Adobe Express

Platform: web app, mobile app

Description: *freemium access (primary limitation is quantity and quality of project options); create visually dynamic graphics, web pages, and videos (all free); includes free images and icons while creating, can also upload your own images, icons, videos, and graphics to the designs

Common Uses: great for dynamic posters, portfolio projects (especially the web page option), promo videos, infographics

Integrations: connects with Google for single sign-on

Autocrat

Platform: Add-on (Google Sheets)

Description: merge data from sheets into docs or sheets

Common Strategies: collect responses from students/parents via Google Forms, then use Autocrat to pull the data from a sheet into separate, individual Docs to be shared or printed

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Awesome Screenshot

Platform: web-based, extension (Chrome), web app (Chrome)

Description: both an image annotation tool (Chrome app) and a screencasting tool (Chrome ext); great for dynamic features and quick sharing

Babbel

Platform: Web-based, app (all platforms)

Description: Practice languages (many available) via dynamic activities. Limited content in free version, but highly rated source.

Common Strategies: use Babbel to provide easy enrichment or intervention for students

Beautiful.ai

Platform: web app

Description: (FREE to use, premium available) This presentation tool integrates a limited artificial intelligence that crafts visuals for you based on the information and data you are inputting. Often used for data presentations or other kinds of objective reporting.

Common Uses: school board presentations, survey or polling presentations, promotional presentation

Blogger

Platform: web-based, app

Description: Google’s first and simplest blogging platform; free for Google users (check with your organization first); Blogger utilizes dynamic templates and various gadgets and plugins to enhance the experience

Common Strategies: create and manage digital portfolios; share classroom experiences and products publicly; publish writing or other activities

Bloomz

Platform: web app, mobile app (all platforms)

Description: (FREE to use, premium available) Bloomz is an all-in-one school-home connection tool. From 2-way messaging with parents to scheduling events with signups and volunteers to sharing student portfolios and behavior, Bloomz is rich with features and easy to use to any degree (not necessary to use all the features available).

Common Uses: scheduling classroom or event volunteers, managing and sharing student behavior, sharing photos of class and activities

Buncee

Platform: web-based

Description: A presentation tool with student-friendly and intuitive design; includes unique elements like animations and other design aspects; can add audio (must be a file for free version); has searchable database of presentations already created

Common Strategies: students create interesting presentations on topics and add audio explanations of the content

Integrations: single sign-on with Google, integrates with Google Classroom

Chatterpix

Platform: iOS app

Description: this iOS app allows users to add a mouth to an image and insert audio (turning the image into a talking/singing image)

Chrome Music Lab

Platform: web-based (Chrome browser)

Description: This website is the home of Google music experiments; anyone can use without an account and do things like mix songs, record and modify audio, create beats and rhythms, etc.

Common Strategies: students create musical elements to accompany projects; some tools on the site will relate directly to content for science, music, or math teachers

Class Dojo

Platform: web-based, iOS app

Description: one of the leading behavior management tools; award students points based on customized badges; group students together; use the parent function to communicate; use the story function to share class activities, photos, and more

Common Strategies: track student behavior efficiently; motivate productivity and engagement during independent or group time; use story feature to allow students to share work

Class Flow

Platform: web-based, app

Description: teach interactive lessons live by allowing students to engage directly with a presentation; polling/checking understanding; managing student behavior with feedback

Classcraft

Platform: web-based

Description: Free version is only a behavior management tool; enterprise includes complete LMS | this system gamifies the classroom experience to the max

Common Strategies: use classcraft to track student behavior and incentivise peer support and collaboration as well as other skills and habits

Classkick

Platform: web-based, app

Description: teacher-student interaction, highly recommend, great connectivity, audio button options

Common Strategies: deliver daily tasks like warm-ups or exit tickets quickly with little or no prep (depending on goals/preferences)

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/time

Code Shrew

Platform: website (web app)

Description: This simple (free!) web app allows users to create basic drawing and animations by coding them. Either learn coding basics from canned lessons or experiment by creating your own animations. Users can then share animations publicly for anyone to view.

