Whether you’re just thinking about distance learning now, or you’ve used a flipped model for years, there are so many (free) tools out there to assist you. The benefit is anything you make to use for distance learning can be used in the future for classroom learning. For instance, let’s say you start creating videos solely for the reason of school closure – those videos can be used again in the future as a practice resource or small group activity. Flipped instruction takes time upfront, but putting the time in now will allow for less time spent later! Let’s take a look at some great resources for distance or flipped instruction.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is an incredibly powerful option to engage students outside of our classroom walls. Post materials including videos and links, questions, assignments, and announcements to keep your learners current with the curriculum. I know in my own district of East Bridgewater, teachers use this tool frequently. When students come back from a trip or illness, a teacher will simply state, “Check Google Classroom for your missed work.” This is a wonderful way to make learning accessible. Below, I’ve included my tip of “Chrome at Home” which shows how students can sign in to their own Chrome account at home and access Google Classroom as well as a Google Classroom Tutorial that has many tips and tricks.
Screencastify
Screencastify integrates with Google Classroom as well and is a GREAT tool to provide students with video instruction. In 30 seconds or less, you can create the video, click a button and send it to Classroom. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it allows students access to your lesson via video. You could go one step further and use your video in Google Slides with PearDeck or pull it into EdPuzzle and add questions! This has been a favorite tool of mine for YEARS!
PearDeck Student Paced Mode
Do you already teach your class using Google Slides? If your answer is yes, consider putting your slides in student-paced mode. Students can then access your slides via Google Classroom and work on them at their own pace. You, as the teacher, can them return to the Slide Deck and see student responses. Click here to learn more.
If you do not have Pear Deck Premium and find that you will need it due to school closings, you can request access here.
I have included how to use Pear Deck for remote access below as well as a Pear Deck Slides Tutorial.
EdPuzzle
If you teach with video, including video you create, EdPuzzle is a great option that syncs with Google Classroom and will allow you to see REAL time data. You can see how many students, and which students, viewed the video. Even better, EdPuzzle prevents skipping so students HAVE to watch it. You can add questions and checkpoints and EdPuzzle will grade it for you! This is a VERY userfriendly tool to use. Check out this video below by Richard Byrne of how to use this great tool and access more information about EdPuzzle here.
Kami
Recently, Kami offered all users free premium access for distance learning in light of recent school closings in part of the country. Kami Premium integrates with Google Classroom quite easily. Check out Kami and how to use it by clicking here.
For more:
If you are interested in this topic, check out the interview here that was recently conducted with an American teacher in China going through school closure, and distance learning, right now. It’s quite interesting.
Do you have a favorite tool for flipped instruction? Share it!
TRULY take care everyone,
oFISHally yours,
Very timely information Erin. I am wondering if you know approximately how many teachers would be able to pick up and continue to teach their current classes using these resources if schools were asked to close doors to students.
Thanks,
Amy
That’s a great question, Amy! Google Classroom is widely used and Screencastify is super user-friendly. I think the larger barrier we may have, however, in public education is access at home.