Online education, in some capacity, is here to stay. It has become a significant alternative for many districts and for many different reasons. As teachers, administrators, and students adjust and consider online teaching possibilities alongside in-person classrooms, many resources are available to help smooth out some of the inevitable bumps. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips and tools to reference as you navigate the world of online learning.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re a parent who’s decided to homeschool or a teacher with circumstances that require some teaching to be based online, these tips will help you navigate and become more familiar with the online education world. For some quick and curated resources, you can also check out Schoolyard Connect, our free resource and idea hub for educators!
Student Support
- Start small. It’s easy for students to get overwhelmed with a different routine, so try to choose one thing to start with. Avoid overloading students and parents by asking them to download and test too many applications or platforms.
- Start by emphasizing learning and concentrating less on the grades. Adjust expectations and be flexible with deadlines.
- Direct students toward free and readily available tools for all abilities and backgrounds.
- Focus on formative assessment and checking for understanding rather than summative assessment. This allows you to see where your students are in their learning journey and identify strengths and struggles.
Family Support
- Consider that some families may have differing priorities, and you may not receive the same engagement from all students and families.
- Announce expectations and guidelines to families early on in the process. Communicate as much as possible throughout the learning experience with positive, encouraging, supportive, and consistent messages.
- Create virtual communities to ensure regular human interactions, enable social caring measures, and address possible psychosocial challenges students may face when isolated.
Teacher Support
- Schedule regular in-person staff meetings, as well as a call-in option.
- Check on your staff daily to see how they are progressing. This can be done via text, phone, or video chat.
- Share successes and achievements regularly, no matter how big or small.
Digital Tools
While some schools and districts already have specific platforms and digital tools for online learning, you may be looking for helpful resources for the transition. Check out this list of options for a wide variety of needs:
Platform Tools
Assessment Tools
Instructional Tools
Conferencing Tools
Websites
You can also take advantage of some free resources from the federal government to help teachers create inspiring lessons and help students develop their online research skills. And when summer hits, ensure your students don’t suffer learning loss from the summer slide by introducing a few great online tools to keep them engaged in learning all year.
Introducing online learning options is an adjustment for educators and families. However, it’s also an opportunity for creativity and ingenuity as you find solutions to keep young minds actively learning and engaged. We encourage you to share your ideas and tips for making online learning a success!
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