Common Uses: a good introduction to coding basics for STEM classes or mid-level computers classes (best for mid- to upper-elementary and up)

Common Sense Media: EdTech Reviews

Platform: Website (resource page)

Description: Just like this site, Common Sense Media curates lists of edtech resources and tools, as well, complete with ratings and detailed reviews. The downfall is that sites and apps are not categorized intuitively (such as by topic, type of use, etc.).

Democracy 3

Platform: iPad app ($4.99)

Description: This iPad app allows users to create their own governments/economies and play out simulations that mirror a democratic society run by elected officials. As a comprehensive and thorough experience, it creates exceptional opportunity for users to reflect on the democratic process.

Common Strategies: great companion to social studies courses to build hands-on experiences with governments and economies

Doceri

Platform: iOS app

Description: iOS app for creating videos of annotated lessons (can insert images, text, shapes, etc.)

DocHub

Platform: app (Chrome)

Description: edit, fax, and sign PDFs along with additional features like merging multiple documents (functions within Google Drive)

Doctopus

Platform: add-on (Google Sheets)

Description: (works with Goobric) Use to deliver copies of shared items to students, grade via rubrics, comment on student work, and deliver personalized feedback/emails

Common Strategies: manage major projects via Google Sheet and Doctopus to communicate details, grade via rubrics, and check student progress

Integrations: must have a Google account; works with Google Classroom

Dotstorming

Platform: website

Description: *freemium tool, very simple posting/voting tool; users (no login needed) can add cards, comment, chat, and vote; free version only allows for one board (login required to create a board); chat/commenting can be disabled

Common Uses: group brainstorming or planning, simple resource for choosing an option from a long list

DuoLingo

Platform: web-based, app

Description: this site/app allows users to practice foreign languages easily and progressively, delivering steadily more complex lessons and content while reinforcing past concepts

EdPuzzle

Platform: web-based

Description: use videos from youtube, khan, etc. (or upload your own) to create a video lesson or video assessment by adding questions, comments, audio notes, etc. (connects seamlessly with Google Classroom)

Common Strategies: create video lessons with built-in accountability, formative assessments, and/or checks for understanding

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/time

Educreations

Platform: web-based, iOS app

Description: app and website that allows users to create whiteboard lessons with multiple pages/slides, images, text, drawings, blank or lined backgrounds (including grids), and more

Common Strategies: teachers use it to create instructional or even mini-lesson content videos; students use it to demonstrate understanding about a concept or show thinking

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/time

Edulastic

Platform: web-based, web app

Description: Fast and powerful formative assessment tool that produces highly intuitive reports and item analyses. Users can select from existing assignments or question banks or create their own. Question types vary widely (beyond most assessment tools).

Common Strategies: use for quick and dynamic formative assessments, use for complex summative assessments, use to share and collaborate with other teachers

EquatIO

Platform: Extension (Chrome)

Description: easily insert mathematics expressions into google docs or forms

Common Strategies: use a Google Doc to voice type or draw complex equations/formulas, then copy/paste image into other locations.

Explain Everything Whiteboard

Platform: web-based (iOS app version separate cost)

Description: website for creating dynamic video lessons from a whiteboard style interface with drawing tools, text tools, inserting media options, etc. Can collaborate in real time with other users in one board (small groups at most).

Flat.io

Platform: web app, iOS app

Description: (FREE for teachers, premium available) This web/iOS app allows users to create musical scores quickly and easily (free version limits to 15 scores). Various instruments are available to assist with creation and any kind of musical notation needed is included. Flat also integrates with all the more common LMSs (Classroom, Schoology, Edmodo, Canvas, and more).

Common Uses: custom score creation, assigning tasks and practice involving reading scores and identifying notation

Flip

Platform: web-based, mobile app

Description: (used to be called “Flipgrid”) FREE Video discussion tool, teachers create groups/topics and post using video; respondents also use video to reply and comment; easy to share via link or embed, require logins or allow guests to post; fully integrated with Google Classroom

Common Strategies: quick exit ticket or warm-up activity; use for student-driven “while you were out” strategy (every day, students create short video explaining what absent students missed)

Integrations: single sign-on with Google, other major platforms; interaction with Google Classroom and other learning management systems

*For more, visit our step-by-step Flip Walkthrough here.

