Digital Resources
Video Platforms
Choosing your video platform is a great place to start! Your district might have a preferred video platform to use, so be sure to check on that! These platforms offer great resources and generally do the same thing. Within these video platforms you can chat with your students, talk to parents, have a staff meeting or PLC.
Click the the application title to get the link!
Zoom is a video conferencing platform that allows for video or using a phone to join. The "host" of the meeting has many options and controls over the meeting like allowing or disabling video, audio, or screen sharing for all participants. A password and waiting room feature is also available to add additional security. There is also a chat feature that allows participants to message the whole group or certain people. Zoom has a free account that allows for calls for up to 40 minutes with a limit of 100 participants. Additional features become available with paid plans that can be purchased by an individual or an entire school or district.
Google Meet is a free, video conferencing platform where you are able to use video or a "phone call in" feature. Participants can share their screen, mute themselves, and use the chat section to communicate. You can record your meetings and there is also a closed captioning feature. The "host" can also mute and remove other participants from the meeting if needed. Google Meet is also now integrated with Google Classroom.
Chrome Extensions you might consider:
Grid View- to see everyone at once
Meeting Attendance- to keep track of who comes
Push to Talk- press space bar to unmute to share
Nod Reactions- raise hand, thumbs up while on mute
Making Videos for Students
Making videos for all students is a must! You might be recording directions, reading a book or engaging with your students in another way. Here are some video services you can choose from.
Screencast O'Matic is a program that can be downloaded to your device to record videos. This can include your screen, your webcam, or both. Once recorded, these video can be saved as a video file or uploaded directly to YouTube. The free version of Screencast O'Matic allows you to record an unlimited amount of videos up to 15 minutes long, adjust the size of the screen recording box, and record audio from the device microphone. Additional features like video editing become available with a paid plan. This plan may be purchased by an individual or an entire school or district.
Screencastify is a free video chrome extension to make videos. The free version will only allow you 5 minutes of filming time, but their are upgraded versions that you can buy. Screencastify allows you to screen capture your device's screen, allows you to embed a video of yourself using your web camera at the same time you are recording your device's screen. Once you stop recording, it will automatically save to your Google Drive and you can use a shareable video link to share with your students!
Loom is a free video chrome extension to make videos. You can make screen capture, screen capture with video in corner, or a video. There is a count down to start recording. Once you stop recording, it will bring you to a new tab to copy the sharable video link. No uploading or sharing settings needed!
Loom has created a How-To folder for reference
Here is a How-To use loom video by Leanne Rose
Flipgrid is 100% free for all educators, learners, and families. Engage and empower every voice in your classroom or at home by recording and sharing short, awesome videos...together!
Flipgrid Professional Development by Melissa Canter
QuickTime Player is usually installed on most Apple computers, but can also be downloaded to PCs. This free program allows you to watch and edit videos, and can also record your screen and audio. There is no limit to how long the video can be or how many can be recorded.
Using Google Sites
For both teachers and students, Google Sites can help! It can be beneficial for teachers to have website all about their class. Check out these videos below to help you get started. For upper grades, consider having the students make their own Google Site to post a digital portfolio of their work.
Google Sites Overview.mp4Google Sites Overview
This video goes over how to use Google Sites and its features.
Google Sites Embedding a Calendar with Docs .webmEmbedding in Google Sites
This video goes over how to embed in your Google Sites pages. It also goes over how to use a Google Doc as a classroom calendar of assignments.
Translation Tools
It is important that ALL students and families can be communicated and connected with. You might have a need to translate your communication and directions. Here are translation tools you can use anytime.
Talking Points is a free text messaging application that allows you to communicate with parents and/or students through multilingual text messages.
Google's free service instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.
Ways to Create Content
As a teacher, you want to create interactive, engaging and memorable content! Here are a few ways to make your lessons epic, in virtual learning or in person.
You can create, edit, collaborate, and present wherever you are
8 Great ways to Use Google Slides Podcast for teachers
Presentation software that uses motion, zoom, and spatial relationships to bring your ideas to life
Create unique experiences with interactive images, videos & 360° media
Class App
Make a Class App with Google Slides
Students can save to a mobile device and bookmark on a Chromebook!
Teachers can change the weekly update and announcements and the new information will be there when the App is opened and or refreshed!
You'll never hear..."I didn't know" again!
Click the link below for a forced copy and change to fit your needs!
Digital Lesson Planner
Digital Lesson Planbook
Need a lesson planbook?
This resource has over 250 slides for the school year.
Click on the month for monthly view.
Click on the flower on any page to take you back to the monthly view
Click on the house to get back to the monthly choices
The month view has Mondays highlighted to break down into a weekly view
Click on the day to write out plans for that day
Click the button below for a copy!
NC DPI Digital Teaching & Learning Resources
The Digital Teaching & Learning (DTL) department at NC DPI has resources on their website including DTL standards and competencies, digital learning resources and information, open education resources.
Click here or on the picture to the left to access their website.