Teaching online can be tough. Finding the right tools, figuring out how to run learning systems, and communicating with your students isn’t easy. Staring at a computer screen all day can leave you feeling rundown and unmotivated. However, with these five online teaching tools, you’ll be ready to tackle anything!
1. A Video Call App
One of the most important things for teaching online is your access to a video call app. Whether or not you hold regular video call meetings to instruct your students is up to you. However, you should have an application ready for your students to call and chat with you if needed.
Zoom
Zoom’s popularity skyrocketed after COVID-19 began, with thousands of teachers and students using the app for online video calls. Zoom offers amazing, helpful features such as joining from different devices and screen-sharing.
Students can join from any device, which means that they’re able to dial into your call via cell phone, connect using a laptop, or even connect using other smart devices. You’re also able to screen-share any learning material. Plus, you can record the lesson for those who can’t make it live.
Google Meet
Google Meet is popular especially for those who choose to use other Google Suite functions, including Google Hangouts or Google Classroom. It has great features like live captioning, which gives your hard-of-hearing students the chance to really understand your material. Their live chat feature also allows for many functions, including sending and receiving files, links, and direct messages.
Skype
Skype has been a long-popular video call service. It allows for both video and audio calls, which is great for students who need the added privacy or accessibility of not using their video camera. It also has live captioning features, as well as availability via a wide range of devices, including phone, laptop, Alexa, and even Xbox.
2. Remind
Remind is a messaging system option. This tool mostly functions as a way for you to communicate directly with parents via direct messaging, although you can contact students as well. Remind also offers the user to be reminded of upcoming assignments, due dates, and other responsibilities, which can help students stay on track.
3. A Live Chat Tool
Staying in touch with your students while teaching online can be tricky. Many online learning platforms don’t have the option for a live chat. Oftentimes, students have questions that they need answered quickly, and sending an email can result in the question being unanswered for days.
Some great live chat options for your students include:
- Google Hangouts. Google Hangouts is great because it is connected to all other Google platforms. If your students are using Google Classroom or Google Meet functions, it’s easy for them to connect to you via Google Hangouts. Plus, if you use Gmail for your email service, the function is only a click away.
- Chatzy. Chatzy is a very basic live chat service. It’s a separate website, not connected to any specific online platform, but gives your students the ability to connect with each other and chat live.
- Slack. Slack is a great online platform that allows for live chat functionality. You can create a classroom or group on Slack and allow conversations to flow naturally. It’s great for students who don’t like to participate via Zoom, but want to express what they have to say.
4. An Online Teaching Platform
One of the most important online teaching tools that you can have as a teacher is a good online learning platform. This platform is where you will post all of your discussion boards, assignments, and tests. It’s a one-stop location for your students to know everything that’s going on. There are many great options for online learning, which can make it difficult for you to pick one.
Blackboard
Blackboard is a well-used online platform for education. On Blackboard you can view and post course items and learning materials, separate items into folders, take tests and quizzes, turn in assignments, and create discussion boards. It’s easy to use, and very accessible.
Canvas
Canvas allows you to post assignments, link to outside resources such as Google Suite, Amazon Education, and more, as well as create and post a calendar of assignments. Like Blackboard, it’s pretty accessible and the features are rather streamlined, making it easy for both you and your students to use. It also allows you to see student activity, for added security.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is great for its functionality. Since Google Meet and Google Hangouts is linked to Classroom itself, it makes it easy to plan, post, and create events and learning materials. You’re able to post discussions, tests, quizzes, and homework assignments, as well as link all of these to Google Suite.
5. Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform that allows you to create a wide range of material. Canva is a great resource for online teachers and learning. As an online teacher, you can use Canva to:
- Design assignments. Canva has a great function that allows you to either choose from a template or create your own design entirely. The site gives you access to templates such as worksheets, reports, and even class schedules.
- Design presentations. If you like to add more personality into presentations, Canva is a fantastic option. Canva allows you to design your presentation completely how you desire. Unlike Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint, which can be difficult to work with and less visually appealing, Canva has many great options.
- Stay organized. Canva has many templates that allow for organization in your classroom. Class schedules, idea mapping, lesson plans, and even program templates are all available.
Perfect Online Teaching with These Tools
While it may seem hard, you can master online teaching with just these five tools. With the right video call, chat, and online learning platform, you and your students can be successful. Don’t let bad internet be the reason you struggle! Contact Nomad Internet today for your reliable internet plan.