As the school bell rings in the new academic year, teachers everywhere are preparing to inspire and educate the next generation of learners. However, the task is not without its challenges. From lesson planning to student engagement, today’s educators need more than just traditional tools—they need technology that can keep pace with the evolving demands of the classroom. That’s where back-to-school apps come in. These digital tools are indispensable, helping teachers stay organized, create interactive lessons, and transform the learning experience into educational and enjoyable.
In 2024, several innovative apps have emerged as front-runners in supporting educators in this mission. Below, we explore some of the best back-to-school apps that every teacher should consider integrating into their teaching toolkit.
Book Creator: unleashing creativity in every student
Book Creator is a versatile app that empowers teachers and students alike to create digital books with a rich blend of text, images, audio, and video. Whether it’s a graphic novel, a research project, or a class yearbook, Book Creator offers a platform for students to express their creativity while reinforcing literacy and independent learning.
What makes Book Creator stand out is its adaptability across all grade levels and subjects. Teachers can use it to compile academic reports, create interactive stories, or even design manuals and newsletters. This app’s design ensures that every student, regardless of age or cognitive ability, can engage and produce remarkable work. The app fosters collaboration, allowing students to work together on projects and share their creations with peers and educators.
The free version of Book Creator provides one library with up to 40 books, making it accessible for classrooms of various sizes. Teachers have reported that 98% of them experienced a positive impact on their teaching through this app, making it a must-have for educators looking to nurture creativity and collaboration in the classroom.
Edpuzzle: transforming videos into interactive lessons
Edpuzzle is a game-changer for teachers who want to turn passive video-watching into an active learning experience. This app allows educators to take any video—from YouTube or their own uploads—and transform it into an engaging lesson by embedding questions, audio notes, or comments. It seamlessly integrates with major educational platforms like Google Classroom, Canvas, and Moodle, making it easier to track student progress and differentiate instruction.
The process is straightforward: find a video, edit it to include interactive elements, and then assign it to students. Edpuzzle’s real-time analytics give teachers insights into each student’s understanding, helping them tailor their teaching strategies to meet individual needs. The free plan includes access to over 5 million editable videos and storage for up to 20 videos, making it an invaluable resource for teachers who want to enhance their video-based lessons.
Oodlu: gamifying learning
Oodlu takes a different approach to education by leveraging the power of gamification. This innovative platform allows teachers to create personalized learning games that make education fun and engaging for students. Backed by educational and neuroscience research, Oodlu helps reinforce learning through play, which is particularly beneficial for students who may struggle with traditional learning methods.
The app is suitable for any subject and offers a vast range of language options, making it highly versatile. Teachers can use Oodlu to design formative assessments and track student progress through detailed analytics. This feedback helps educators identify areas where students need more support, allowing for more effective and personalized instruction.
Oodlu’s games are not only educational but also enjoyable, which helps keep students motivated and invested in their learning. The platform’s ability to blend education with entertainment makes it a valuable tool for teachers aiming to boost student engagement and achievement.
Khanmigo: AI-powered tutoring
Khan Academy, a leader in free online education, has introduced Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor and teacher assistant. Built on GPT-4 technology, Khanmigo offers a range of features that are particularly beneficial for teachers, including lesson planning, assessment creation, and automatic feedback on student essays.
Unlike other AI tools, Khanmigo does not complete assignments for students. Instead, it acts as a tutor, guiding them through the learning process and helping them understand complex concepts. This interactive approach makes it a powerful resource for both students and teachers. Teachers can use Khanmigo to co-write lesson plans, generate personalized learning activities, and even assist in creating IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).
The AI’s ability to provide detailed feedback on student essays is another standout feature, offering specific suggestions for improvement while also helping students develop their writing skills. This makes Khanmigo a crucial tool for teachers looking to enhance their instructional methods and provide students with tailored support.
Google Classroom: the hub of modern teaching
Google Classroom has long been a staple in the digital classrooms of educators worldwide, and its evolution continues to make it an essential tool for teachers in 2024. As part of Google Workspace for Education, Google Classroom offers a centralized platform where teachers can create, manage, and measure learning experiences.
The app allows educators to personalize learning by providing tools for differentiated instruction. Features like Read Along help students build reading skills, while AI-enhanced interactive questions for YouTube videos enable self-paced learning with immediate feedback. Google Classroom also supports a wide range of third-party integrations, making it easier to enrich lessons with diverse content and tools.
With its ability to streamline assignment distribution, track student progress, and facilitate communication between teachers and students, Google Classroom remains an indispensable resource for modern educators. Its versatility and comprehensive feature set make it the go-to platform for teachers looking to create a dynamic and effective learning environment.
In 2024, back-to-school apps are more than just supplementary tools—they are essential components of a teacher’s toolkit. From fostering creativity with Book Creator to transforming videos into interactive lessons with Edpuzzle, these apps help teachers engage students, personalize learning, and streamline their teaching processes. Oodlu’s gamified learning and Khanmigo’s AI-powered support provide innovative ways to enhance education, while Google Classroom serves as the central hub for all teaching activities. As educators continue to navigate the challenges of modern education, these back-to-school apps will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of teaching and learning.
