In the 21^st century, there is a growing need to be intentionally creative in delivering content to both students and adults alike. As such, the need to be familiar with educational technology tools and how they can bring instruction to life has a sense of urgency in educator’s every day worlds. The integration of technology over the past few years has improved teaching and learning experiences (Rogti, 2024). Multimedia has gradually changed from graphics and text to sound, animation, and video allowing for a more equitable learning experience for all students. Interactive multimedia has proven successful in increasing learning outcomes, interaction, and critical thinking skills (Rogti, 2024).

One example of the above can be demonstrated in the classroom by adding gamified elements to Project-Based Learning (PBL), which is a fairly recent method of instruction intended to promote student engagement. PBL includes small group instruction and presentation using a real-world problem and guided by a tour (Abdul Ghani, et. al., 2022). The purpose of PBL is to allow student voice and choice as well as encouraging problem-solving skills. Game design elements assist students in achieving task performance. Important game elements include acknowledgement, chance, cooperation, and competition. Some ways in which gamified elements could be included in instruction is by utilizing video games, online blogs, graphic novels, or tweets to intrinsically motivate students (Schrum, et. al., 2018).

There are many advantages and challenges of using educational technology tools in education. An advantage is that it is ever-changing, just like the needs in our school building, so that there are a plethora of tools to integrate into daily instruction in an effort to meet those needs. Another advantage, as I see it, is that we have successfully navigated both 100% virtual and hybrid models of instruction during the pandemic, so we are now proficient in using tools that we never thought possible. Therefore, educators are feeling confident and encouraged by newfound tools that they are using on a daily basis. Many school divisions were forced to implement learning platforms at an inopportune time in regards to how to fully train students and staff who were not physically in buildings. We have some scars, but we should feel proud of what we accomplished. A quick review of teacher lessons shows a variety of technology tools are being accessed and used regularly. Teachers have demonstrated flexibility by finding innovative technology solutions to meet their daily educational objectives (Poellhuber, et. al., 2021). School divisions have hired technology specific teachers to provide ongoing professional development and support as we know this is an area of instantaneous need that will quickly out sprint the demand, I fear.

Speaking of fear, let’s get to the challenges, because there are some. This approach is contradicting as far as a move toward individualized personalization yet also toward a social approach to group instruction and how one would balance the two (Scanlon, 2021). The instructional concern lies in the planning dimension for teachers and the time invested in creating content that is differentiated for all learners. During a time in which our educators are so stretched thin, asking them to create and invest in a multitude of technology tools that must be adapted for all learning styles is not something that will go over well. However, our technology giants are constantly improving their game, so there is hope that this will be a more efficient process over time.

The three technology tools that I have chosen are ThingLink, ScreenCastify, and Flip (formerly FlipGrid).  I am going to share some information on all three so that you have a thorough understanding on what each tool has to offer and when you may want to integrate it during instruction.

ThingLink: This tool has a 60-day free trial, but likely, your school division has purchased the school license ($3 per year), so you should be able to instantly access ThingLink by using your school email address if this is the case. If not, a teacher can purchase a one-year license for $60, and I am certain your school administrator would be happy to pay for this (confessions of a former school administrator or supports innovation in the classroom). ThingLink can be integrated with Google and Microsoft, although, I did notice that PDFs are a no no. You will need to download documents into images in order to get them to upload into content. It is user friendly and I was able to successfully create content in a mere five minutes. There are lots of tutorials that will assist you in creating whatever visual aid that you prefer.

ScreenCastify: This tool has a ten-video free trial, but like ThingLink, perhaps your school division has purchased a license ($500 annually), so try logging in with your school email account and see what happens! Otherwise, there are Starter ($7) and Pro ($10) options with the latter allowing more storage space for videos. You MUST use a Google Chrome browser in order to access ScreenCastify. There are built in tutorials to assist in creating content. Students love to see their teacher in person when they are learning from afar – so this is an excellent option to do so and to assist them in navigating your school division’s learning management system (LMS). 

Flip: Is completely free – and can be accessed in both Microsoft and Google platforms. It is very easy to navigate and includes a Help Center with all kinds of support links. This is a super easy tool to use for mini-lesson instruction or read aloud for younger students so that they can see their teacher. 

I created a ThingLink image in about one minute that brought a Behavior Support document that I plan to use for professional development to life.  

 If you click on the blue location dots, it will share important information about the document that is relevant to the importance of the plan. For the learner, this allows them to summarize a lot of words into a handful of key points, thus making the content more manageable.

No matter the tool that you decide to use, it is of utmost importance that the tool be valuable to the content that you are teaching, both in accessibility and application. Teachers’ professional knowledge is an important predictor for instructional quality, therefore, professional development, in the presence or absence of technology, is warranted (Guggemos, et. al., 2021). Teacher collaboration is an important indicator of positive attitudes amongst educators. This will be necessary in order to develop a shared vision and understanding of how technology can be a support to instruction, and not the sole instructional strategy. Teachers must be masters of their content and familiar with scope and sequence of their curriculum. In this way, they may intentionally embed technology tools to engage their learners. It is also important to understand the difference between how an educator navigates their conceptions versus their articulation of teaching technology. The school subject is of importance to consider in pursuing this clarity (Doyle, et. al., 2023). Curriculum first, technology second!