In the year 2020, there were many changes in the way students learned and teachers taught. During the pandemic, millions of children switched from face-to-face classroom instruction to some form of virtual education set up at home. During the first few months, teachers were unsure which virtual platform was best for their students. However, after the pandemic, they tested various tools and programs until they found their favorites.
What are online teaching tools?
Online teaching tools are digital resources that facilitate remote learning and enhance educational experiences. These tools include various software applications and platforms that enable teachers to conduct virtual classes, create interactive lessons, and engage students in multimedia content. Examples include video conferencing software for live lectures, learning management systems for organizing course materials, and interactive whiteboards for real-time collaboration. Online teaching tools offer flexibility in accessing educational materials from anywhere with an internet connection, catering to diverse learning styles and needs. They also enable teachers to provide personalized feedback, track student progress, and foster active participation in virtual classrooms. Overall, online teaching tools empower educators to deliver dynamic and effective instruction in the digital age.
Here are a few virtual online tools for teaching and learning to help you enrich your classroom:
1. Visme
It is a virtual tool that anyone can use to create reports, schedules, concept maps, presentations, and so on.Â
How can Visme assist teachers and students?Â
The tool assists teachers in creating content for their students, such as presentations and worksheets. Some of the solutions it provides for teachers are listed below:
- It will assist in creating class schedules in the form of presentations and sharing them with students, so they can stay on track with their weekly lessons. The class schedule templates are colorful and visually appealing, making it easier for students to remember the information.
- Teachers can use this tool to create lesson plan templates. There are a few templates available in this learning tool for creating lesson plans, which can be created and shared with students. The information can be easily downloaded and is available in pdf and image formats.
- Teachers can also use this tool to create report cards for the students. There are a few report card templates that teachers can use to inspire students to continue performing well for the rest of the school year.
- Teachers can use this tool to assign various types of assignments to their students. The students also can use this app to research project works, complete flexible worksheets, personalize certificates, create flashcards, and take quizzes.
Also Read: How teachers can use the best tools and resources available to create a modern classroom?
2. Google Classroom
Google Classrooms are online virtual classrooms. It is a learning management system that is part of the G Suite. This means that teachers can use Google apps to create lesson documents within Google Classroom. You must have a G Suite for education account to use the Google Classroom app.Â
Many Indian schools use Google Classroom apps to teach classes. The best part about Google Classroom is that teachers can create all of the content for classes using any software they want. For example, teachers can create lesson plans and import any visual or audio clips. In 2020, Google Classroom became easier to integrate with the Google Meet app. These advances in technology have made it even easier to conduct classes online.
3. Zoom
We all know that Zoom is often used for business meetings, but did you know that it also works well for online teaching? There are two ways to use Zoom: meetings and webinars. The most suitable for interactive online teaching is Zoom meetings. In Zoom meetings, the best thing is that teachers can break out students into different groups, called breakout rooms, which are like a normal classroom where a teacher can create small groups among the students.
4. A Web Whiteboard App
Aww is the perfect solution for teachers. This app is used to create a whiteboard for students to write on during class. This is a digital whiteboard that teachers can use as a note in a regular classroom board. The integration between Aww and June makes it easier to teach online. You can also import PDF and PowerPoint files into Aww.
5. Ted Talks
Ted Talks is also a great place to search for online resources for teaching. It may not be exactly for at-home learning, but it can be used as a repository. This website offers videos of 18-minute speeches by influential speakers on a variety of topics. They are experts in their fields, and there are even some talks by kids that can be greatly inspiring for students.
6. Dialpad
Dialpad is an online tool that provides an easy-to-use application for schools where teachers and students can meet, text, chat, and interact online. Dialpad is accessible on a variety of devices such as tablets, smartphones, computers, and laptops. Teachers can meet their students remotely and can create online classes instantly from anywhere in the world. They can also send out bulk SMS messages to check in with students on assignments and send any updates or announcements.
7. LightSail
LightSail is a program to keep up with students’ literacy progress. This program has already shown positive results in the classrooms. With the rapid spread of online learning, LightSail has adapted different features to teach more effectively. The LightSail app provides students with a variety of learning materials to improve their literacy. The app can track student progress, how much each student reads and how they are improving.
Benefits of online teaching tools
Online teaching tools offer numerous benefits for both educators and students. They provide flexibility in accessing educational content from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing for asynchronous learning and accommodating diverse schedules. These tools enhance engagement through interactive features such as multimedia presentations, quizzes, and virtual discussions, making learning more dynamic and enjoyable. Additionally, online teaching tools enable teachers to provide personalized feedback and track student progress more effectively, facilitating individualized instruction. They also promote student collaboration through shared documents, group projects, and online forums, fostering a sense of community in virtual classrooms. Furthermore, online teaching tools help bridge geographical barriers, enabling access to quality education for students in remote or underserved areas. Overall, these tools empower educators to deliver engaging and effective instruction while maximizing student learning outcomes.
What are the tools used to teach online?
Online teaching tools include video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Meet for live classes, learning management systems like Moodle or Canvas for organizing materials, interactive whiteboards such as Jamboard or Microsoft Whiteboard for collaborative learning, and screen sharing software for demonstrating concepts. These tools help teachers deliver engaging and effective instruction in virtual classrooms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, online teaching tools have become an essential part of education in the digital age. The tools mentioned above are all excellent options for educators and students to use to enhance the online learning experience. These tools provide a wide range of features that can assist teachers in creating engaging and interactive content, while also providing students with the resources they need to learn and grow.
FAQs
1. What are the tools used to teach online?
The tools used for online teaching include video conferencing platforms like Zoom, learning management systems such as Moodle, interactive whiteboards like Jamboard, and screen-sharing software.
2. Which device is best for online teaching?
The best device for online teaching depends on the educator’s needs and preferences. Generally, a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection is commonly used for online teaching due to its versatility and larger screen size.
3. What tools does a teacher use?
Teachers use various tools for online teaching, including video conferencing software for live lectures, learning management systems to organize course materials, interactive whiteboards for visual presentations, and screen-sharing software for demonstrating concepts.
4. What is the most powerful tool a teacher has?
The most powerful tool a teacher has is their ability to engage and inspire students. Effective communication, empathy, and adaptability are essential qualities that enable teachers to create meaningful learning experiences and foster student success.
5. How can you teach online easily?
Teaching online can be made easier by familiarizing oneself with technology tools, organizing course materials in a structured manner, engaging students through interactive activities, providing clear instructions, and establishing regular communication channels for support and feedback. If your goal is to enhance teaching methods and integrate cutting-edge technology into your school, Varthana offers assistance tailored to your needs. Our support aims to help your school’s development and progress. Typically, loan approvals from Varthana are processed within 5 to 7 business days, provided all required documentation is submitted promptly. Additionally, we offer a range of collateral options and flexible payment schedules designed to accommodate your financial requirements.
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