What a time to be a teacher! Our classrooms have slowly been making the transition to digital learning. The process has been a little slower in the Pre-K to 2nd-grade level though. Fine motor skills still need to be developed, and trying to teach a kindergarten student to log in to their account can make you want to pull your hair out! : )
Despite the challenges to digital learning, we are at a time in history where learning these new platforms needs to be done at lightning speed! Teachers and students (and parents) are being asked to reach expert level knowledge in a very short amount of time.
Luckily, there are a ton of great platforms out there to connect with your students. Today I wanted to do a round-up of the most popular platforms for distance learning. My goal is to provide you with clear and concise guidance no matter which platform your school/district chooses to use!
Digital Learning Platform Tutorials
Below you will find blog posts and YouTube videos with educator tutorials. I tried to find ones that started with the basics to alleviate any frustration you may have.
Flip Grid Tutorial
Zoom Tutorial
Microsoft Teams Tutorial
Boom Cards with Distance Learning
Free Resources
I am so impressed with the number of companies that have stepped up to assist teachers and parents as they dive into this new digital world! Many of these services already offered free subscriptions for a short amount of time, but most of the ones on this list have extended that free subscription until the end of the school year!
I have personally used Raz-Kids, Khan Academy, ABCYa, and Pebble Go. I love that Raz-Kids has a picture log-in (HELLO – why can’t they all do that for kindergarten! : ) Khan Academy can be a little confusing for little learners, parental guidance is definitely needed, but it’s always free.
My students always LOVED AbcYa and their learning games. PebbleGo is a database of science and social studies information that I purchased for my school a couple of years ago. It was perfect for researching skills and something my students could navigate on their own.
Raz-Kids
Vooks
Scholastic Learn at Home
Time for Kids – Digital Library
ABCYa
Epic – Digital Library
Khan Academy
PBS Learning Media
PebbleGo
I will be adding to this post as I find new tutorials and free resources. Comment below with any resources or tutorials that you have found helpful. Teachers are the absolute best about sharing their knowledge and working together during difficult times! Stay safe out there and find something to be thankful for each and every day! : )
Also, check out the distance learning section of my website for freebies and tips to get you through this tricky time!