Looking for ways to utilize technology in your quest to create a differentiated classroom? Check out this blog and interactive graphic by Cool Tools for 21st Century Learners that leads you to new technology resources.

Here's a snippet from one post: "Technology is a tool that can be used to help teachers facilitate learning experiences that address the diverse learning needs of all students and help them develop 21st-century skills, an idea supported by the Common Core."

At its most basic level, digital tools can be used to help students find, understand and share information. When combined with student-driven learning experiences fueled by essential questions offering flexible learning paths, it can be the ticket to success.

Here are three of my latest favorite technology tools that move beyond just paper and pencil tasks and allow students to watch and create videos to explain their mastery.

1. Edpuzzle

Edpuzzle is a phenomenal digital resource that allows teachers to differentiate instruction by individualizing videos. Teachers can select a video from YouTube, LearnZillion and many other video-based platforms then customize the video by editing, cropping, recording audio and adding questions to make an engaging presentation or lesson.

Teachers can also receive data on who watched the video and the score of questions answered correctly. The Edpuzzle platform is user-friendly and doesn't take a lot of time to create video lessons for students.

To see a video of on benefits of Edpuzzle, check out the 45-second clip below . To get started with a step-by-step guide to creating your own video, click here.

2. Flipgrid

Flipgrid is a free video discussion platform that allows students to respond to teacher questions using video. Students can respond to questions, animate their videos and publish their work.

Flipgrid is a great technology tool because it increases student engagement by offering another product option to demonstrate mastery on an objective that moves beyond paper and pencil. Flipgrid also provides us formative data on the spot so we can differentiate instruction in the moment.

If students are shy, they can create avatars and stickers to represent their voice on the video. This quick video below summarizes the benefits of using Fligprid.

3. Recap

Recap is another free video discussion platform that allows students to share their learning. It has some additional features to scaffold and support class discussion — for example, before the discussion, the teacher can start the discussion journey by using their prerecorded video to introduce the topic/question.

To get started, check out the step-by-step video guide:

Explore each tool and determine if the function of the tech tool matches your content to support student learning. Have fun in building rigor and relevant learning opportunities for our diverse learners. Be sure to teach routines, provide criteria for success and model digital citizenship as students participate in class discussions.