Formative

Platform: web-based, app

Description: multiple choice, true/false, text, draw (and insert PDFs/images with interactive questions); fully integrated with Google Classroom

Common Strategies: deliver quick, dynamic formative assessments; create dynamic self-paced activities with PDFs, images, and embedded questions

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/time

Freckle Education

Platform: web-based, app

Description: Adaptive and personalized math, ELA, social studies, and science instruction (grade levels vary by subject), free for teachers with premium district-level options

Common Uses: formative practice, progress checks, identifying gaps, remediation and reteaching

Goobric

Platform: add-on (Docs, Chrome)

Description: (works with Doctopus) Create rubrics that can be instantly and easily inserted into student docs; use the Student Goobric to allow students to self-assess

Google Drawings

Platform: web-based

Description: custom design tool that is great for mind-mapping because of layering and connecting tools, infographics because of dynamic media options, icon creation because of transparent background features, and more

Common Strategies: have students design visuals to accompany learning, thinking, projects, etc.

Google Forms

Platform: web-based

Description: Open-ended survey/assessment tool (can customize to any degree or use with combination of sheets and add-ons)

Common Strategies: use the quiz feature to deliver quick assessments with instant feedback; collect information from students or parents and organize with Sheets; use “Go to Section” feature to deliver adaptable assessments with opportunity for reteaching via video or other mediums

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/time

Google Sites

Platform: web-based

Description: (specifically, NEW Google Sites) quickly create simple, clean, professional sites with drag and drop tools and Google integration

Common Strategies: create sites to house resources for courses; use sites for blogging and sharing other classroom dynamics publicly or privately; have students create sites individually or collaboratively for learning journals, project presentations, etc.

Google Slides

Platform: web-based, app

Description: Google’s presentation tool designed around the same concept as powerpoint but with greater degree of customizability; features mirror design functionality as well

Common Strategies: students create “choose your own adventure” projects; reformat slides to create ebooks; share slides collaboratively for interactive projects, discussion forums, feedback loops, etc.

Google Teacher Center

Platform: website

Description: This is Google’s teacher help and training center for all things Google (Classroom, Drive, Slides, Docs, Sheets, etc.). Includes teacher training modules, courses, and tutorials; resource section about new and featured Google products as well as pre-made templates and activities; and community connection resources to interact with other educators and share ideas.

Common Uses: targeted training on Google tools, Google Educator certification, recommendations for using Google products well

Gooru

Platform: web-based

Description: “The Learning Navigator” by Gooru is a self-paced, web-quest instructional tool for assigning activities and assessments and analyzing data and formative feedback; access and manage online classes

Common Strategies: supplement curriculum with ready-made units, courses, or activities; deliver pre-made assessments to quickly collect formative data

Grammarly

Platform: extension (Chrome)

Description: Chrome extension that checks grammar and spelling as you type in websites, documents, etc. on your browser

Hello Talk

Platform: iOS, Android, some web-based

Description: Dubbed a “Language Exchange.” Users interact with other users to help each other learn languages. Speak and message with native speakers to improve language skills in reading/writing and speaking/listening.

Common Strategies: powerful way to make language learning authentic (caution: users interact with other anonymous users)

iMovie

Platform: iOS app, Mac app

Description: create videos easily and intuitively with the industry-leading movie-making software (iPad or Mac only)

Insert Learning

Platform: Chrome extension

Description: This Google Chrome extension allows users to turn entire web pages into interactive lessons. On the existing web page, highlight or annotate items, add comments, insert videos, add questions, etc. Lessons can then be shared in a variety of ways.

Common Strategies: in a blended learning or self-paced format, create lessons from online content with checks for understanding and additional content built in

JoeZoo Express

Platform: add-on (Chrome)

Description: Google-integrated app that allows teachers to give and receive feedback, track student progress, generate reports and trends, and more (free for teachers)

Kahoot!

