27 Tech Tools Teachers Can Use to Inspire Classroom Creativity

Tech tools teachers use in the classroom

Updated for 2026

Technology has become an essential part of today's classroom, helping educators personalize instruction, encourage creativity, improve accessibility, and save valuable planning time. From AI-powered lesson planning tools and virtual reality experiences to collaboration platforms and coding robots, today's educational technology gives teachers more ways than ever to engage students and support meaningful learning. Whether you're teaching in person, remotely, or in a hybrid classroom, these classroom technology tools can help inspire creativity and enhance student success.

In This Guide

  • AI-Powered Teaching Tools
  • Video & Creative AI
  • VR & AR
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Accessibility Tools
  • Coding & Robotics
  • Creative Storytelling
  • Assessment & Classroom Engagement
  • Data Visualization
  • Learning Management

Classroom technology is evolving faster than ever. While many of these tools help teachers save time and personalize instruction, others encourage creativity, collaboration, coding, and hands-on problem-solving. The tools below represent a mix of AI-powered platforms, classroom management resources, creative learning apps, and STEM technologies that support engaging learning experiences across grade levels.

The Best Classroom Technology for 2026

Classroom technology has evolved far beyond digital worksheets and online quizzes. Today's educators have access to AI-powered learning platforms, immersive virtual reality experiences, collaborative classroom tools, coding robots, and creative storytelling applications that make learning more engaging than ever before.

To help you navigate today's educational technology landscape, we've organized this guide into two sections. First, we'll explore the newest AI-powered tools transforming classrooms in 2026. Then, we'll highlight proven classroom technology resources that continue to inspire creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning across all grade levels.

AI-Powered Educational Platforms

AI-driven platforms analyze individual student needs, strengths, and learning styles to provide personalized learning experiences. These tools offer adaptive content, recommend resources, and deliver real-time feedback, allowing students to progress at their own pace while fostering creativity through customized learning paths. Popular examples:

  • Knewton Alta - Uses AI to create personalized learning paths for students based on their performance and learning styles
  • DreamBox Learning - Adapts in real-time to student interactions, providing just-right challenges that build confidence and competence
  • Century Tech - Creates personalized learning pathways using AI to identify knowledge gaps and recommend targeted content

Video Generative AI Tools

Video generative AI tools enable educators and students to create dynamic, customized, and high-quality visual content. These tools support authentic task design, enhance teaching strategies, and boost student engagement by allowing learners to produce creative video content that aligns with their learning objectives. Popular examples:

  • Synthesia - Creates professional-looking educational videos from text scripts with AI avatars
  • InVideo AI - Transforms lesson plans into engaging visual content with minimal technical expertise required
  • Runway - Offers advanced video editing capabilities powered by AI, allowing students to create professional-quality projects

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Experiences

Immersive technologies like VR and AR have become more accessible, allowing students to embark on virtual field trips, explore historical sites, or interact with 3D models. These tools provide interactive and engaging learning experiences that stimulate creativity and curiosity. Popular examples:

  • Avantis VR Headsets - Classroom-ready devices that have gained widespread adoption in U.S. schools
  • Merge Cube - Affordable AR technology that lets students hold digital 3D objects in their hands
  • ARCore Classroom - Google's expanded AR platform with educator-focused features for creating custom AR experiences

Interactive Game-Based Learning Platforms

Game-based learning platforms enable educators to create interactive, game-like lessons using any content. These tools transform traditional lessons into engaging learning experiences, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students. Popular examples:

  • Deck.Toys - Creates interactive learning adventures from any curriculum content
  • Kahoot! Scenarios - The popular quiz platform's new feature for creating branching, narrative-driven learning games
  • Classcraft 2.0 - Gamifies classroom management with RPG elements and new accessibility features
  • Minecraft Education Chemistry Lab - Expanded tools for teaching STEM concepts through creative building and experimentation

Collaborative Digital Whiteboards

Integration of collaborative digital whiteboards facilitates brainstorming and group work. These tools allow students to collaborate in real-time, share ideas, and engage in creative problem-solving activities, enhancing the overall learning experience. Popular examples:

AI Tools for Special Education

AI technology is making strides in special education by tailoring resources to individual needs, simplifying information, and enriching educational experiences for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These inclusive AI tools promote creativity and ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students. Popular examples:

  • Speechify EDU - Text-to-speech technology with new features specifically designed for learning disabilities
  • Claro Read - Screen reader with advanced customization options for diverse learning needs
  • Livescribe Symphony - Smart pens with improved integration with accessibility software
  • Microsoft Learning Tools - Expanded capabilities with personalized reading and writing support

AI-Enhanced Learning Management Systems

Modern LMS platforms now incorporate AI to streamline administrative tasks, provide insights on student performance, and offer personalized learning recommendations, freeing teachers to focus on creative instruction. Popular examples:

Data Visualization and Analysis Tools

Tools that help students understand and create compelling visualizations of data, enhancing both literacy and creative expression. Popular examples:

Proven Classroom Technology Tools

While artificial intelligence is reshaping education, many established classroom technology tools remain just as valuable for fostering creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. The resources below have helped educators engage students for years and continue to support meaningful learning experiences across every subject area.

