Top Ten Tech Tips for Virtual Learning

Hi Friends!

I've always believed that teachers are superheroes, but the last two months have proven that very fact to
the world!  In the midst of a global pandemic, teachers across the globe instantaneously shifted their
teaching from in-person to online - all to ensure that their students were safe and still receiving an
effective education.

In an effort to support teachers across the country on Teacher Appreciation Day, I am sharing my top ten
tech tips for virtual teaching!  These resources have transformed my virtual classroom in ways that I
could have never imaged two months ago.

10. Zoom or Google Meet

I will start with the obvious - Zoom and Google Meet.  Though they are stiff competition, these two
platforms have transformed the way that we are able to communicate with our students during online
learning. Instead of communicating via email, text, or phone call, Zoom and Google Meet allow face to
face interaction.  There is a world of possibilities for your teaching once you are connected to one another,
but even better, these platforms allow your students to stay easily connected with their teachers and peers.

To make more decisions on which platform best meets the needs of your students, click here.

9. Google Apps

Google apps have simplified the online learning process in so many ways.  It doesn't matter if your school
district is currently using Google Classroom, Schoology, or another online learning platform, Google has
simplified the process of sharing resources with your students.  Whether you are looking into Google slides,
Google forms, Google docs, Google keep, or Google meets, online learning has never been simpler or more
streamlined for your students. For more information on Google apps, I recommend watching several
different videos from Daniel Mault's Launch Into Tech Virtual Conference here.

8. Digital Pixels

As we are nearing the end of the school year, keeping your students engaged and excited about
completing their school work is becoming more and more difficult.  Digital pixels are a fun, engaging way
for your students to practice skills, receive immediate feedback, and be intrigued by the 'magic' of
technology!  Using digital pixels in google sheets, your students answer certain questions, and if they
answer correctly, google sheets colors a picture for your students!  It is amazing!  There are many digital
pixels that you can purchase premade on TPT, or you can make your own.  To learn more, watch this
video.

7. Gimkit

Still on the topic of keeping your students engaged is Gimkit!  Gimkit is a review game, similar in concept
to Kahoot or Quizlet.  However, with Gimkit, kids are able to earn "money".  Gimkit has even made it
simple to share your game with your students through a link, google classroom, or remind, and gives a
comprehensive report at the end.  This may be fun to do inside your Google Hangouts with your classes
to hook your students and boost attendance.

6. Free Trials

Due to the recent changes in education, many websites are offering free trials of their incredible resources! 
This is a great time to investigate different programs that you may be interested in using in the future.  For
a list of websites and programs that are offering free accounts and free trials, click here.

5. Free Webinars

This is the best time to grow your mind!  On days that I feel like my creativity tank is empty, I am quick to
sign up for various webinars that are available online.  There are many different places to sign up for these
webinars.  For a list of my favorites, see below.

ASCD

edWeb

Teachers First

4. "What Happens when CoronaVirus Changes Everything?"

If you're looking for a free resource to open a conversation with your class about COVID-19, a teacher has
made a booklet at the following link.  It is completely free and will download as a PDF to share with your
students.  You can even change the age range if you want to use it at home with your personal kids.  To
access this free booklet, click here.

3. YouTube Professional Development 

As we all know, this virus has completely changed the game in education.  So many school districts were
not at all prepared for what this situation would throw at them, and even the ones that were somewhat
prepared didn't have training on all of the new resources that would come out.

One of the best ways I have been able to keep up with all of the digital resources is by watching YouTube
videos!  There are many different channels that I have found helpful.  See my favorite YouTube channels
here.

Daniel Mault's Launch Into Tech Virtual Conference

Carl Hooker's YouTube channel

Daniel Mault's edTech Playlist

Eric Curts' YouTube channel

2. App Smashing

I would not suggest that you jump straight into app smashing, but once you feel you have mastered a few
different apps in your classroom, app smashing will make learning come to life for your students!  Essentially,
app smashing is taking a few apps and combining the apps' capabilities to create complex and interesting
projects for your students.

There are many different apps that you can use for app smashing - Google apps (Google Slides, Google
Forms, Google Docs, etc.), Notes, iMovie, Paper 53, Adobe voice, Pic CollageBook Creator, Explain
Everything, and many more.  Honestly, with app smashing, the possibilities are endless!

If your students do not have a good understanding of the apps you intend to use, they may not be ready
for app smashing!  Make sure to introduce the apps individually before you require your students to combine
them.

For examples of app-smashing projects completed by other teachers, visit this link.

1. Take it slow!

The internet is full of different options for educators to explore as they venture into digital learning.  There
is no way that you will be able to master every single option available to teachers.  Look into a few
options, find one that you think might benefit your teaching, and try it!  If it works, great! But, if it doesn't
work, that's okay!  Don't waste your time on an idea that does not benefit your schedule, your mind, and
your students.

Are there any virtual teaching tech tips that you feel I missed? I'd love to hear any of your suggestions
in the comments!