We all know that video is a powerful ways to engage students. Many of you have used video in your classroom, perhaps with tools like Canvas Studio. As our district is discontinuing Canvas Studio, you might be looking for a new, more powerful tool to take its place. How can you ensure students are actually watching, check for understanding in the moment, and stop them from just hitting “play” and tuning out?
If that sounds familiar, I’m excited to re-introduce you to Edpuzzle! It’s a tool designed from the ground up to turn passive video viewing into an active, engaging, and accountable learning experience.
What is Edpuzzle?
It’s a platform that lets you take almost any video (from YouTube, Khan Academy, one you’ve made, or even a screencast you record right in Edpuzzle) and embed your own questions, notes, and voice-overs directly into it.
But it’s not just for videos anymore! You can now build lessons with interactive Slides (by uploading your Google Slides or PowerPoints) or create stand-alone, gamified Quizzes to check understanding, all on the same platform.
Did you know? Edpuzzle has an official partnership with YouTube to provide ad-free videos when using their platform.
Why Try Edpuzzle?
This is where Edpuzzle really shines as a Canvas Studio alternative. It’s not just about showing a video; it’s about what your students do with it.
- 1. Turns Passive Viewing into Active Learning: Embedded questions make students stop and think, which boosts retention.
- Student Outcome: Deeper engagement and accountability. Students must participate, not just watch.
- 2. Get Instant, Actionable Data: Simple analytics show who completed the lesson, their scores, and which questions were toughest.
- Student Outcome: This formative data shows exactly what to re-teach or which students need support.
- 3. Perfect Your Flipped Classroom: Deliver instruction via homework with built-in checks for understanding, so you know who is ready for the next step.
- Student Outcome: Frees up class time for hands-on activities, projects, and small-group support.
- 4. Access a Massive Content Library: Save time by adapting lessons or using the high-quality, standards-aligned Edpuzzle Originals library.
- Student Outcome: Students get vetted, engaging, pre-built content.
How to Get Started
Check out our Edpuzzle guide for how access your premium account. You can also select the asynchronous course in Kickup for November’s PD.
