organizer template to record what they see, think, and wonder about a text, image, or concept. They can add icons, images, and text boxes to illustrate each step.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Timeline Templates - Genially
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): digital storytelling (147), infographics (62), multimedia (57), timelines (57)
In the Classroom
Students can retell events from a novel or a historical figure's life using a timeline with images and clickable text, making reading comprehension more interactive and visual. Have students create timelines that connect historical events with scientific discoveries or literary works from the same era. Assign specific events to different students or groups to add to a shared timeline, promoting teamwork and reinforcing sequencing skills. Students can build a yearlong timeline of their learning journey, showcasing key projects, reflections, and academic milestones to share during student-led conferences.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FlipHTML5 - FlipHTML5
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (218), digital storytelling (147)
In the Classroom
Upload PDF versions of students' writing to create a digital classbook. Use one of the many tools available from TinyWow reviewed here to convert images and documents into PDF files to use with FlipHTML5. Make a flipbook of a presentation as an engaging alternative to a web page or PowerPoint. Share classroom information such as rules and expectations in an easy-to-read format. Use this resource as a great way to bring digital storytelling upfront in your classroom. Make photosynthesis a story instead of bits of equations and information. Portray a historical period or create books of different political or societal opinions. Create a flipbook with the viewpoints and personalities of characters in a story. Practice a different language by creating a themed flipbook. Lower grades can combine writing into a class flipbook to be shared online or read aloud. Any written assignment can easily be re-visioned as a flipbook! Make your literary magazine a flipbook or build new poetry collections during poetry month. Share all your flipbooks on individual laptops, the interactive whiteboard, or the projector. Create simple flipbooks of Dolch words for beginning readers.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
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AudioPen - Nicheless Inc.
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (218), DAT device agnostic tool (124), multilingual (73), noregistration (81), text to speech (17)
In the Classroom
Use AudioPen in several different classroom situations. Share this tool with students to use as an assistant with writing projects. Have students create recordings of what they want to include in their project without having to write or take notes, then use the text to organize their project. AudioPen is also a helpful tool for multilingual students. Adjust the settings to record their thoughts in their native language, then produce an organized set of ideas in English without transcribing from one language to another. Use AudioPen to assist with professional tasks such as organizing teaching units, writing grant proposals, or planning ideas to include with newsletters.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MusicFX - Google Labs
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (218), songs (47)
In the Classroom
Share music clips with students and ask them to describe the tone and emotions of the music. Create music to use as background for presentations, such as digital books made with Book Creator reviewed here or presentations made with Google Slides reviewed here. Use MusicFX to create relaxing music, then turn on looping to play as background during classroom work times. If your students create podcasts, design prompts to use as introductions and endings for their recordings.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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