CommonLit, a digital library for reading comprehension
Autonomous learning
Description: CommonLit is a free digital library that offers over 2000 literary reading passages such as poems, short stories or informational texts in English and Spanish. Texts are organised by topics or units and can be filtered. When picking a text, users can visualise different tools, including related media such as videos, pre-reading worksheets and other resources, paired texts according to topics, answer keys and a parent guide. Students can also use several functionalities such as the read-aloud option, a translation tool that currently translates texts into 27 languages, or highlighting. On CommonLit, teachers can grade assignments, track students' performance and provide feedback. CommonLit is fully integrated into Google Classroom. It is free to use and does require signing up for an account to access all its features. CommonLit was created by Michelle Brown.
Evaluation: CommonLit is a valuable and useful reading tool for teachers and students of English and Spanish. It helps teachers find suitable passages for their students, easily organise their reading lessons, test their reading comprehension abilities, and track their progress. CommonLit offers different additional tools that can support classes and facilitate communication between teachers and students. All in all, it is a practical and time-saving tool for educators since it offers pre-made lesson plans and assessments.
Cost: Free with registration for teachers, parents, and students
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency 
Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: High, it offers ready-made lesson plans and assignments.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: English, Spanish.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : Medium. CommonLit collects user information and shares some of it with third parties, although it does not allow third-party advertising. It allows users to opt out of sharing certain information, among others. User data is processed in the United States. CommonLit’s privacy policy elaborates on security and explains the procedure followed in case of a data breach. It reminds teachers and educators that parental consent is required before asking students to create an account. It does not mention explicit compliance with the GDPR. See more here.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes, with an account.