Tools

ClassSwift provides a suite of in-class utilities designed to enhance student participation and maintain pacing during lessons. These tools include Buzzer, Random Draw, Spinner, and Timer/Stopwatch, all accessible from the in-class toolbar.

Prerequisites

Ensure you are in an active lesson and that students have joined before using these tools.

Accessing the Tools Menu

To open the tools menu, follow these steps:

1. Click Tools (tray icon) on the in-class toolbar.
2. Select Buzzer, Random Draw, Spinner, or Timer.

Using the Buzzer

Turn your class into a game-show style activity with the Buzzer tool.

1. Click Tools → Buzzer.
2. Ask a question, then click Start.
3. Students tap the buzzer on their devices. The first to buzz appears at the top, with the top three participants displayed with medals.
4. Click Start again to reset for the next question.
5. Close the window when finished.

Tip: Use the Buzzer to determine who answers first or to award quick participation points.

Using Random Draw

Select a student at random with the Random Draw tool.

1. Click Tools → Random Draw.
2. Click the Draw button to display a student’s name.
3. Click Start again to draw another name.
4. Close the window when done.

Using the Spinner

Add excitement to your classroom with a colorful spinning wheel.

1. Click Tools → Spinner.
   1. The spinner automatically includes all students who are present.
   2. If fewer students attend than the class capacity, the wheel only shows slices for those who joined.
2. Click Start to spin the wheel and randomly select a student.
3. After a student is chosen:
   1. Click Remove to exclude them from future spins.
   2. Or leave them in for another chance to be selected.
4. Repeat as needed.
5. Close the window when finished.

Tip: Keep selected students in the pool to maintain engagement for multiple turns.

Using the Timer/Stopwatch

Keep activities on track with the Timer or Stopwatch.

1. Click Tools → Timer.
2. Choose Timer (countdown) or Stopwatch (count up).
3. For Timer, set the minutes/seconds using the arrows.
4. Click Start.
5. When the time ends (or you’re done), stop or close the window.

Tip: Use the Timer for activities like think-pair-share, quizzes, or transitions.