Virtual Learning Tools

The shift to remote learning had many teachers scrambling to find effective ways to share lessons, deliver instruction, and allow students to collaborate. Here are some of our favorite tools to get online/hybrid classes running effectively: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7GIrilWwmE[/embed]

Ozobot Coding Robots

Ozobot helps teachers bring coding, robotics, computational thinking, and creativity into the classroom through engaging, hands-on STEM experiences. Students can begin with screen-free Color Codes before progressing to block-based programming with Ozobot Blockly, making coding approachable for beginners while continuing to challenge advanced learners.

Educators can integrate Ozobot across science, math, engineering, computer science, and language arts using hundreds of free standards-aligned lessons and classroom activities. Combined with professional development opportunities and an active educator community, Ozobot makes it easy to build meaningful STEM learning experiences that inspire creativity and problem-solving.

Professional Development & Teacher Productivity

While many classroom technology tools focus on students, educators also benefit from platforms that simplify lesson planning, improve collaboration, and save valuable time.

Popular teacher productivity tools include:

  • ChatGPT – Brainstorm lesson ideas, differentiate instruction, and generate classroom activities.
  • Canva for Education – Create presentations, worksheets, posters, and classroom resources.
  • Google Classroom – Organize assignments, communicate with students, and streamline digital learning.
  • Microsoft Copilot – Assist with lesson planning, presentations, and productivity tasks.
  • Notion – Organize curriculum, classroom notes, and collaborative planning.

These tools help educators spend less time on administrative work and more time creating engaging learning experiences.

Buncee

Buncee understands how much more kids learn if they're engaged, so their platform makes it easy to engage students from anywhere. Teachers have the flexibility to create activities that their class will enjoy with over 1000 templates, and students earn badges as they complete their work. Buncee also makes it easy for students to collaborate with sharing and discussion functionality.

Pear Deck

Pear Deck allows teachers to make lessons interactive so every student can actively participate, whether instruction is synchronous or asynchronous. It utilizes formative assessment, active learning, retrieval practice, and more to close the achievement gap, even for students who are learning from afar. Bonus: PearDeck has the stamp of approval from many Ozobot Certified Educators.

SeeSaw

Rather than limit students to one method for demonstrating their knowledge, SeeSaw allows students to show what they know with tools like draw+record, collage, video, and more. Educators report that SeeSaw is intuitive for students to use, so minimal support is required to use this tool! For more tips on creating successful virtual learning environment, check out our Ozobot Certified Educator-hosted webinar!

Evo Classroom Kit

We may be a little biased, but our personal favorite tool is the Evo Classroom Kit. This kit is made for students grades 4 through 8 and includes 12 Evos, accessories, and a driver’s ed activity that allows students to program Evo’s proximity sensors and other features. Plus, students and educators can explore over 100 STEAM lessons in the Lesson Library. Lessons cover a wide range of subjects along with Ozobot’s two ways to code—online with OzoBlockly and screen-free with Color Codes. Teachers across the country have shared how they use their Classroom Kits to encourage creativity while teaching coding concepts. We pride ourselves on fostering a creative experience that motivates students to keep learning.

Nearpod

Nearpod specializes in multimedia displays to make discussions more engaging. One of their top tools for teachers is Nearpod VR, an affordable virtual reality headset that lets teachers explore different concepts in 3D. There are more than 450 VR tutorials, broken down by subject and grade level. Take your students to explore volcanoes or for a historic look at the Taj Mahal. This technology inspires curiosity about the world and student engagement in lessons. Tech tools teachers use in the classroom: students using Buncee

TinyTap

TinyTap is home to more than 100,000 learning activities for students and teachers to use. You can search for games for your kids to play to better help them understand concepts, or ask them to create games of their own. TinyTap Market encourages students to learn by teaching, and provides the tools to help people develop their own games. Creators can even sell their games to gain recognition for their work.

Because Learning

This tool is ideal for teachers who want to bring STEAM learning to the classroom but worry about their lack of programming background. You don’t have to be a professional web developer to engage your students. Because Learning is designed for educators and offers STEAM kits based on national learning standards. You and your students can start creating in just a few steps.

SiLAS Solutions

More instructors are increasingly concerned with social skills and encouraging their students to work together. SiLAS Solutions is a tool that can help. Through video game technology and 3D development, students use characters and create conversations with their own voice recordings. They can make videos talking through problems and expressing their emotions. Grading is easy, with teachers able to assess students and provide feedback through the system.

