We know what it is, but do we know the most effective ways to get it? Want to solicit feedback from students and don’t know where to start? Here are a few quick tech-enhanced tools that can get you started. Want some help implementing one, I can help with that.
Plickers www.plickers.com 
What is it? Plickers is a powerfully simple tool that lets teachers collect real-time formative assessment data without the need for student devices. Teachers can use Plickers for quick checks for understanding to know whether your students are understanding big concepts and mastering key skills. Plickers gives all students the chance to participate and engage in learning without feeling self-conscious. No waiting for students to log-in on a computer or even open the right app. Plickers integrates seamlessly into the way you already teach. In terms of tech, it is an image recognition and reader tool that helps you get live feedback from students.
What do you need?
Plickers cards (printable or you can buy them here)
projected device showing website
scanner/reader for cards (iPad, wireless phone works well)
Set Up Time: Takes some time to place items in the bank, but it is well worth it. Questions are kept in the library for reuse later. You can also add images to questions (or images as questions themselves)
Limits: Only 4 answer choices, and they all have to be multiple choice or true/false.
Probably the premier real-time feedback tool that I have ever used. Students can see the answers, where they fall on the list and even a running tally. This can be used in multiple environments and for multiple classes/subjects. As long as you have time to plan, you have time to Plicker. Easy download of results for addition to your gradebook. It is a very awesome tool that has really set the standard for me as to what a tech-enhanced feedback tool should be.
Kahoot! www.getkahoot.com 
What is it? Online quiz game for students. It can be used at any subject/grade, and it’s main goal is to make learning fun. One of the things that makes Kahoot! So unique is that it’s a platform where you decide on the content, the imagery and how the game is played. You can either choose one of the 8.5+ million free public games and adapt it for your own learners, or create something of your very own from scratch.
What do you need?
A device per student or student group
Projected Questions
Device to control (iPad or phone works well)
Set Up Time: If you find a quiz you like among the 8.5 million available, you are good to go. There are a lot of tools to help you find a quiz that might fit. If not, you can quickly create one. It is like making a multiple choice test.
Limits: Only lists top 5 on screen, this can lead to disengagement of the other students in class. As with Plickers, the multiple choice/survey limit. You can have a discussion, but it is limited by platform.
I have used Kahoot for a few quizzes and some random fill the gap time. It has worked well whenever I have used it, and my only regret is not having more time to explore. I feel that if I really explored the app and had the time to put into it, it could be used much more. Their website is full of resources, templates to have the students and you make their own quizzes, and a robust help section.
Quizizz www.quizizz.com 
What is it? An online quiz much like kahoot that allows for quiz searching, creating and assigning. They do have some unique features like homework mode, where kids can take quizzes at home, and some cool functionality like avatars and analysis that isn’t available on kahoot.
What do you need?
A device per student or student group
Projected Questions
Set Up Time: If you find a quiz you like with the robust search features, you are good to go. There are a lot of tools to help you find a quiz that might fit. If not, you can quickly create one. It is like making a multiple choice test. You can also combine and edit current quizizz to tailor them to your needs.
Limits: Same as Plickers, the multiple choice/survey limit. You can have a discussion, but it is limited by platform.
So I was exposed to this tool recently and it has become a favorite in spaces where all kids have a device. They have fun avatars, kids get to pick their names, and the ability, like plickers, to have all students appear on the screen is key to keeping everyone engaged. Also, you have none minutes for grading. It is easy and simple to check for understanding, and with the ease at which you can review answers and re-quiz, you can CFU multiple times and ensure that engagement and retention. Best demo I saw looked like this: Give quizizz, show live results on screen. Go over results (green and red bars on screen). Reteach the material, and then immediately retake quizizz. See the green bars ill the screen. Retake quizizz at the start of the next day to ensure retention and recall. All grading done for you.
I’m sure there are many more out there, and if you have any suggestions for me to check out or feedback on the list here, please leave it in the comments. If you want an training, or a demo, let me now and I will be happy to come out and bang one out for you in class.
Remember, it is only through some quality feedback that we can customize our instruction to best meet the needs of our students. These tools make it easy to get the feedback you need. From the dogpound at the BIC, see y’all next post!