Technology Tools

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Adobe Express

Adobe Express

Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is a media design app that can be accessed online or on a mobile device. Adobe Express makes it easy to create professional looking web pages, graphics, and videos that can be downloaded or shared via a link or embed code.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Adobe Express
Canvas Conferences

Canvas Conferences

Canvas Conferences (also known as BigBlueButton) allow users to create, conduct, and manage synchronous (real-time) virtual meetings within a Canvas course. At Penn State, mainly used in Canvas Groups for student collaboration.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: No web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Have Synchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Obtain Student Feedback
Learn more about Canvas Conferences
Equatio

Equatio

Equatio from Texthelp® is a mathematical digital application that enables users to create, edit, and share mathematical expressions, formulas, and equations. With EquatIO, users can insert mathematical expressions into documents, presentations, and Canvas pages. Equatio homework can be graded in Canvas’ Speedgrader Tool.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: No

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content
Learn more about Equatio
Google Assignments

Google Assignments

Google Assignments Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) enables sharing and collaborating on Google files within Canvas. Instructors can virtually assign and collect any file type, accept student submissions from Google Drive, and embed Google Drive files into a course. Originality reports available. Grades will automatically transfer to the Canvas gradebook.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: No web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Google Assignments
Google Docs

Google Docs

Google Docs is an online, cloud-based platform that allows users to create and edit documents, independently or in collaboration with others. Instructors can create assignments requiring Google Doc submissions using the Google Assignments LTI.

paid Cost: Free smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Google Docs
Google Forms

Google Forms

Google Forms is an online, cloud-based platform that allows users to create and format surveys and quizzes using multiple question types. Responses are compiled and presented visually or users can analyze responses through the associated spreadsheet platform (Google Sheets).

paid Cost: Free smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Google Forms
Google Jamboard

Google Jamboard

Update: Google is currently sunsetting Jamboard. The tool will become view-only on October 1, 2024 and will no longer be available after December 31, 2024. After that date, you will no longer be able to view your Jams, and all Jam data will be permanently deleted. Please visit Prepare for Jamboard to Wind Down for more information.

Google Jamboard is an interactive digital whiteboard that allows users to create and edit content independently or in collaboration with others. Users can write and draw, search Google and insert images or webpages, and drag and resize text and images. Image recognition technology converts a sketch into a polished image. Users can also share Jams with others for their review and can be printed out as PDFs.

paid Cost: Free smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Have Synchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback
Learn more about Google Jamboard
Google Slides

Google Slides

Google Slides is an online, cloud-based platform that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on presentations and slide shows in real time.

paid Cost: Free smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about Google Slides
H5P

H5P

H5P is a web-based platform that enables the creation and sharing of interactive content such as quizzes, presentations, and multimedia learning experiences. H5P provides a library of interactive templates and content types, making it simple to create and customize content without needing extensive technical skills.

paid Cost: Free with Limited Options smartphone Mobile App: No web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about H5P
Kaltura

Kaltura

Kaltura is a cloud-based media management platform for storing, publishing, and streaming videos and video collections. It can also be used to create video quizzes and screen recordings. Kaltura works in conjunction with Zoom, Penn State's conferencing system. The Kaltura integration with Canvas can be utilized to upload, store, and publish media directly in Canvas.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 1 - 2 hrs
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about Kaltura
LinkedIn

LinkedIn Learning at Penn State

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform for courses taught by experts in the field. Updated sessions and courses are available in order to keep up with industry trends.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: No

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about LinkedIn Learning at Penn State
OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage and file-sharing service. Files can be saved to OneDrive to be shared, protected, synched, and accessed from any device from anywhere.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Microsoft OneDrive
Packback

Packback

Packback is an online learning platform for questions and discussions. Packback uses artificial intelligence to facilitate the discussion and encourage student engagement by highlighting high-quality contributions, suggesting relevant follow-up questions, and more. Analytics track student progress and participation. Feedback can be provided to the individual student or the class.

paid Cost: License Fee smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about Packback
Perusall

Perusall

Perusall is an e-reader platform that allows students and faculty to digitally annotate assigned readings with text, links, and embedded content. Faculty can assign and manage course readings, track student engagement, and facilitate discussion.

paid Cost: Free smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about Perusall
Piazza

Piazza

Piazza is a web-based application dedicated to creating more interaction inside and outside the classroom via polls, questions, and posts that can be made by both the instructors and students.

