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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Arteater - Arteater
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Create animated images for students to include with any presentation. Have younger students use a three-frame loop to demonstrate the stages of plant growth or steps in a math problem, while older students can use the six- or nine-frame loop to include more details. Include animated images in presentations made with Sway reviewed here or in digital books made using Book Creator reviewed here. Ask tech-savvy students to create video explainers to use the more advanced templates using Free Screen Recorder Online reviewed here, then include the videos on your class website or LMS for students to access anytime.SEL Lesson Planner - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), social and emotional learning (107), Teacher Utilities (203)
In the Classroom
Save this lesson generator for many different classroom uses. Create lessons to build social-emotional learning skills that address the needs of your students or incorporate SEL thinking processes into lessons that require students to understand different perspectives, such as the civil rights movement or the environmental impacts of pollution. Take time to develop the prompt for the final box to include specific information for the type of lesson to create, teaching frameworks to include, technology to incorporate, and consideration of thinking routines. For example, use a prompt such as "the civil rights movement of the 1960s, include five station rotation activities; one should be technology-based" to generate a SEL lesson. Consider adding Thinking Routines, reviewed here that encourages students to use perspective to consider others' thoughts, experiences, and feelings.Edge Features:
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be shared by URL
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring students
Glose - Medium
Grades
3 to 5tag(s): audio books (28), collaboration (94), digital reading (18), literacy (123), literature (221), literature circles (5)
In the Classroom
Assign a book on Glose and have students highlight key passages, add comments, and respond to each other's thoughts. This encourages interactive discussions while developing comprehension skills. Students can create a personal glossary by highlighting unfamiliar words in Glose and using the built-in dictionary. They can share their words with peers and create the glossary using Book Creator, reviewed here. Assign different themes, such as friendship, perseverance, or kindness, and have students annotate sections of the text that align with these themes. This helps with critical thinking and thematic analysis. Students can also take on the role of a character in a book they're reading and use Glose's annotation tool to write journal entries from the character's point of view.AI Poem Generator - poem-generator.io
Grades
3 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), digital storytelling (155), poetry (196)
In the Classroom
Use the Poem Generator to introduce students to different forms of poems through exploration and use of the generator's features. Challenge students to identify the features that indicate various types of poems. Create a class Padlet, reviewed here, with columns for each type of poem, and ask students to share their creations in the appropriate column. After students have had time to experiment with the Poem Generator, challenge them to create poems without using this tool. Extend learning by adding a reading of their final project to Adobe Podcast, reviewed here. Ask students to create podcasts that include their reading of the poem and a short discussion about the features that identify the poem as belonging to a specific genre.Padlet TA - Padlet
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), images (265), qr codes (19), quizzes (90), rubrics (36), Teacher Utilities (203), worksheets (71)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save Padlet TA as a handy tool for creating professional and classroom resources. As always, verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content is essential. Share Padlet TA with parents and caregivers to create quizzes, worksheets, and leveled text as a study aid at home. Use the Smart Group creator to create random groups for station rotations or class projects and the Name Picker to choose student names for multiple purposes or as part of lessons on probability. Generate AI images for creative writing projects or as a tool for creating presentation images.Jigsaw Planet - Jigsaw Planet
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): fathers day (14), holidays (193), mothers day (23), puzzles (149)
In the Classroom
Students upload their images or class photos to Jigsaw Planet and create custom jigsaw puzzles. They can choose meaningful images like family photos or classroom memories. Encourage students to create puzzles as personalized gifts for holidays like Mother's Day or Father's Day. They can print and present the puzzle pieces as thoughtful, interactive gifts. Teachers can create jigsaw puzzles using educational content, such as historical events, scientific concepts, or vocabulary words. Students can then solve the puzzle while learning about the topic. Create a trivia-based jigsaw puzzle where each piece corresponds to a question or fact about a specific topic (ex., animals, historical figures, or math concepts). Students solve the puzzle and answer questions as they go.29 Free Mother's Day Label Templates That Show Your Infinite Appreciation - Online Labels
Grades
K to 8tag(s): mothers day (23)
In the Classroom
