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Communication and Collaboration
Collaboration & Communication Icon

Teamwork makes the dream work

(especially with these tools in your corner).


Whether you’re wrangling group projects, collecting quick feedback, or keeping families in the loop, these platforms make classroom communication smoother than a fresh whiteboard.


Think of them as your digital megaphones, sticky notes, and peacekeepers all rolled into one.


Perfect for helping students build confidence, share ideas, and work together without the chaos (well… with less chaos).


Teacher tip:

Set clear roles and expectations before unleashing the tech, your future self will thank you.

Padlet Icon
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Padlet

Padlet is like a digital sticky note wall, perfect for brainstorming, sharing ideas, or collecting student work all in one place. It’s extremely easy to use and ideal for real-time collaboration, whether you’re in the same room or across the globe. You can add text, images, videos, and even voice recordings.

 

Think of it as a virtual corkboard that stays neat and never runs out of space. It’s a favorite for exit tickets, KWL charts, or just letting students share what they know in their own way.

Price (USD): Free with optional paid upgrades starting at $8/month

SAMR Evaluation
Substitution and Augmentation

Students post their ideas on Padlet instead of using sticky notes on a physical board.

They add images, links, and videos to make their ideas more engaging and interactive.

Modification and Redefinition

Groups collaborate on shared Padlet boards in real time, no matter where they are.

Students co-create a multimedia project across classrooms worldwide, using Padlet as a global collaboration hub.

Seesaw

Seesaw Icon

Seesaw is a digital journal where students can share their learning through drawings, photos, voice recordings, and more. It’s like giving every child their own scrapbook, only digital and shareable with families. Teachers love how easy it is to give feedback, and students love showing off their creativity.

 

It also makes parent-teacher communication a breeze. Seesaw is perfect for younger learners but works wonders across all ages.

Price (USD): Free for teachers (Seesaw Plus available from $120/year)

Accessibility Icon

Recommended for Accessibility & Inclusion

Why: It’s highly inclusive since students can express themselves through audio, video, drawings, or text, making it adaptable for different learning needs and literacy levels.

 

Bonus: The parent translation feature is a huge win for multilingual families.

SAMR Evaluation
Substitution and Augmentation

Students submit written assignments digitally instead of on paper.

They record voice notes or draw responses to explain their thinking.

Modification and Redefinition

Parents and teachers provide real-time feedback directly on student posts.

Students build digital portfolios with multimedia evidence that track growth over the entire school year.

ClassDojo Icon

ClassDojo

ClassDojo is your classroom community builder! It helps connect teachers, students, and parents through messages, announcements, and student portfolios. You can award points for positive behaviors, share photos and videos from the day, and celebrate progress together.

 

Students love seeing their little monster avatars grow, and parents love being in the loop. It’s a simple, visual way to make classroom life more connected.

Price (USD): Free for teachers

SAMR Evaluation
Substitution and Augmentation

Teachers track behavior points digitally instead of on a clipboard.

Families get instant updates about their child’s progress through the app.

Modification and Redefinition

Students create and share class stories with photos, videos, and reflections.

The whole class connects with families globally, sharing learning journeys in real time.

Ziplet Icon

Ziplet

Ziplet is your go-to tool for quick student check-ins, reflections, or exit tickets. You can ask a question and get responses in real time, no accounts needed for students. It helps create space for student voice and supports wellbeing checks too. Teachers love how fast and simple it is to use (and so do students!).

 

Whether it’s a quick “How are you feeling today?” or “What stuck with you from today’s lesson?” Ziplet makes it easy.

Price (USD): Free with optional upgrades starting at $3/month

SAMR Evaluation
Substitution and Augmentation

Students answer quick exit ticket questions online instead of on slips of paper.

Teachers view instant analytics on student understanding, saving grading time.

Modification and Redefinition

Teachers adjust lessons in real time using live feedback.

Students anonymously share reflections and questions, creating a safe space for honest learning dialogue.

Bloomz Icon

Bloomz

Bloomz is like your digital classroom assistant for parent communication and event planning. You can message families, share newsletters, schedule conferences, and even send reminders, all in one place. It saves time while keeping everyone informed and involved.

 

Teachers appreciate how it streamlines communication without needing multiple apps. Think of it as your all-in-one teacher-family connection tool.

Price (USD): Free with paid plans starting at $9.99/monthDescription:

SAMR Evaluation
Substitution and Augmentation

Teachers send announcements through the app instead of printed letters.

Messages include photos, videos, and calendar invites.

Modification and Redefinition

Teachers use Bloomz for parent-teacher conference scheduling and volunteer sign-ups.

Families, teachers, and students collaborate in an all-in-one digital community hub.

Google Classroom

Google Class

Google Classroom is your all-in-one hub for managing lessons, sharing resources, and giving feedback—all in one tidy digital space. It takes the paper out of paperwork and helps you keep track of student work with just a few clicks. You can post announcements, assign tasks, and even grade right inside the platform.

 

Plus, it plays really well with all your other favorite Google tools. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a virtual classroom assistant, this might be it.

Price (USD): Free

Why: It’s fully compatible with screen readers, braille devices, and has built-in accessibility features like keyboard shortcuts and closed captions.

 

Bonus: Teachers can easily differentiate assignments, supporting students with IEPs, 504 plans, or learning accommodations.

Accessibility Icon

Recommended for Accessibility & Inclusion

SAMR Evaluation
Substitution and Augmentation

Teachers share worksheets digitally instead of photocopying them.

Students submit work online and receive real-time comments.

Modification and Redefinition

Group projects run smoothly with collaborative Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets.

Students create interactive, multimedia-rich projects that connect with peers and experts worldwide.

Nearpod Icon

Nearpod

Nearpod transforms your traditional lessons into engaging adventures! With just a few clicks, you can add quizzes, polls, videos, and even virtual field trips to your presentations. Students can join on any device, and you’ll see their responses in real time.

 

It’s a brilliant way to keep everyone engaged and check understanding without needing extra prep time. Whether you're teaching in person or online, Nearpod adds that magic spark.

Price (USD): Free with premium plans starting at $159/year

SAMR Evaluation
Substitution and Augmentation

Teachers present slides digitally instead of on a whiteboard.

Students respond to polls, quizzes, and interactive questions during lessons.

Modification and Redefinition

Lessons include 3D objects, VR field trips, and embedded multimedia for active engagement.

Students explore immersive VR environments and collaborate on shared boards in real time, creating experiences not possible in a traditional classroom.

May your coffee be strong, your Wi-Fi stay steady, and your students engaged!

Got Feedback? Reach me at liezlvanwyk.id@gmail.com

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