Platform: web-based, app

Description: real-time multiple-choice game (can play individually or in teams) with options for assigning activities as independent work

Common Strategies: use for quick formative practice or feedback; use to create interest about a topic or pretest student knowledge

Kaizena

Platform: add-on (Docs)

Description: Docs/Chrome: Highlight and speak instead of typing. Track skills so students know what to improve. Avoid repeating yourself with quick links.

*Requires the use of a Google account.

Kami

Platform: Extension (Chrome)

Description: edit PDFs, annotate on PDFs; download, share, and save; add or delete pages

Khan Academy

Platform: web-based, app

Description: digital content library; online course resources; pre-made video lesson activities and formative assessments

Common Strategies: supplement curriculum with additional lessons and activities; collect formative data with pre-made assessments; deliver self-paced lessons or courses through Khan Academy or via an LMS (integrates with most major LMSs)

Loom

Platform: ext (Chrome), web-based

Description: Screen video recorder (screencasting) that allows users to record: tab, desktop, webcam; integrates with services such as Gmail and Google Docs; houses video online for quick sharing; provides download to mp4 option; incorporates comments and attachments for continued conversation

Common Strategies: use to create instructional resources; record processes such as grading for higher-level feedback; have students create lessons and content; allow students to provide feedback or record self-evaluations

Mahara

Platform: desktop app, iOS/Android app

Description: Highly dynamic/scalable eportfolio tool; house student portfolios in teacher-facilitated site; integrate with SIS systems; use individually or district-wide

Common Strategies: students add items to teacher-facilitated portfolio, teacher provides feedback and tracks mastery

Math Aids

Platform: web-based

Description: resources for teachers for enrichment, to remediation.

Memrise

Platform: web-based, app

Description: foreign language practice; includes “courses” (similar to “sets” in Quizlet) composed of hundreds of meticulously selected words and phrases in the target language

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Miro

Platform: web-based, app, iPad

Description: Collaborative whiteboard/mind-mapping and brainstorming on a widely versatile platform with many pre-built templates/layouts and easy setup and sharing; add content as notes or drawings, embed from other sites, upload media/attachments, and more; save as image, PDF, etc. and embed into websites or LMSs

Common Strategies: great for project management (individual or group), use in conjunction with other tools as a great place to post comments and collaborate, hold discussions, easily share knowledge or content or projects

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Nearpod

Platform: web-based, app

Description: display presentations live on student devices; allow student interaction with content; include feedback/questions

Nimbus Capture

Platform: extension (Chrome), desktop app

Description: screen capture or screencast with Nimbus; annotate images, save videos as files or share online

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NoRedInk

Platform: web-based

Description: Adaptive formative literacy practice online. Very effective for dynamic formative writing practice, and integrates well with Google Classroom. Organized topically so that teacher can assign certain areas or students can browse by topic.

Common Strategies: use for individual, targeted reinforcement to personalize and differentiate writing practice; use for targeted FCAs with writing projects to ensure focused practice

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Otus

Platform: web-based

Description: limited LMS, assessment management, and data management to collect and organize formative assessment data

Padlet

Platform: web-based, app

Description: Use to hold a discussion forum in a stream or grid or “mind map” and brainstorm; also seen as a portfolio tool; *FREE for up to 3 boards, premium features available

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PDF.io

Platform: web-based

Description: Essential online PDF tools like splitting pages, merging separate PDFs, compressing, converting to and from Word or Excel or JPG, locking and unlocking, etc. An absolute must for every tech toolbox.

Pear Deck

Platform: web-based, app, Chrome

Description: Presentation tool that allows you to build in on the fly questions: agree/disagree/ thumbs up/down, multiple choice, text, numeric, true/false, draw on grid/blank, draggable (premium) draw on image (premium)

Pinup

Platform: web-based

Description: Quick, collaborative “post-it” board; no login required; simple settings and basic usage

Common Strategies: post responses to a question, share images or links, use to manage a project/tasks

PlayPosit

Platform: web-based

Description: break up video and insert questions/quizzes. Monitor student understanding and which students have viewed the video.

Plickers

Platform: iOS app, Android app, web-based

Description: Plickers allows the teacher to ask questions and get immediate feedback. This allows for a quick address of misconceptions. Students do not need devices; teacher should use a mobile device.

