5 EdTech Tools Worth Trying This Semester

There’s no shortage of educational technology on the market, which makes it hard to know where to start. Here are five tools that consistently come up in conversations with teachers actually using them day to day.

• Adaptive practice platforms that adjust question difficulty in real time.
• AI-assisted feedback tools for writing assignments.
• Interactive presentation software for live polling and quizzes.
• Collaborative whiteboards for group problem-solving.
• Automated scheduling and grading assistants that free up planning time.

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As always, the right tool depends on your subject, grade level, and what problem you’re actually trying to solve.

Adaptive practice platforms (real-time difficulty adjustment)

• ALEKS – AI-driven adaptive learning for math, sciences, and more: https://www.aleks.comtrainercentric
• DreamBox Learning – Real-time adaptive math (and reading) with dynamic scaffolding: https://www.dreambox.comtrainercentric
• Khan Academy (with AI features) – Personalized practice paths and hints; increasingly AI-enhanced: https://www.khanacademy.org

AI-assisted feedback tools for writing assignments

• Turnitin Feedback Studio – AI-assisted comments, rubric-based grading, and similarity checking: https://www.turnitin.com/products/feedback-studio
• Gradescope (by Turnitin) – AI-assisted grading and feedback, especially for problem sets and essays: https://www.gradescope.com
• Writable – AI-supported writing feedback and revision cycles for K–12: https://writable.com

Interactive presentation software (live polling & quizzes)

• Nearpod – Interactive lessons with live polls, quizzes, and activities: https://nearpod.comclasspoint
• Kahoot! – Game-based quizzes and live polling in presentations: https://kahoot.comzipdo+1
• ClassPoint – PowerPoint add-in for live polls, quizzes, and engagement: https://www.classpoint.ioclasspoint

Collaborative whiteboards (group problem-solving)

• Miro – Infinite canvas, sticky notes, diagrams, and strong real-time collaboration: https://miro.comguideflow+2
• FigJam (by Figma) – Whiteboarding for design, brainstorming, and workshops: https://www.figma.com/figjamclickup+2
• Microsoft Whiteboard – Integrated with Teams/365 for real-time co-editing: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-whiteboardguideflow+1

Automated scheduling & grading assistants (to free planning time)

• Gradescope – AI-assisted grading, rubrics, and analytics to reduce marking time: https://www.gradescope.com
• Turnitin Authorship/Feedback tools – Automated similarity checks and feedback workflows: https://www.turnitin.com
• Reclaim.ai (for teachers’ schedules) – AI calendar assistant that auto-schedules planning, grading blocks, and meetings: https://reclaim.ai