The Most Popular Apps Teachers Use to Design Lessons
As a teacher we spend much time only to find the app to help us in designing lessons for students. Classroom strategies, visual aids, and thoughtful delivery can definitely elevate a lesson. Well, I put together this article to make it easier for you! Each tool listed below has earned its spot because of how well it fits into the modern teacher’s world.
You can use more than one, but first, let's take a look at them.
Google Slides
It includes options for building new presentations or editing existing ones right from your phone, tablet, or computer. I really like that it autosaves every keystroke, so there's no fear of losing work. Google Slides is worth a look.
This isn’t a flashy design platform per se but a solid presentation tool that simplifies teamwork and lesson prep. It takes only a few clicks to add slides, shift content around, or format text for a smoother lesson flow.
You can adjust layouts, insert images, and share your slides with colleagues or students without switching platforms.
Here are a few things teachers did that worked well, uploaded drawings for visual storytelling, formatted text for language lessons, and added comments to guide students. It’s one of those tools that’s always ready, yet doesn’t get in the way.
Why this app is popular:
Teachers appreciate how smoothly Google Slides fits into their daily workflow. It’s not just about building slides, it’s about having a dependable space where ideas can be shaped, shared, and presented without extra complications. The ability to collaborate with other educators in real time adds another layer of convenience, especially for those working in teams or planning cross-classroom projects.
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Canva: AI Video & Photo Editor
I love its ability to combine visuals, text, and video elements without requiring advanced skills. From class newsletters to video lessons, every resource comes together seamlessly.
The AI-based features instantly propose design arrangements, tweak graphics, and transform simple text into artwork. It's a favorite among teachers for rapidly creating slideshows, school flyers, and online bulletins using its smart design templates.
Why Teachers Prefer This App:
Teachers lean toward Canva because it removes the complexity from visual design. With just a few clicks, they can produce clean, eye-catching resources that reflect care and clarity.
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Nearpod
It boasts a wide selection of media-rich content, including virtual reality field trips, 3D models, and interactive science simulations. With multiple options for real-time responses like polls, open-ended questions, and drawing tools, this platform reshapes the way students experience lessons.
You will have a great time building sessions that feel both modern and meaningful. It’s a fantastic option for teachers who want to blend media with assessment in one seamless flow.
Start building your lesson with a blank slide or pull from a library of over 6,500 ready-made experiences. From there, it takes just a few clicks to add in dynamic elements like BBC video clips or Microsoft Sway presentations.
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Padlet
At present, it’s one of the most widely used apps for lesson design, with over 40 million active users globally each month. In addition, if you are working on a lesson where brainstorming or real-time collaboration is essential, you can invite students to contribute their thoughts and ideas directly on the board.
For beginners, it would be ideal to start with simple boards to organize classroom resources or display assignments for students to access.
What I Like About This App:
I also appreciate how visually clean and customizable the boards are. It feels like building a digital classroom wall where each post, file, or comment adds to the bigger picture.
I can move things around freely, color-code sections, and even attach voice notes or videos if needed. It’s intuitive enough to use on the fly, which saves me from overthinking the tech side during lesson prep.
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myViewBoard Whiteboard
Teachers appreciate the convenience of crafting infinite whiteboard pages, adding images, or layering text over videos, all in one session.
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Edpuzzle
Then they insert questions, audio notes, or even their own voiceovers to personalize the material for their students. This allows educators to shape the lesson around their goals while still keeping students focused from start to finish.
Edpuzzle is continuously updated so that it works seamlessly across devices and supports the latest classroom trends so that it is always reliable. Teachers often rely on it when students are absent or when reviewing previously covered topics. This is why it’s considered a smart choice for those looking to reinforce lessons beyond the classroom walls.
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Seesaw
Also, with the variety of multimodal tools in Seesaw, you can get video recordings, voice notes, drawings, and photos, all neatly collected in one place.
With over 100,000 ready-to-assign activities and 1,600 research-based lessons, curated by educators and curriculum experts, you’ll be able to save hours of prep time while still delivering meaningful instruction.
What I Like About This App:
I like how everything is thoughtfully designed for elementary teachers, right down to the smallest details. The built-in tools, like voice recording, drawing, and photo uploads, give students different ways to express themselves without relying solely on writing or typing. That’s a big win, especially for younger learners who may still be developing those skills.
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ThingLink
ThingLink’s built-in features, including Immersive Reader, support students who need material in different languages or formats.
Common uses in the classroom involve project-based lessons, escape room challenges, and even curriculum planning. Teachers can track student interaction and revisit analytics later to fine-tune future sessions.
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Wakelet
Wakelet lets teachers create sleek, visual collections that can be kept private or shared with a single link. Hence, before you open twenty browser tabs again while prepping for a lesson, consider curating your resources into one beautiful, scrollable space.
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Wrapping Up
As you begin using any of these lesson-planning tools, be sure to align them with your teaching goals and classroom style. These platforms aren’t just about convenience, they support creativity and help streamline your prep time so you can focus more on your students.
M.Madour
I am an English teacher passionate about reading and sharing knowledge. I dedicate my time to exploring new websites and resources that can aid others in their personal and professional lives.
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