We know there are plenty of blogs and sites out there sharing tools on this subject but we wanted to share just a handful we feel aren't as commonly talked about. We will continue to update this list when we come across new worthy tools. We also welcome you to connect with us if you would like to share any tools for this toolkit :)
1.Future Learn How To Learn Online
link: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/teach-online The first thing we would like to share is this free course on Future Learn. The course was very helpful for educators who want to gain confidence in online teaching. The lesson plan covers best practices and tools to become a fantastic teacher in your virtual classroom. It comes with extra perks of a community you can connect with or ask questions and on completion you earn a certificate!
2. Snap Camera Filters
Link: https://snapcamera.snapchat.com/
Many of us are teaching on Zoom or Google Hangouts now. Somedays it feels extra difficult to keep students engaged and connect with them through the webcam. We've discovered a little tool that catches students attention during Zoom classes called Snap Camera. It's a tool that provides different filters for your web camera so you can show up to virtual class in all kinds of fun looks. All you have to do is download the app, and in your Zoom or Google Hangouts select Snap Camera under the video settings. It brings some laughs, creativity and it's amazing for occasions like Halloween where I got students to use the app for a virtual Halloween costume party.
3. Miro Collaboration Whiteboard
link: https://miro.com/
Google Jamboard is pretty popular but if you need to also add file documents like PDFs, PowerPoints or WordDocs then Miro is a better mind map tool. Its free for up to 3 boards but the boards have plenty of space. Students do have to sign in to collaborate but it can be easily done with the Google Sign In button.
4. Sketchful Online Game
link: https://sketchful.io We are big advocates of games for learning. Kahoot has been great but we want to encourage new varieties. We recommend Sketchful, a multiplayer free to play Pictionary game! Every round, one person gets to choose a word (easy, medium or difficult) and draw it to their best ability. The rest of the players have to guess what they think the word is as fast as they can. The person with the most points at the end of the game is the winner! Lots of fun custom avatars and no student logins required, just share the link for them to join the game room on a browser!
5. Flippity
link: https://flippity.net/
Easily turn a Google™ Spreadsheet into a set of online flashcards and other cool stuff with Flippity. This is a really handy tool for DIY teachers out there, just pick a template and key in the info you want from a spreadsheet or just type it in on the site it self. We found the board game template a great one if you were keen on some DIY classroom gamification.
Keep up the great work teachers! You are investing in the next generation for us :)