Transitioning to online learning can seem daunting, especially if you’re used to lively in-person classroom discussions and activities, and that is why we’d be discusssing about the top 10 tools to make your online classes fun.
Either as a tutor or a learner, it is paramount to make the learning and teaching process fun so as to carry the majority of the class and impact the desired knowledge as intended.
One of the ways of retaining the attention of the learners as a tutor is by making your online classes both fun and interactive.
Also, as a learner with the right technological tools, you can bring energy and interactivity into your virtual classroom.
Read on as we outline the top 10 tools to make your online classes fun and keep you engaged as a tutor or learner.
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Top 10 Tools to Make Your Online Classes Fun
Below are 10 of the top platforms and apps to make your online classes enjoyable and keep you engaged as a tutor or learner.
1. Kahoot!
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that makes it easy for instructors to create fun trivia quizzes, surveys, and discussions.
As a student, you simply go to Kahoot. it and enter the quiz PIN provided by your teacher. Questions are displayed on your device while answers choices appear on the shared screen.
It brings out your competitive side as you race to select the right choice to rack up points on the leaderboard.
The visual cues and music make the quizzes even more energetic. Kahoot! is great for reviewing the material in a lively way or checking comprehension after lessons.
2. Mentimeter
Mentimeter allows your instructors to create interactive presentations and gauge class feedback in real time.
As a student, you can answer poll questions, take quizzes and word clouds, share thoughts on discussion topics, and more.
Results are displayed visually on a shared screen as they come in. This tool boosts engagement during lectures as you can actively participate instead of just passively listening.
Educators can use Mentimeter to check on student learning as lessons progress or replace traditional paper evaluations.
3. Padlet
Padlet enables instructors and students to collaborate on virtual bulletin boards. It works like an online sheet of paper where you can post your thoughts, links, images, documents, and more.
Padlets can be used for all kinds of activities like group brainstorming sessions, sharing resources, gathering feedback, and student introductions.
As a student, you’ll stay engaged as you actively contribute to the Padlet wall during class. It’s also a great tool for instructors to keep Q&A, discussions, and ideas organized in one place.
4. Discussion Boards
Online discussion boards allow you to have conversations about course topics and materials outside of class time.
Your instructor may create focused threads around readings, lectures, questions, or projects for you to post thoughts and respond to classmates.
Discussion boards help replicate the organic discussions that happen in physical classrooms.
Exchanging perspectives and having academic debates with your peers via discussion posts keep you intellectually engaged with course content.
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5. PlayPosit
PlayPosit lets your instructors make interactive video lessons. Videos can be imported or recorded directly on the platform.
Your teacher can then insert questions, polls, and calls to action as you view the video. As a student, you pause and respond at key points, applying information as you view.
This tool brings videos to life, turning passive viewing into an engaging learning experience. PlayPosit videos require your active focus as you participate in the content.
6. Kialo Edu
Kialo Edu is designed to help develop critical thinking and reasoning skills through structured online discussions.
Instructors can create discussion threads around course topics in a logical, debate-style format. As a student, you construct reasoned arguments and counterarguments, supporting your claims with evidence.
You can compare perspectives with classmates, evaluate ideas and develop a deeper understanding of issues from multiple sides. The thoughtful discourse keeps you mentally stimulated.
7. Quizlet Live
Quizlet Live lets you put your knowledge to the test in an exciting team game. Your instructor pairs you up into teams and assigns quiz terms.
In the collaborative game, you match terms and definitions against the clock as teams compete. You’ll stay on your toes as you work with your team and draw on individual knowledge.
Quizlet Live motivates you to recall course concepts in a high-energy group competition. It’s a fun way to review material together.
8. Flipgrid
Flipgrid gives you the ability to record short videos to discuss course topics, share your perspective, reflect on readings, etc.
Imagine it as YouTube meets your classroom discussion board. Your instructor can post prompts, and you record video responses up to 5 minutes long.
You can also respond to classmates, creating engaging video exchanges around academic subjects. Flipgrid videos keep online discussions personal and interactive.
9. Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere lets your instructors create live polls, quizzes, word clouds and Q&A sessions. They can launch quick polls during class to instantly gauge student knowledge or take the pulse on opinions.
As a student, you actively participate by responding on any device. Results display in real-time, fueling lively discussions.
Using Poll Everywhere, you provide relevant feedback to teachers so they can adjust lessons accordingly. The visual results keep you tuned in during lessons.
10. Wakelet
Wakelet enables you to curate content like images, videos, Tweets, PDFs, and more into visually engaging digital portfolios called Wakelets.
As a student, you can compile Wakelets to organize course materials, share resources, or showcase projects and assignments.
It’s like creating a personalized bulletin board. You can also collaborate by giving classmates access to add materials. Wakelet promotes active learning as you engage with resources in a meaningful way.
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Final Thoughts
The right ed-tech tools allow you to remain an active participant in online classes. They provide collaborative spaces for peer discussions, interactive lessons, healthy competition through games, and real-time engagement tools during lectures.
Utilizing these platforms also develops your digital literacy skills which are vital for both education and the workforce.
Engaging with course material using this technology ultimately promotes greater retention and understanding.
With some creativity from instructors and openness to new teaching methods from students, online classes can be just as dynamic and enjoyable as in-person ones.
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