10 Teacher Tips for Online Learning
Learning Objectives
While using digital learning tools in the classroom was common before the pandemic, remote learning requires a new way of thinking and developing lessons. The following are a list of resources that could be helpful when transitioning between in-person and virtual learning.
- For Creating Your Own Content
- Pre-Created Content
- Teacher tips
- Additional teaching supports
- Reflection
For Creating Your Own Content:
Kahoot
Kahoot is a quiz platform that is played as a game. It lets you create your own quizzes that can be shared with students. They simply enter their name and code and are then able to join via a device from their individual locations. Students will need to be able to see their answers as well as the teacher’s question screen and may need to learn how to split screen if working from one device. With working in split screen or resizing windows, Kahoot works great for screen sharing during zoom meetings/lessons.
Nearpod
An instructional platform that uses both dynamic media and formative assessments to create a collaborative learning environment. Nearpod will let you create your lessons directly in the platform or upload PowerPoints, Google Slides or videos to create interactive lessons. With multiple ways to present from live participation, student paced or front of class presentations students are able to be involved and engaged in lessons. Nearpod also offers a variety of pre-made lessons that are standard aligned.
Boom Cards
An instructional platform where teachers can create interactive lessons. These digital, self-checking and interactive activities are shown to student one at a time with instant feedback provided on their answers. You can assign a “set” or lesson to students to complete and get their answers recorded or use a fast pin for additional practice without answers. Lessons can be done on their own or together with you. Boom Cards also has a store where you can buy content created by others. Many TeachersPayTeachers sites also sell pre-made Boom Cards.
Pear Deck
Peardeck slides can be created within PowerPoint online or through Google slides through in extension and allows for interactive slides that student can respond to on their own screens. Peardeck allows you to either upgrade an existing PowerPoint of Google Slides or create new within either format adding in the interactive components. It allows for anonymous sharing with teacher access to see all shared answers.
Quizlet
This is a study tool that helps students study by using quizzes and flashcards. Teachers can create flashcards for any topic and includes materials pronunciation in 18 languages making it ideal for foreign languages. They can be set up and sent to students to practice on their own.
Interactive PowerPoint/ Google Slides
Interactive PowerPoints and Google Slides are another great way to make your lessons more interactive and cut down on papers going back and forth. Through create a background and pieces, students can work to show what they know in a variety of areas. These can be used for discrimination tasks, labeling, and sorting as well as numerous other areas. These can be sent to students to complete independently or done with a teacher through screen sharing. There are numerous tutorials to help you with this process such as this YouTube video showing how to create a drag and drop activity.
Unique Learning System
This site includes a full curriculum for all ages that can be pushed out to students to complete. It can be set up by student level which will guide the sequencing of lessons.
Moby Max
Offers lessons to help fill the gaps for students after completing an assessment. Teachers can also assign lessons to students within their classrooms at varying lessons, which will then record data for teachers.
BrainPop and BrainPop Jr.
BrainPop uses varying types of interactive activities including videos, quizzes, art, story writing and many more, to keep students excited about learning. Some BrainPop topics include social skills, science, social studies, art, music, math, ELA, and more.
- Look for user guides, help pages and tutorials on platform websites to help get started.
- Google or YouTube search can provide a wealth of information when learning a new platform
- Teacher communities on social media can provide ideas and help with resources
- Using the same materials for in-person and virtual learning with some activities can cut down planning time
Additional teaching supports:
Language Arts/Reading:
- Readworks.org – Free resources working to fill the achievement gap through teacher guidance, integrated tools working improve reading comprehension.
- BeeLine Reader – available as a free chrome extension using an eye-guiding gradient to pull your eyes through long blocks of text to help you read more effectively and maintain better focus.
- The Fable Cottage – Listen to fairy tales reinvented with audio including options for Spanish, French, Italian and German. Premium version with videos and slow reading mode.
Math:
- Bedtime Math – Working to make math a part of the family routine. Variety of activities accessible through email subscription or through the app.
- Coolmath4kids – Web based math games working on a variety of skills and has online manipulatives
- Desmos – Digital classroom activities designed by teachers for teachers to celebrate the different ways student come to know mathematics allowing students to explore more deeply, collaborate with peers on problem-solving and apply knowledge creatively as mathematicians.
- Mathcelebrity.com – Step by step walk-throughs for math problems covering 3rd grade to college level mathematics. Offers free calculators as well as premium services.
- Math Score – Helps students to acquire a deep understanding of math by providing adaptive math practice that function as self-guided lessons.
Social Studies:
- New American History – Free resources with lessons and graphic organizers to uncover new ways to teach the past in light of the present.
- OER Project – Courses that make sense of our world by connecting the past to the present with an eye towards the future. Everything is free, online and totally adaptable to meet your students’ individual needs.
Science:
- Everyday Earth – Online, interactive STEP program aimed at 5-8th grade level that teaches Earth Science Education and Technology concepts by interactively exploring the landscapes around us.
- Science Friday – working to make science fun for everyone, there are a variety of podcast, videos and activities for all grade levels.
Multiple Skill Areas:
- 123 Homeschool4me – Free worksheets, hands on activities, printable games and more to make learning FUN!
- All Kids Network – Resources for parents, teachers and anyone who works with kids with thousands of activities from crafts, worksheets, dot to dots and more.
- Arcademics – Academic based video games to get kids playing and learning for k-8 students
- Belouga – Collaborative educational series and shows aligned to subject area, standards and global goals. Streaming learning activities blending real-world experiences and events with everyday classroom curriculum, all in a collaborative environment.
- DuckDuckMoose – part of the Khan Academy, Working to provide children’s learning in positive ways through apps encouraging exploration and learning in a safe and fun environment.
- Everyday Learning – Collection of original animation and wonderful visual images to introduce basic concepts of math, science, social studies, art and health to the youngest learners.
- Khan Academy – Practice exercise, instruction videos and a personalized learning dashboard that empowers learnings to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom with subjects ranging from math, science, computing, history, test prep (SAT, Praxis, LSAT) and more.
- Minecraft Education Edition – game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, collaboration and problem solving in an immersive digital environment.
- PBS Kids – Various videos and games spanning a range of topics.
- Sesame Street – videos, playful learning activities and ways to help stay physically and mentally healthy with new videos every week.
- Wonderopolois.com – Multi-disciplinary content that purposefully aligns to common core state standards and STEM Framework to jumpstart students’ critical thinking through articles, videos, discussion and quiz checks.
- National Center on Intensive Intervention – Intended to help educators and other building-based personnel find tools and resources to support students with intensive needs, including students with disabilities and those who have not responded to validated intervention programs delivered with fidelity.
Other areas:
- Duolingo – Various games to help learn foreign languages
- Metkids – Interactive website of the Metropolitan Museum of Art allowing kids to explore the museum including videos and hot spots of information.