Teaching requires many talents and skills, including flexibility. While we may learn to expect the unexpected, nothing could prepare us for the situation we currently face; schools closed due to a pandemic. As people across the country attempt to adjust to a new normal of sheltering in place and social distancing, teachers have the added challenge of continuing to provide students with a quality learning experience through distance education. This would be no easy task even under normal circumstances, but thankfully, there are ways to help keep students engaged in a manageable way. From a company dedicated to educators helping educators, to an app where students can record short videos for the whole class to see, here, you will find tools and resources to make distance education easier and more enjoyable!
Teachers pay Teachers (TpT)
www.teacherspayteachers.com
If you are in need for a quick, digital or printable activity, TpT is the place to find it! TpT is an online marketplace where educators create resources for fellow educators (and parents too!) whether in-person or online. Resources include digital workbooks, STEM projects, and so much more.
- Over 3 million resources for Pre-k- 12th grade
- Filter resources for what you are looking for, including by subject, grade level, and price. Many resources are free!
- Try the NEW feature of filtering for Distance Learning!
- Have you heard about TpT ClassFund? Do you assistance with classroom funds? Create a TpT ClassFund campaign to raise money for supplies!
***Did you know the StudentSavvy store on TpT has over 50 free resources for teachers? Find them here!
Zoom
zoom.us
Zoom offers video conferencing across many platforms, including desktop computers and mobile devices.
- Zoom is temporarily lifting the 40-minute meeting time limit on free basic accounts for schools affected by the Coronavirus!
- Offers daily live and pre-recorded trainings
- Meet with an entire class, or 1 on 1
- Upgrade to a Zoom Education account with advanced features like unlimited meetings with up to 300 people!
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a place where teachers can keep class content organized and accessible for themselves and students!
- Post assignments and resources
- Students and teachers can share content
- Host class discussions
- Guardians can create accounts to have summaries of students’ assignments, grades, and class activities.
- Integrates with other Google products such as Google Docs and Google Slides to create assignments and study guides, even allowing you to collaborate with students.
- Integrate resources to enhance the learning experience, such as:
- The website for the American Museum of Natural History allows articles and curriculum to be shared directly from the site to Google Classroom. amnh.org
- PBS LearningMedia™ gives access to lesson plans, videos, audio, documents and interactives all up to Common Core and national standards. Resources can be shared to Google Classroom directly from their site and are free for PreK-12 educators! pbslearningmedia.org
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- NetTrekker can be used by teachers and students as a search engine to find standards-aligned, educator-evaluated, free education resources. It utilizes the Knovation Content Collection’s database of information, and articles can be shared directly to Google Classroom. knovationlearning.com/school-solutions/nettrekker
- Did you know you can become a Google Certified Educator?
“Designed for educators and classroom teachers who wish to demonstrate proficiency in using Google for Education tools.”[1]
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- Level 1 certification indicates proficiency in implementing google products fundamentals to enhance and supplement teaching. Approximately 13 hours of self-paced online training, followed by an exam. Exam registration is $10.
- Level 2 certification indicates an advanced proficiency in implementing a wider variety of google products to enhance and supplement teaching. Approximately 13 hours of self-paced online training, followed by an exam. Exam registration is $25.
Flipgrid
info.flipgrid.com
Flipgrid offers a platform to create 2-minute videos to share amongst a private group of people.
- Teachers can provide a topic, or use Flipgrid’s over 12K topics, and students can create videos with their response to share with the class.
- Presentations, video journals, one on one meetings
- Fun way to encourage communication
- Easily share links to Flipgrids and add them to assignments in Google Classroom!
- Did I mention it is free?
Screencastify
www.screencastify.com
Screencastify is a platform that makes it simple to record, edit and share videos.
- Integrates with Chrome browsers
- Records HD videos that save directly to Google Drive, and can be shared through e-mail or Google Classroom
- Use a variety of ways, including to demonstrate projects, give feedback to students, or send messages to guardians
- Students can send messages to present research or ask questions
- More personal than written correspondence
- Videos up to 5 minutes are free, or upgrade for $49 a year for unlimited recording lengths and expanded editing features.
Google Slides
Google Slides is one of the most useful, and versatile apps in Google Suite. For example, it facilitates the creation of study guides, interactive assignments, and collaborative projects. Below are just a few resources that are used in Google Slides!
US History Interactive Google Slides
Earth Science Interactive Google Slides
Ancient Civilizations Interactive Google Slides
Medieval Times Interactive Google Slides
US History Student Projects in Google Slides {Digital Timeline, Digital Brochure, Digital Poster}
Earth Science Student Projects in Google Slides {Digital Timeline, Digital Brochure, Digital Poster}
You can find ALL StudentSavvy Google Classroom and Distance Learning Resources here!
I hope you found inspiration for your distance learning journey! It is now more apparent than ever that we are all in this together. And, while we can’t provide the same environment we typically do for our students or children, we can certainly offer engaging ways to keep them learning and growing during these uncertain times.
Wishing you and your loved ones continued health and safety!
Want to stay up to date on all Distance Learning resources (and get reminders when new ones are added?) Click here!
[1] https://teachercenter.withgoogle.com/certification
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