AI-powered helpers
1. Google Gemini for Education – Integrates over 30 AI tools into Classroom, Forms, NotebookLM and more. Useful for diagrams, quizzes, translations, rubrics and safe, privacy-conscious AI content generation.
2. Khanmigo (Khan Academy) – An AI tutor for personalised student support, lesson planning and data analysis. Free for teachers in 49 English-speaking countries.
3. Kira Learning – AI agents that assist with grading, lesson planning, performance analysis and tutor-style Socratic interactions.
4. Brisk Teaching – A free AI tool for generating lesson plans, quizzes, rubrics and feedback rapidly.
5. MagicSchool AI – An AI assistant for lesson planning, differentiation and assessment, used by millions worldwide.
6. LessonPlanner – Helps teachers build adaptive, pedagogy-driven lesson plans following instructional models such as Gagne’s nine events.
Interactive and visual learning tools
7. GeoGebra – A free, award-winning tool for dynamic mathematics lessons. Excellent for visual learning, real-time feedback and integration with Google Classroom.
8. Eduaide.AI – Creates graphic organisers, interactive lesson games and instructional materials.
9. myViewBoard 3.0 – A digital interactive whiteboard platform for multimedia, polls, accessibility tools and integration with PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Lesson planning and resource platforms
10. Common Curriculum Planner – An AI-enhanced planner for lesson and unit creation, standards alignment, file attachments and Google Classroom integration.
11. Planbook – An online lesson planner for scheduling and managing teaching content, affordable at around \$20 a year.
12. OpenEd – A catalogue of more than 750,000 educational resources aligned to standards such as Common Core and NGSS.
13. OER Commons – A freely accessible library of open educational resources, searchable and collaborative.
14. Twinkl – A digital publisher offering lesson materials, planning resources and assessments for educators worldwide.
15. Smarter Balanced Tools for Teachers – Technology tools to support interim and summative assessments and data-driven instruction.
Classroom management and engagement
16. Google Classroom – A blended learning platform for assigning, organising and grading assignments, integrated with Google Workspace tools.
17. Edsby – A K–12 learning management system and analytics platform with Microsoft integration, data aggregation and social learning features.
Student feedback and academic integrity tools
18. PlagiarismCheck.org – Helps ensure originality and academic integrity in student work.
19. Mote – Allows teachers to leave voice feedback on student work in a warm, personal and efficient way.
20. Genially – Creates highly interactive and visually engaging content to replace static presentations.
Why these tools matter
Save time: Tools such as Google Gemini, Brisk, Kira and MagicSchool automate lesson design, grading and feedback.
Enhance interactivity: Tools such as GeoGebra, myViewBoard and Genially help make lessons dynamic and engaging.
Ensure quality content: OER platforms such as OpenEd, OER Commons and Twinkl offer vast, standards-aligned resources.
Facilitate management: Platforms such as Google Classroom and Edsby streamline class administration.
Improve feedback and integrity: Mote and PlagiarismCheck.org support meaningful, ethical teaching and assessment.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.