Students can choose a template from OnlineLabels.com to design and personalize the labels with messages, decorations, and artwork. Set up a labeling station where students can print out their personalized labels and use them to decorate gift bags, cards, or small gifts. Students can use the Mother's Day label templates to create a complete gift set for a mom or guardian. This could include labels for a jar of homemade cookies, a small plant, or a personalized photo frame.880+ Free Templates for 'Mothers day gifts' - Poster My Wall
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): infographics (57), mothers day (23)
In the Classroom
Students can use PosterMyWall to design personalized Mother's Day posters or flyers, incorporating images, text, and their creative messages. Students can design a social media graphic for Mother's Day, choosing a template and adding personal messages and pictures to create a shareable digital post. Have students work in small groups to create a Mother's Day campaign with posters, social media graphics, and flyers. After designing their Mother's Day projects, students can write a reflection about why they chose certain design elements, colors, and messages. This reflection can be included as part of the design.Mother's Day Gift Certificates - Canva
Grades
3 to 5tag(s): crafts (74), mothers day (23)
In the Classroom
Students can use Canva to create personalized Mother's Day gift certificates, customizing templates with their messages and design elements. Teach a lesson on graphic design principles such as font choice, color harmony, and balance. Let students explore Canva's design features to enhance their gift certificates. After creating the gift certificates, students write a thank-you note or short paragraph inside the certificate, explaining why they are grateful to their mothers, guardians, or even teachers! These gift certificates can be used throughout the year for special events.Artsteps - Artsteps
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): digital storytelling (155), fathers day (14), mothers day (23), portfolios (24), virtual field trips (132)
In the Classroom
Have students take photos of their artwork, poems, or special memories to create a virtual photo gallery on Artsteps as a Mother's Day or Father's Day gift. After creating the virtual gallery, students can write descriptive captions or short stories explaining the significance of each photo or piece of artwork. Organize a virtual "gallery opening" where students guide their family members through their online exhibitions using Artsteps.Digital Mother's Day Gift - Teaching with Jennifer Findley
Grades
3 to 5tag(s): mothers day (23)
In the Classroom
Have students use the free Google Slides template to create a "Top Ten Things I Love About You" or "Top Ten Moments With You" presentation for their mom or another special person. Teach a mini-lesson on vivid language and sensory details. Students can revise their digital slides to include more descriptive language. Have students illustrate each "Top Ten" moment digitally or on paper (then insert photos into slides).yEd Live - yWorks
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), charts and graphs (172), drawing (62), graphic organizers (49), mind map (28)
In the Classroom
After introducing the AI prompt feature, have students create diagrams "on the fly" to organize information. They can design a mind map that outlines features of states or countries, then work in groups to research and present each feature. Students could also hold a brainstorming session using an interactive whiteboard or projector to build a shared organizer for a topic or story. Assign students to "map" out a chapter, short story, or historical event, visually showing key ideas and connections. Turn mapping into a creative challenge: students could color-code concepts to show what they understand, wonder about, and want to investigate further. Use this tool for literature activities, science processes, or social studies projects. Students can even create family trees, food pyramids, or life cycle charts, depending on the subject. Encourage students to collaborate online, building group mind maps or review charts before a test. For a fun extension, have groups map out a plotline for a story they invent or outline step-by-step processes like "how to solve an equation" or "how a law gets passed." Finally, challenge students to plan a future career or personal goal using a timeline or flowchart they design themselves.Blended Learning Planner - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), blended learning (36), flipped learning (9), Teacher Utilities (203)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site to use at any time to create blended learning activities throughout the year. Use the request change feature to integrate different blended learning activities. For example, ask to include flipped learning and station rotations in your lesson. Modify the activity and request additional details. If the activity consists of a learning game that requires questions or real-world problems, ask this tool to create those items and include them in the outline. Continue asking for modifications and support materials as needed until satisfied. Find additional resources for blended learning at TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Blended Learning Resources, reviewed here.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Learning Game Generator - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), Formative Assessment (73), game based learning (206), gamification (85), Teacher Utilities (203)
In the Classroom
