Virtual learning tools for teachers include a combination of helpful programs and online learning platforms. Many teachers had to quickly learn new platforms and tools to distribute classwork and collaborate with their students for distance learning.
Both "virtual learning tools" and "distance learning tools" are interchangeable terms. Remote teaching and learning has very quickly become the reality for teachers around the world. There are so many wonderful interactive tools available online, and many seamlessly integrate with other applications. But which tools should you choose for your classroom?
Our list of best virtual learning tools should help teachers make the right decisions on which applications suit their various online subjects the best.
1. Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a great tool you can use during distance learning, but whether or not your school is going back to in person instruction. Created for teaching and learning, Google Classroom is an all-in-one tool that makes learning flexible and accessible from anywhere in the world. On its own, Google Classroom offers students a dynamic online learning environment.
One of the reasons why we love Google Classroom for distance learning is there are so many possibilities with what you can assign to your students. Students can collaborate with each other on shared Google Slides, take quizzes or exit tickets using Google Forms or complete assignments in Google Docs. Teachers save time when creating lesson plans, tracking student performance and using several creative tools to make course material more exciting.
Currently, there is a free version of Google Classroom. However, a paid version is on its way with add-ons and easy integration with other educational tools.
2. Flipgrid
Flipgrid is an ideal remote learning tool as well as a powerful homework based application for students to use with each other. Flipgrid gives both educators and students opportunities to share content in creative and unique ways.
Flipgrid(opens in new tab) is designed to allow students to speak to the group but without the same fear that might constrict responses in a real-world situation. Students can re-record responses, removing the pressure of answering in class, on the spot. Of course, it's also a great tool for use when learning remotely.
3. Edmodo
Edmodo supports teachers and students in and out of the classroom, and setting up a class for distance learning is easy. Edmodo's series of tools enables teachers to share course content, inspire collaboration and build an energetic and positive classroom. Parents can also receive updates about their kids' progress.
Edmodo takes on a more prominent role, offering the ability to upload various materials, lessons, quizzes, and homework and then share them with students. Edmodo has free accounts for teachers for quick and easy sign ups.
4. Zoom
Zoom supports remote and hybrid learning environments for primary and secondary schools, and higher education. Zoom gained popularity during the pandemic for its versatility as a presentation tool and webinar platform while students learned online.
Zoom sessions are much more interactive when everyone can see each other. Its security, live video class functionality and chat feature for social interaction make Zoom a useful distance learning tool.
5. Canva
Canva offers remote learning resources for teachers such as worksheets, templates and presentations at your fingertips. Canva offers thousands of high-quality, free, educational templates to teach online and drive learning outcomes.
Teachers can share engaging visual assignments for students to complete remotely, either individually or collaboratively, so students can work together anywhere, any time. Sign up for the free version or purchase one of their plans geared toward teachers and students.
Canva easily integrates with your preferred learning management system, including Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams.
6. Blackboard
Blackboard is an advanced LMS tool perfectly suited for kindergarten to high school. You can help instructors and students save time through their virtual classroom tool which flattens the learning curve typically requiring extensive collaboration software education.
This platform works on any device and it's easily accessible to all students. Blackboard Collaborate eliminates app installation barriers, allowing learners to join from anywhere on any internet-connected device. Blackboard Learn also gives teachers access to several third-party tools.
7. ClassDojo
ClassDojo helps you instantly reach and engage every family and student. And it helps teachers, families and children do remote learning quickly and easily.
ClassDojo's communication tool brings families, students and teachers together to create a supportive online community. Teachers can develop a fun learning experience with downloadable resource kits and ideas. They can also find resources that help integrate ClassDojo with their preferred learning management system.
8. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams brings the best of several worlds together under one roof. You can share your screen or notes, conduct presentations, promote chatting and bring everyone together through video conferencing.
Within Teams, educators can quickly converse with students, share files and websites, create a OneNote Class Notebook, and distribute and grade assignments.
9. Nearpod
Nearpod is a fantastic add-on for Google Slides and PowerPoint presentations. Teachers may use their own presentations or select from lessons and videos in their impressive template library. Build polls, games and collaborative boards to keep your students interested to learn. Nearpod promotes healthy social interaction between students. Nearpod includes free accounts for teachers!
10. Pear Deck
Pear Deck is a Google Slides add-on that helps teachers create engaging slides and support student interaction. Teachers can create presentations from scratch or add interactive questions to existing presentations.
Pear Deck has amazing features including a dashboard that’s available on a phone or tablet, the ability to show or hide student responses, features that let you send personalized notes to individual students and fun audio files to add to presentations.
11. Explain Everything Whiteboard
Explain Everything is the best interactive whiteboard for online and offline classrooms. It's a fabulous offline and online tool perfect for traditional and hybrid class environments. You can use your favorite video conferencing apps in tandem with Explain Everything Whiteboard to present your classroom projects and always stay on the same page with your audience.
It also encourages collaboration between teachers and students.
12. Bloomz
Bloomz is a one-stop platform that eliminates the need for multiple apps and concerns surrounding security. Bloomz allows teachers to connect, organize, and stay in touch with students and parents. Parents and teachers won't have to open and close several apps, making it simple and stress-free for you to communicate and share information.
Teachers have the option of selecting the free or premium upgraded classroom plan. The premium subscription comes with more features and benefits for $7.99 per month.
13. Khan Academy
As a non-profit organization, Khan Academy boasts a list of subjects for teachers and students to choose from including math, science, reading, language and life skills. All courses are suitable for students in grades 1 to 8 and beyond.
Khan Academy is free for students and teachers. Donations are welcome and encouraged to keep the platform accessible to everyone.
14. Seesaw
Seesaw provides a great alternative for creating learning loops that connect teachers, students, and parents. It provides a meaningful way for teachers to observe student performance and encourages the use of creative tools such as draw + record, video, creative canvas and more.
15. Kahoot!
Kahoot!'s online game quizzes gained popularity with students and teachers during the pandemic. Kids can access countless games from Kahoot!'s library or they can even make their own game.
Teachers can also distribute Kahoot! challenges to students for learning outside of the classroom. Kahoot! challenges integrate with Google Classroom and make it easy to track missed questions and scores to help determine where students may need more help.
16. Slack
Slack puts organization and communication together into one platform. It's easy for teachers to file course content related to individual topics, connect with students one-on-one or in groups, and send out relevant class material. Slack helps students get involved and remain engaged during online learning.
17. Prodigy Math Game
Prodigy Math Game is an adaptive learning platform for grades 1 to 8. Aligned to curriculum across the United States and around the world, you can be confident that students will stay engaged and learning no matter where they are.
Use your free teacher dashboard to easily differentiate math practice, send home assessment and get real-time insights into how students are learning — no grading required.
18. Buncee
Buncee makes it easy to create interactive course content that students love. Create presentations, lessons and many customizable virtual school activities from Buncee's Ideas Lab template library. Teachers can easily share links, downloadable files and group projects with students.
The Buncee dashboard can be accessed from Microsoft Teams, which makes it easy to open discussions, share resources and communicate with kids and their parents.
19. Hapara
Hapara is an organizational tool that allows educators to make learning workflows in Google Workspace. You can also use other edtech tools such as Pear Deck, Kahoot and EDpuzzle with Hapara to enhance the quality of course content.
It's no wonder that teachers embrace Hapara for its accessibility to curriculum-aligned lessons, privacy and security features.
20. Habyts
A mom who understands what it means to limit the time kids spend on social media created Habyts. This platform puts teachers in control of screen time, ensuring kids stay motivated and focused.
Habyts helps teachers and parents curb excessive screen time while promoting fun activities and learning for kids.
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