Labster

Do you wish you had access to a University-calibre laboratory? Consider testing simulations with Labster. Students can run a variety of simulations on topics ranging from diabetes to herpetology. The software runs mathematical algorithms based on the criteria so students get a full lab experience. Teachers can grade participation in different parts of the simulation as they would with a full-fledged science lab.

PhET Sims

Another simulation software that younger students can use is PhET simulations. Teachers can filter simulations by grade level and topic and use them to explore different ideas in the classroom. The goal of this organization is to increase STEAM literacy worldwide and create engaging interactive content that encourages students to ask questions and explore topics beyond what the common core demands.

ZeeMaps

ZeeMaps is a tool that students and teachers can use to create their own graphics. You can create maps on a local, state, national, and even global level. Students can choose different map types and assign colors and labels as needed. This is perfect for creating visual aids for projects, mapping out complex concepts (like battles in a war or evolving country borders), and letting students learn in an interactive manner.

Tiki-Toki

Just as ZeeMaps is useful for mapping out various concepts and ideas, Tiki-Toki is great for developing timelines. Students can customize events and choose different formats to explore their ideas. They can provide as much information as they need to fully explain a topic. This tool is ideal for both classroom-led activities and solo work.

Venngage

You don’t need to be an expert graphic designer to create engaging infographics for your classroom. Even better, your students can create graphics for you! Venngage offers free infographic tools to help students visualize their data and clearly present ideas. The infographics can be shared and saved online, so they can be used by students in real time and future students can also benefit.

Sutori

Sutori lets anyone build a multimedia-rich story that looks like a timeline, though the focus is on arranging information into an engaging, interactive format for storytelling. It's a useful format, too, because it's a more intuitive way to illustrate the relationships between concepts than, say, a slidedeck. The applications are many, as well: Teachers can use pre-made stories in their lesson plans (there are nearly 800,000 users, so stories are plenty), or they can create their own stories in a snap to use as teaching tools or study aids. What's more, stories can even be assigned as projects or homework, which could be a welcome alternative to an essay assignment.

Storybird

STEAM educators who are looking to add reading and writing elements to their curriculum can try Storybird. This company curates millions of images from illustrators across the world and encourages students and teachers to use them to tell stories. Consider assigning an image to each student and asking them to write about it, or ask them to create a book using the lessons they learned in science or math class. It’s a great way to get creative with online tools.

Best for: Creative writing, digital storytelling, literacy integration, and project-based learning.

Teachers can also combine Storybird with coding, robotics, or STEM lessons by asking students to write stories inspired by scientific discoveries, engineering challenges, or classroom coding projects.

Fanschool (formerly Kidblog)

If you’re trying to get your students to blog more and reflect on what they learned, consider using Fanschool (formerly Kidblog). Nothing goes live until the teacher approves it, so you have final say in what is published. Fanschool creates a safe space for students to publish content without exposing them to the trolls of the Internet. It’s available for K-12 students and you can tailor your lessons based on the age group. You can also track engagement statistics each year to see if your students are reading each other’s work.

LiveBinders

The goal of LiveBinders is to help educators and their students go paperless with digital binders. Users can save articles and videos, take notes, and post other forms of content in one place. They can also share binders with each other and collaborate to create something useful. With this tool, you never have to limit yourself to just one textbook or resource. You can keep all of your resources in one place for years to come, always adding when you find something new.

Padlet

Padlet is another collaboration tool that teachers can use. Students can submit a variety of supplemental material to make the learning process easier and can comment and interact with it as needed. Teachers can monitor all interactions that students have with the content and track engagement analytics. This tool can be used for any subject or grade level.

Celestia

This tool is definitely more space-focused instead of the other one-size-fits-all solutions on this list. However, it’s rare to find such a dynamic resource for exploring outer space. Not only is there a wide variety of content on Celestia, but students and educators can customize the content or add their own based on their needs. If there’s something you can’t find, create it.

Project Noah

Launched in 2010, Project Noah was created to encourage citizen scientists to document the world around them. People can photograph organisms and share them online, helping scientists document the location and rarity of various species. Teachers can make this part of the classroom experience by turning students into citizen scientists sharing their discoveries.

Bringing Technology Into Every Classroom

The best classroom technology doesn't replace great teaching—it enhances it. Whether you're introducing students to artificial intelligence, encouraging creativity through digital storytelling, exploring virtual reality, or teaching coding with robots, the right tools can make learning more engaging, collaborative, and meaningful.

Start by choosing one or two tools that fit your teaching style, then build your classroom technology toolkit over time. Small changes can create lasting learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Looking for a hands-on way to introduce coding and STEM? Explore Ozobot's coding robots, free lesson library, and professional development resources to help students become creative problem-solvers and future innovators.

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