What are the best distance learning tools for teachers to use in this pandemic and quarantine period? A teacher with distance learning experience usually took preparation courses and gradually started the virtual environment, testing tools, and strategies with adequate time to include them into his routine.
This is not what happened to most teachers in the quarantine period during the COVID-19 outbreak. To collaborate with planning in these atypical times, we list the distance learning tools you can use most in your classes.
Best Distance Learning Tools For Teachers
To collaborate with planning in these atypical times, we list the best distance learning tools you can use most in your classes.
1. RecordCast
One of the best distance learning tools and an excellent resource for recording your lessons. A video tool that allows you to record your computer screen. You choose whether you want your image to also appear in a smaller box while explaining or whether only your screen is visible.
After filming, it is also possible to trim parts of the beginning or end of the video. In its beta version, the maximum video time is 30 minutes. Click HERE to access the website and create your account.
2. Screencast-o-Matic
A tool that has the same functions as the previous one: it records your computer screen, with you appearing or not. In particular, you will find it even simpler to use.
In the free version, videos can take up to 15 minutes. You can have both, saved it as a Chrome extension and use it a lot. Click HERE to access the site.
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3. Loom
It is also one of the best distance learning tools that records your computer screen (the last one on the list), but with a feature that the others do not have, you can choose three different sizes when you also appear on the screen. I like this possibility, and I think the interaction with the student is more real. There is a free version, but if you are a teacher and have institutional email, the professional version is a gift!
After recording, it is also possible to make cuts at the beginning and end of the video, and your films are on the Loom platform itself. To share, you copy the link and post wherever you want. A defect: be patient when waiting for the video to load on the platform right after it is recorded, and it can take a long time. Click HERE to know.
4. Google Drive and its tools
You may have Gmail, but you’ve never used Google Drive. Of course, it’s a matter of habit to find it simple, but it’s a game-changer! Among other functions, it is possible to organize and create documents inside the drive (slides, forms, spreadsheets, etc.) and straightforwardly share everything.
To start exploring, click on the same symbol that appears below in your Gmail options.
Also Read: Tips For Effective Online Teaching And Learning
5. Google Classroom
It is a distance learning platform where you create classes and include your students as a teacher. It is possible to organize tasks with a deadline to be performed, send materials and links, take questions through chat, correct and grade, among other features.
It is an excellent and free resource. As it is necessary to have Gmail for the student to participate, it is usually an option for older students. But it is also possible to do it with the youngest, as long as the parents are responsible for entering ‘the classroom’ to check the tasks. Like drive, it’s accessed directly from Gmail.
6. Google Meet
To give classes in real-time, where students and teachers meet in a kind of virtual room. The teacher marks the class in the google calendar and sends the link (or chooses to send an automatic invitation) to the students, who must also have the application and click on the link on the favored day and time. Not all distance classes need to be in real-time, but this is a free and straightforward option if a meeting is necessary.
There are many other distance learning tools, but the ones listed above are the essential ones, the ones you can’t even imagine how to teach from a distance without knowing them. Explore, do tests, try to use them and you will realize that everything is a matter of custom. At first, it may not seem so simple, but with use, everything is more comfortable.
Also Read: How E-Learning Is Changing The Education Sector?
7. VEED
VEED is an easy-to-use online video editor. It is also a free online screen recorder. VEED is the easiest way to record and capture your screen online. It works on Windows or Mac computers; no software download or plugin is required. You can also add subtitles, create overlays, cut between scenes, and much more.
VEED can undoubtedly one of the best distance learning tools. It is beneficial both for teachers and students. VEED’s screen recorder is perfect for demonstrations, walk-through videos, annotated videos, and much more.
Screen recording helps teachers and learners to review some materials or lessons at their own pace. It’s used by thousands of content creators – marketers, teachers, creatives – focusing on producing material that engages and grows audiences.
They are developing new features all the time and have excellent customer service (with a Live Chat) if you ever need help.
Distance learning is a complicated setup for most of us, but with the help of some distance learning tools, everything can become much more manageable. This is a timely post that provides some helpful distance learning tools. This post share the same plan: to help those in need, especially students and teachers.
Also Read: The Importance Of Technology In Education
Image by Mudassar Iqbal