Remote learning can be challenging for both students and teachers. The following list assumes that the student has all the relevant equipment and a strong Wi-Fi connection in order to set up an effective virtual learning environment. This post will discuss some of the online tools that teachers require in order to deliver excellent and efficient teaching.

Online Presentations 

Without a doubt, online presentations on PowerPoint have emerged as extremely valuable and relevant as an alternative to face-to-face teaching. Teachers can present important areas of the curriculum through online presentations; these are particularly effective for students who learn more effectively through listening to their teacher explain concepts.

Student Messaging

It is important that teachers keep in contact with their students in order for them to keep track of how they are finding the course, if they are struggling with anything and how they can help if they are. 

Online Classrooms

Online classes are created with the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Elearnus that allows both students and teachers to connect and allows live interaction between the teacher and the learner.

Online Quizzes, Surveys and Polls

These all enhance student engagement and learning. Some students find it difficult to retain information using traditional methods alone, this is where online quizzes, surveys and polls can be beneficial as they suit every learning type. For example, Quizlet, which is a free website that provides learning tools for students, like flashcards and game mode. Another example is Mentimer which uses polls, questions and answers and open responses to enable students to contribute using their smartphones This promotes creativity and discovery; this can be especially beneficial for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD.

Online Gradebook 

Chalkboards and blackboards are now a thing of the past and teachers no longer use paper gradebooks. Now electronic gradebooks are becoming more popular in the e-Learning community and schools. A benefit of using an electronic gradebook is that teachers can instantly and easily record and calculate students’ final grades. This gives teachers more time to offer students one to one support for example.

Discussion Boards

Discussion boards are a great way for students to brainstorm their ideas and respond to other students about their ideas. Students can also use discussion boards to share images, videos and film clips. Discussion boards are a great way for students to reflect on what they have learned.

Online Attendance Tracker

Students attending lessons are extremely important, even if these lessons are remote. When students show up to learn it means that they’re more likely to stay engaged and on track. Teachers must keep track of student’s attendance and notice which students are struggling to show up to lessons.

Virtual Certificates

This is a great way to award students who are working hard and gaining good grades. Students require recognition when they gain good grades, and this in turn helps boost student’s confidence.

Some final thoughts…

Overall, there are lots of tools available for both teachers and students in remote learning. Remote learning is a new phenomenon for a lot of students, so teachers really need to take advantage of all the excellent online tools at their disposal because remote learning is going to be a way of life for students for the foreseeable future.