Tech Tools That Spark Engagement and Connection

8/15/2023

Icebreakers are not just about fun and games; they play a crucial role in creating a positive learning environment, promoting social interactions, and laying the foundation for successful academic experiences in college. They set a tone of inclusivity, openness, and respect, which encourages students to engage and connect with others more comfortably in your class. Here are some tech tools you can consider using for icebreakers:

Games:
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that allows you to create interactive quizzes and surveys. You can design fun quizzes related to your subject or create personality quizzes for students to get to know each other better.

Quizlet Live is a learning game that helps students learn through competition. You can create flashcards with icebreaker questions and have students work in teams to answer them.

Wheel of Names allows you to create a digital wheel with names or topics. Use it to randomly select students to answer icebreaker questions or share interesting facts about themselves. It is a free and easy-to-use spinner.

Digital Boards:
Padlet is where students can post notes, images, and videos. You can set up a Padlet board for students to introduce themselves with pictures, short videos, or text.

Jamboard is an interactive tool from Google. You can set up a virtual Jamboard and have students contribute their ideas or answers to icebreaker questions in a collaborative way.

Poll Everywhere lets students respond on their devices. All students have an opportunity to be heard. You can hear from the entire class at once. Use it to ask fun and engaging icebreaker questions to kick off the class.

Videos:
Flip (formally Flipgrid) is a video discussion platform where students can respond to prompts using short videos. Create a Flip topic where students introduce themselves or share their interests.

Conferencing Tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) have features like breakout rooms to facilitate small group discussions where students can share their answers to icebreaker questions or engage in interactive activities.