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Prezi

Platform: web-based, app

Description: zooming presentation tool that creates visually dynamic presentations and allows for adding media items

Quill

Platform: web-based

Description: Writing and grammar practice with pre-built activities organized by topic and concept for elementary through high school students; integrates with Google Classroom; provides reports on progress and mastery for teacher; free to use

Common Strategies: deliver effective grammar and proofreading practice without creating new curriculum; load roster from Google Classroom and easily assign “packs” to students

Quizalize

Platform: web-based, (any device)

Description: simple and potent formative assessment builder; create your own quizzes or search the large database of teacher-made assessments; provide feedback with questions; incorporate mastery learning dynamics; integrate with Quizlet; include images and “show-your-work” dynamics

Common Strategies: deliver formative assessments self-paced while requiring students to show work; allow students to create and share quizzes based off Quizlet study decks

Quizizz

Platform: web-based

Description: like Kahoot but additional play modes, assignment options, and question dynamics available

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/techwalks or watch the Quizizz Pro Tips on Youtube

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Quizlet

Platform: web-based, app

Description: Online flash cards and review games: teachers create “decks” of cards that students review through any number of activities

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Read&Write

Platform: extension (Chrome); add-on (Docs)

Description: plays with docs and other Google products to allow for dynamic tools for interacting with documents

Remind

Platform: web app, mobile app

Description: (FREE for teachers, premium available) Remind is considered one of the leading communication apps for teachers and parents. Messaging groups and individuals is simple, joining a group is quick, app integrations are available with Google (sign in and Classroom) and others.

Common Uses: remind students/parents about upcoming assignments or tasks, use for clubs or sports to keep members informed

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Screencastify

Platform: extension (Chrome)

Description: Chrome extension for recording the current tab or your entire screen; saves as a sharable web media link in Google Drive or Youtube

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/techwalks

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ShowMe

Platform: iOS app

Description: use this app as an interactive whiteboard to record lessons

Slack

Platform: web-based, app, iPad

Description: messaging and discussion tool that allows for creating and sharing channels to discuss specific topics or house open-ended conversations; includes integrations with Google and more; allows for attaching uploads and other media; can notify any/all users; can thread conversations; must create an account or login with Google to access

Common Strategies: host a class backchannel chat for anytime Q&A (secondary); teach appropriate and safe digital communication in controlled environment (elementary); host topical discussions between classes and/or beyond the classroom

Sli.do

Platform: web-based, app

Description: while presenting, this tool allows presenters to host backchannel chats, deliver quick polls/surveys, and share documents (PDF and ppt)

Smore

Platform: web app, mobile app

Description: (FREE to use, premium available) This is a digital newsletter and poster tool known for its user-friendly interface and quality visuals. Features include adding static and dynamic content (such as embedding). Newsletters are shareable publicly or privately (not ideal for printing).

Common Uses: promoting events, weekly newsletters

Sock Puppets

Platform: iOS app

Description: create lip-sync videos by matching animations to audio (easy and entertaining)

Socrative

Platform: web-based, app

Description: multiple choice, true/false, short answer; allows for teaming, competitions, quick exit tickets, quick questions, etc.

*For more, visit cbdconsulting.com/time

SpeakIt!

Platform: extension (Chrome)

Description: extension allowing users to highlight text and have it read aloud

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Stormboard

Platform: web-based, app, iPad

Description: interactive remote collaboration with easy-to-use interface for project/task management and mind-mapping; use pre-made templates to setup dynamic contexts for posting and assigning tasks; max of 5 simultaneous users per board (free version)

Common Strategies: have groups manage projects collaboratively; use to organize and assign class tasks/jobs

Sutori

Platform: web app

Description: (FREE to use, premium available) This presentation tool is collaborative (real time), dynamic (can embed media, interactive content – paid feature), and interactive (commenting, sharing). A good presentation alternative Slides or Powerpoint.

