Tools for the Distance Learning Classroom
Below are resources that can be helpful in the IDL Classroom scenario. If you know of a tool or app that is worthy of letting others know, contact Audra to add to this page. There is also a private Facebook Group for IDL Teachers and Facilitators to have a place to network.
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Google Resources
Google has a variety of resources that are free to educators! Check them out HERE!
Tips & Best Practices
Distance learning has been around for years! Find out what others recommend HERE.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
You can still do parent/teacher conferences with distant students and parents! There are several different ways to do them. Here are a few ideas! CLICK HERE
Tips for Working with Students at Home
This is a unique situation! Here are a few tips to help teach in this type of scenario HERE.
Online Grade books/Response Systems:
Web Pages:
Google Sites - Go to your Drive to access Sites, build a site free
Wix - build free webpages
Collaborating Tools:
Padlet - create, share, and collaborate with content online
Peardeck - to use with Google Slides to make interactive questions and content
Trello - online collaboration space
Wakelet - a way to organize and share content online
Nearpod - a tool to help make lessons interactive including videos and assessments
Figma - whiteboard tool (replacing Jamboard).
Communication Tools:
Remind - text and email students or parents with reminders, announcements, due dates, etc..
AI Technology:
Diffit - create lesson plans quickly with AI technology. Free version available for worksheets, syllabus, etc...
Google Gemini - (formerly Bard) AI technology quickly creates lesson plans and aids in teaching.
Polling/Quizzing/Games:
Kahoot - a highly interactive way to have students answer questions.
Quizlet - an interactive way to have students answer questions. Create new content or use what others have created.
Quizizz - interactive way to quiz, poll, and question students
Poll Everywhere - an interactive way to have students answer questions.
Answer Garden - puts thoughts together, a collaborative option for students
BreakoutEDU - virtual "break out" games for classes, several free options
GooseChase - has free option, game to incorporate into lesson, taking pics
GimKit - online quizzing for interactive instruction
Resources for Videos & Editing:
Panopto - easily record content and share videos
Keepvid - hosts videos so you don't have to!
Kinoni - turn your phone camera into a webcam free
Loom - record screen casts
Flipgrid - everyone can create short videos (stored online) as feedback or a lesson
Screencastify - easily record, edit, and share videos
Edpuzzle - a tool to use with videos to ask questions and make videos interactive
Scheduling Appointments:
Google Calendar - Use the Appointment feature
Doodle - A free, easy way to request dates and times for availability. Zoom now integrates into scheduling.
Other Resources:
TeacherspayTeachers - free download IEP at a Glance IEPataGlance.doc and many other valuable documents!
Online/Distance Teaching Support information: http://facultysupport.com
Scavenger Hunt for Distance Learning Classes - CLICK HERE for ideas