paid Cost: Free with Limited Options smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback
Learn more about Piazza
Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere is an online polling platform for educators. There are several types of questions that can be used during class, including multiple choice, word cloud, open-ended, clickable images, and Q&A. There are two types of poll questions that can be used in the classroom: multiple choice or open text. Teachers can easily generate polls to be shown individually or as a series of questions. All polls can also receive submissions through a combination of devices. Students can respond via text message, browser, or app.

paid Cost: Free with Limited Options smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Have Synchronous Conversations | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Poll Everywhere

Pressbooks

Pressbooks is WordPress based e-book publishing software. You can import files to create a book or you can build it from scratch by creating chapters and pages. The goal is to share free content and knowledge as an open access resource.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: No web Canvas Integration: No

Learning Curve: 2 hrs +
Supported Technologies: Computer | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about Pressbooks
Qualtrics

Qualtrics

Qualtrics is a web-based survey tool that enables you to create surveys to collect and analyze feedback from participants. The surveys can be administered fully anonymously or linked to accounts, making it both a formative and summative assessment tool. You can export raw data for robust statistical analysis to the csv and spss file types. You can also generate reports based on the data you collected to the following file types: docx, pptx, pdf, or csv.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: No web Canvas Integration: No

Learning Curve: 1 - 2 hrs
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Qualtrics
WordPress

Sites at Penn State

Sites at Penn State is hosted by third-party vendor CampusPress and is powered by WordPress. WordPress is an open-source web publishing platform. Features of WordPress include being mobile friendly, the ability to add plugins, and privacy and authentication. Sites at Penn State is commonly used for blogs, portfolios, and department or organization websites.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: No web Canvas Integration: No

Learning Curve: 2 hrs +
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Sites at Penn State
Top Hat

Top Hat

Top Hat is a cloud-based teaching tool that leverages student devices to increase in-class engagement and real-time feedback. Instructors can engage students in and outside of the classroom with interactive slides, graded questions, customized content, videos, discussions, and polls. Top Hat can be used in a live classroom or online, providing options for quizzing, polls, tests, in class discussions, interactive textbooks, assignments and attendance tracking. It can be integrated into Canvas and students can use a Top Hat app on Apple or Android mobile devices and offers options for synchronous and asynchronous conversations.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 2 hrs +
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Have Synchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Top Hat
TurnItIn

Turnitin at Penn State

Turnitin at Penn State is a web-based originality checking and plagiarism prevention service that checks submitted writing for citation mistakes or inappropriate copying. When a paper is submitted, Turnitin attempts to match it to passages in its massive database of student work, websites, books, and articles in scholarly journals. An Originality Report, which highlights passages of matching text.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: No web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 1 - 2 hrs
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Increase Student Participation | Support Research and Development
Learn more about Turnitin at Penn State
Yammer

Viva Engage (formerly Yammer)

Viva Engage connects individuals and groups by building communities through sharing knowledge, engaging, and collaborating. The goal of the Viva Engage network is to provide a collaborative environment for connecting with people within a course or across the University to share meaningful information. Some of the uses of Viva Engage include collaborating on team projects, getting updates on what others are working on, asking questions, sharing ideas, receiving feedback, creating and editing content, and planning events.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: No

Learning Curve: 30 mins
Supported Technologies: Computer | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about Viva Engage (formerly Yammer)
VoiceThread

VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a web-based app that can be used in Canvas that allows you to place collections of media (images, videos, documents, and presentations) at the center of an asynchronous conversation. A VoiceThread assignment allows people to have create presentations and comment on media using any type of text, a microphone, a webcam, a smartphone, or an uploaded audio file.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about VoiceThread
Yellowdig

Yellowdig

Yellowdig is a social learning platform in which users can participate in discussions, provide peer feedback, conduct polls, and otherwise collaborate and share resources. Gamification elements encourage engagement and participation.

paid Cost: License Fee smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Have Asynchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation
Learn more about Yellowdig

Zoom

Zoom video conferencing allows you to engage in multi-person video or audio meetings using software installed on your computer without the need for dedicated video conferencing hardware. At Penn State, Zoom is integrated with Kaltura so all recorded meetings held in Zoom will automatically transfer to your MediaSpace account.

paid Cost: Free to PSU smartphone Mobile App: Yes web Canvas Integration: Yes

Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr
Supported Technologies: Computer | Mobile device | Webcam | Microphone | Internet
Pedagogical Goals: Create a Classroom Community | Disseminate Info / Deliver Content | Have Synchronous Conversations | Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class | Increase Student Participation | Obtain Student Feedback
Learn more about Zoom