Common Uses: live presentations, flipped lessons, student projects

Talk and Comment

Platform: Chrome extension

Description: This Google Chrome extension allows users to record a voice note on any website and generate an immediately shareable link. One of the primary advantages is that when the link is pasted into a Google Doc or Google Slide, the voice note plays within the doc/slide instead of opening an external link. (On most other sites, it will still open an external link.)

Common Strategies: give easy vocal feedback on student work; record audio to narrate a Google Slide show; have students create narrated slide shows or documents

TedEd

Platform: web-based

Description: TedEd allows teachers to create interactive video lessons that have questions, additional information, resources, and reflect on a video topic.

TinyTap

Platform: web-based, app

Description: dynamic curriculum library of student-ready lessons, units, and videos based on subject-area topics (not necessarily related to standards); free version is limited

Common Strategies: teachers can create lessons or units for students with images and audio; teachers can find and deliver relevant lessons or units

Trello

Platform: web app, mobile app (all platforms)

Description: (FREE to use, premium available) This project management tool allows users (teachers) to create and host “boards” that organize lists and cards based on teacher- or student-added items (free version limits number of boards). Each individual card includes optional descriptions, due dates, attachments (any file kind, Google integration available), discussion threads, labels (color coding), assigning, checklists, and more.

Common Uses: simple uses include discussion boards, classroom role/task organization, and resources sharing; complex uses include dynamic ongoing project management (individual and group roles and tasks, communication tracking, etc.) and student-driven accountability or reporting

Vidyard

Platform: extension (Chrome)

Description: records screen or tab and webcam; notifies when a recipient watches the recording

WeVideo

Platform: web-based, Chrome app

Description: Chrome-based video production tool; add video clips, images, screencasts, and other media to create dynamic videos; free version limited to 5 minutes

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Wonderopolis

Platform: website

Description: Free resource for asking and exploring interesting questions. Users can browse all wonders (including a wonder of the day sections) and enter their own questions (wonders) for possible development (wonders are voted on publicly until they reach enough votes for the hosts to take them on)

Common Uses: as on open inquiry project, this is a great resource; support for genius hour; help brainstorming research questions

Zearn Math

Platform: web app

Description: (FREE for all teachers) This curriculum tool provides comprehensive instructional and assessment materials for math content grades K-8. Content is delivered digitally and on paper (with instructional resources for teachers). Teachers can control levels of pacing, differentiation, and personalization. *EdReports ranks Zearn above nearly all paid math curriculum resources for grades K-8. (Click here for brief overview video.)

Common Uses: comprehensive math curriculum, dynamic additional math practice, remediation, differentiation

Zearn Math

Platform: web app

Description: (FREE for all teachers) This curriculum tool provides comprehensive instructional and assessment materials for math content grades K-8. Content is delivered digitally and on paper (with instructional resources for teachers). Teachers can control levels of pacing, differentiation, and personalization. *EdReports ranks Zearn above nearly all paid math curriculum resources for grades K-8. (Click here for brief overview video.)

Common Uses: comprehensive math curriculum, dynamic additional math practice, remediation, differentiation

Zearn Math

Platform: web app

Description: (FREE for all teachers) This curriculum tool provides comprehensive instructional and assessment materials for math content grades K-8. Content is delivered digitally and on paper (with instructional resources for teachers). Teachers can control levels of pacing, differentiation, and personalization. *EdReports ranks Zearn above nearly all paid math curriculum resources for grades K-8. (Click here for brief overview video.)

Common Uses: comprehensive math curriculum, dynamic additional math practice, remediation, differentiation

Ziteboard

Platform: web-based, Chrome app/ext, Android app

Description: A zooming, interactive whiteboard (free for individual use, premium features include realtime collaboration); instantly begin without login, or create account (connects to Google) to save boards for later access; save as image or PDF; add images or upload PDFs as backgrounds on the board; includes shape recognizing for cleaner illustrations; to begin immediately, visit app.ziteboard.com

Common Strategies: have students demonstrate thinking (pro tip: record ziteboard sessions with Screencastify or other screencast app); organize ideas and brainstorm collaboratively (small groups, partners, or as a whole class); have student annotate PDFs by importing them and drawing overtop (can export as a PDF or image once done)

Try it here