3 Tools That Can Help With Online Learning
The evolution of technology has prompted the education sector to adopt new learning techniques, especially during these pandemic times. Online learning tools are an effective way of ensuring your learners continue with the learning process. The following piece will give an insight into three tools that can help with online learning.
Google Classroom
Google classroom is an integrated learning management system that creates, distributes, and evaluates assignments. You get to engage your learners in learning online. The Google application allows teachers and students to organize, communicate, collaborate and manage tasks.
You get the ideal platform to create and distribute assignments through Google Drive and communicate with your students through Gmail. The only way to access the virtual classroom is through the institution’s database via a code.
Google Classroom features:
1. Type of Learning
The application allows you to get streamlined feedback and virtual collaboration. You enjoy an enhanced online social learning aspect, where your students benefit from the skills and experiences of their peers. As the teacher, you can design digital-based learning activities.
2. Access
You can access the tool from your computer, tablet, or mobile phone
3. Ease of Use
Quick and easy to set up, convenient login, receive and turn in tasks effortlessly.
4. Accessibility
Google classroom integrates features that accommodate learners with visual impairment:
• Screen readers
• Talkback on android
• VoiceOver on iOS
5. Free
Google Classroom is a free tool available for all learners and teachers in various institutions across the globe.
Incorporation of the SAMR Model into Google Classroom
The SAMR model allows you to evaluate how an application gets integrated into the classroom. Google Classroom ties in Google Slides, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Grading tools to enhance learning. It fits in this model through:
1. Substitution
• Use Google Docs when writing a report
• Google sheets to provide live updates
• Google Calendar for due dates
2. Augmentation
• Track how students turn in their work
• Highlight student exemplars
3. Modification
• Use Google Forms to create your grading assessment
• Create groups
• Draw collaboratively using Google Draw
4. Redefinition
• You can invite another tutor to do a guest lecture via Video Chat
Pear Deck
Pear Deck is a presentation and lesson delivery app that you can use via the internet or integrate with various programs such as the online ide where your students can code with ease. You create Pear Deck sessions where your students get to join using codes. The learners access slideshows on a classroom screen.
It is also a tool that enhances communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. It combines slide presentations with immersive questions that help promote inquiry-based learning. Your students get to work independently.
Pear Deck offers the following features
• Help articles
• User forum
• Student Locks and Timers
• Lesson creation
• Templates
• Flashcard Factory
• Sample question gallery
• Platform to work with whiteboards and traditional projectors
• It integrates with all Google apps
Pear Deck is effective for:
• Assessment
• Classroom management
• Instructional strategies
• Formative assessment
Pear Deck is free to use, although you have the option to upgrade to an individual premium where you pay an annual fee of $149.99.
Canvas
Canvas is an online learning management system used by educators, students, and institutions to access and manage learning materials and assesses student learning. You can access the platform via your mobile device through the following apps:
• Canvas Teacher
• Canvas Parent
• Canvas Student
Canvas integrates various course construction and management features where you create standout and accessible teaching and learning scenarios. You can create and share information through:
• Assignments
• Modules
• Pages
• Discussions
• Quizzes
Collaborative learning experience gets achieved through Conferences, Groups, and Collaborations. Your institution can add institutional learning outcomes, which measure and analyze student learning achievement and skill development.
Grade your students using the SpeedGrader. Additionally, manage the grades using the Canvas Gradebook. Facilitate real-time lesson interactions using Chat, Announcements, Calendar, and Syllabus.
Additional Canvas features include:
• Canvas Analytics
• Canvas Data Services
• Canvas Catalog to cater for registration, enrollment, and course payments.
• Canvas Studio for video management
Conclusion
The above three online learning tools are just a few. There are many more for you to try out including, Edpuzzle, Microsoft Teams, Edmodo, Socrative, Loom, and so much more. Choose the tool that best fits your objectives and preferences.