Use the game generator to create activities for use during station rotations, whole-class games, or as a homework activity. Use the features included on this site to request changes until you identify a game that meets your needs and your class's. Be specific with your requests; for example, ask for a Jeopardy-style game that includes all of the answers to use in your game. If your class enjoys games that require a lot of movement or use puzzles, include that type of information in your prompt. Use this site to create questions for online game-maker tools such as Classroom Jeopardy, reviewed here and those found on TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Gamification Resources, reviewed here.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Math Test Creator - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), quiz (66), quizzes (90), Teacher Utilities (203)
In the Classroom
Although this Math Test Creator may not replace your current assessment, it is a quick way to generate practice assessments for students to prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes. Share a link to this test creator with students and parents to use at home to create practice questions. If the original test generated by this tool doesn't fit your needs, use Beans, the site's chatbot, to ask for refinements, including adding a workspace for students or increasing the difficulty of the questions.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Plan My Lesson Tool - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), professional development (390), Teacher Utilities (203)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this lesson generation tool to create new lessons or improve your current lessons. Use this tool to generate a lesson in just a few minutes, then browse through the lesson plan to find new ideas and resources to include with your current plan. In addition to the lesson activity, plans include extension activities and additional resources to include in your planning. When writing the prompt to create a lesson, include as much information as possible to generate results that work for you. Items to include are class size, type of activities to include, and differentiation needs. Visit the archive of OK2Ask: AI for Creating Learning Objects, reviewed here to find many ideas for creating learning objects that accompany your lesson plan.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Yourway - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), cross cultural understanding (176), differentiation (85), rubrics (36), social and emotional learning (107), Teacher Utilities (203), vocabulary (243)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many free tools available at Yourway to improve your lesson planning, increase student engagement, and save time. For example, use the Plan My Lesson Tool to create a lesson plan that matches learning objectives and teaching standards or create collaborative classroom activities in just a few seconds. When using AI-generation tools, include as much information as possible when writing a prompt to receive the best output. Ideas to include are the number of students in your class, the number of gifted students, and how many are on IEPs. Mention the type of activities your students enjoy and any other pertinent information that would help to create meaningful and engaging activities. Learn more about creating effective prompts at this blog post.Remini AI - Bending Spoons
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), photography (132), Teacher Utilities (203)
In the Classroom
Provide students with old, low-quality historical or family photos. Use Remini AI to restore the images and discuss the stories or history behind them or have them write a story about the photo. Have students use Remini AI to enhance famous artworks or historical photos. Compare the restored versions with the originals and discuss how AI can help preserve cultural artifacts. Incorporate Remini AI into a lesson about artificial intelligence. Explore how AI works in photo enhancement and connect it to broader discussions on AI's role in everyday life, technology, and careers.Do Now Activity Generator - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), classroom management (119), Formative Assessment (73), questioning (36), Teacher Utilities (203), teaching strategies (52), thinking skills (17)
In the Classroom
Use this activity generator to create quick Do Now activities (or entrance tickets) as schema activators that set the tone for your daily lessons. These brief, focused tasks set the tone for learning and provide valuable formative assessment data. Take advantage of digital whiteboard tools such as Figjam, reviewed here and Whiteboard.chat, reviewed here to have students share their ideas. At the end of your lesson, use Project Zero Thinking Routines, reviewed here such as I used to think, Now I think to extend learning and encourage critical thinking skills.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Online Productivity Suite - Visual Paradigm
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): animation (66), charts and graphs (172), data (151), ebooks (45), editing (93), presentations (23), slides (43)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site for many classroom uses for you and your students. Create visually appealing presentations, make flipbooks from class writing projects, or generate charts and graphs to provide context during lessons. Take advantage of embedded tips throughout this site to learn how to use the available features. As students use this site, consider asking tech-savvy students to create tutorials using Scribe, reviewed here.Edge Features:
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL