Students really enjoy using digital assessment tools because it allows them to use technology, which they naturally gravitate towards. Not all assessment needs to be pen and paper. Students really enjoy using online assessment tools because it allows them to use technology.
Digital Assessment Tools
Digital assessment tools are online programs or platforms that allow teachers to create and deliver assessments online. These tools can include quizzes, surveys, games, etc., that can be completed by students using a Chromebook or another digital device. Some popular digital assessment tools include Google Forms, Kahoot, Plickers and Blooket. Using digital assessment tools can save teachers time, increase classroom efficiency, and provide valuable data to inform instruction.
Check out these digital assessment tools when you are planning your next unit.
Plickers
Plickers is a digital assessment tool that does not require each student to need their own device.
- How To: A teacher sets up a Plickers account and then prints off a class set of answer cards. The teacher asks a question to the class and students respond by turning their answer card in one of the four directions. A quick scan using a smartphone or a tablet captures all of the students’ answers.
- When To Use: This can be used before teaching a new concept to find out the prior knowledge of students or after a lesson to see what they learned.
Kahoot
Kahoot is a quiz show-type method to review concepts or assess students’ prior knowledge.
- How To: Using a class code, students sign into a premade or teacher-created Kahoot using a specific code. Students use their devices to select one of the four answer options.
- When To Use: Kahoot is a really fun way to review content before a test.
Edpuzzle
Edpuzzle allows students to watch teacher-selected videos with embedded questions.
- How To: Ahead of the lesson, teachers set up questions they want students to answer during the video. Students then watch videos and answer the guiding questions from their teacher.
- When To Use: This is a great alternative to a whole class video lesson with paper. It could be used as a station activity or for virtual classes.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is an online learning management system (LMS). It allows teachers to post announcements, assignments, questions, or post photos.
- How To: Teachers can upload assignments directly into Google Classroom, and students complete the assignments and submit them for assessment.
- When To Use: This is a great alternative to pen and paper assignments. I also love to use it as a central hand-in place for students when they are creating digital assignments to avoid having 30+ assignments shared with me in Google Drive.
Blooket
Blooket provides a fun place for online trivia and review games.
- How To: Teachers need to sign up. Blooket is similar to Kahoot in that kids need to answer questions. However, Blooket is interactive, and often, they can battle, steal, duel, etc., against each other. There are tons of pre-made game questions, like Kahoot. Blooket also doesn’t require you to press “next” after each question. Rather, students have a timer to complete questions (it’s automatically 7 minutes, but you can change it). There are also “modes” teachers can choose. For example, Crypto Hack, Tower Defence, Battle Royale, etc. It is similar to Kahoot, but many of the games are not always time-based. Although you certainly still have the opportunity to get a better score the faster you play, students who do not necessarily need to answer the questions fast still have the opportunity to win. This feature is fantastic as it levels the playing field for students. It allows for a greater variety of students to win, and they all love to see themselves on the podium.
- When To Use: Much like Kahoot, use it to review content or introduce new content.
GimKit
GimKit is similar to Blooket and Kahoot in that students answer questions. There is an “Among Us” version, though – a popular game that students find gripping.
- How To: Teachers need to sign up. There is a paid and a free version. The free version is limiting because you can only play with a certain number of players.
- When To Use: Use it to review content or introduce new content.
PearDeck
PearDeck is a Google Chrome extension that allows you to make your slideshows interactive.
- How To: Teachers can add interactive digital assessments and content into presentations. Teachers can have students build (e.g., draw and guess) vocabulary. They can vote and answer true/false, and yes/no questions.
- When To Use: Students have to sign on with a code (like Kahoot), and they can access the online platform that way. This is a great way to make your lessons more interactive.
Padlet
Padlet is an online bulletin board space that students and teachers can collaboratively post to.
- How To: Teachers set up the board ahead of time and ask students questions or have them share content related to a specific topic. Then, share the link with students so they can collaborate.
- When To Use: They are great to use as a pre or post-reading strategy for any subject to get students thinking and answering discussion questions. It is a way to make your classroom discussions virtual.
Video Creation
Flipgrid was an online video service that allowed students to respond to questions in a quick video format. In 2024, the service was discontinued. Here are some student-friendly alternatives to FlipGrid for creating and sharing videos in the classroom:
Loom for Education
Loom for Education allows students to create screen recordings or record videos of themselves with voiceovers.
- Why it’s great: It is ideal for presentations, explanations, or project demonstrations. Educators and students can also use it for free.
- Ideal for: Middle and high school students.
- Pricing: Free up to 25 videos, or USD$15/month with unlimited videos. Read teacher reviews on Common Sense Education.
Padlet (Video Mode)
With Padlet, students can record and upload videos, text, images, and links directly onto a collaborative board.
- Why it’s great: Simple to use, works across devices, and fosters interactive discussions. Allows quick video responses, reflections, and classroom discussions.
- Ideal for: All grade levels.
- Pricing: CAD$199 /year for two teachers and 200 student accounts or CAD$1,000/year for up to ten teachers and unlimited student accounts. Read teacher reviews on Common Sense Education.
Screencastify
Screencastify is a browser extension that allows students to record their screen, webcam, or both. Includes basic video editing tools.
- Why it’s great: Simple to use and integrates well with Google Classroom.
- Ideal for: All grade levels.
- Pricing: Up to 10 videos are free, or quotes can be provided for schools and districts, which would include unlimited videos. Read teacher reviews on Common Sense Education.
Canva for Education
Canva for Education offers a video creation tool alongside templates for multimedia projects.
- Why it’s great: Visually engaging and encourages creativity with design tools and video editing.
- Ideal for: K-12
- Pricing: Free when you upload proof of your teaching certification and employment. You will then be upgraded to Canva for Education. Read teacher reviews on Common Sense Education.
Ed.VoiceThread
With Ed.VoiceThread, students can create videos with voice narration and leave audio, video, or text comments on others’ work.
- Why it’s great: Encourages collaboration and thoughtful feedback.
- Ideal for: All grade levels.
- Pricing: A Single Educator License for one educator and 50 student accounts (you can add more students for $2 each) is $79 per year or $15 per month. Read teacher reviews on Common Sense Education.
WeVideo
WeVideo is a cloud-based video editing platform where students can create, edit, and share videos.
- Why it’s great: Offers more advanced editing features for polished projects.
- Ideal for: Middle and high school students.
- Pricing: Classroom use starts at $374/year and includes 30 seats. A single educator license is $89/year and includes one seat. Classroom use includes a classroom dashboard and integration with Google Classroom. Read teacher reviews on Common Sense Education.
Which one of these digital assessment tools is your favourite? Reach out to me on Instagram and let me know.
Other Technology Resources
- 5 Ways to Differentiate Using Technology
- Use Hyper Docs To Increase Student Engagement
- Online Learning For English Language Arts
- Online Grammar Resources
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