I don’t know about you, but I am drowning in websites and log-ins and apps for my two school-age kids right now. And it’s not just what we need for virtual learning — Zoom, Google Classroom, etc. — but for all the extras that we are supposed to use to bolster and support their education during this unprecedented time. How do we know what’s worthwhile? Which virtual learning resources actually teach kids something? How on earth do homeschooling parents do it?
In this great, massive pivot to online learning, there is no shortage of options. We Are Teachers has pulled together more than 350 virtual learning resources for parents and teachers, alike. To which I say, Wow, thank you! But also, Ugh. I don’t need more choices, I need the right choices.
Tried-and-true, popular online resources for virtual learning
Is it time to reset your virtual learning expectations?
Even with a handful of high-quality apps and sites at your disposal, there’s a lot that virtual learning can’t do.
“I'll be the first to say that for my own children or anyone's children, if I had to pick between an amazing teacher in a physical classroom and the world's best technology, I would pick the amazing teacher every time,” Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, told NPR.
And one reason is because the social piece of learning is so important. That’s definitely top of mind for educators and experts in the ed-tech space right now — how to create virtual environments that are lively, engaging, collaborative, and peer-to-peer.
Meanwhile, parents still have another secret weapon.
Mackay says that now is the time to use your relationship with your kid to bolster their learning. “Research confirms how much progress a student can make from one hour from a tutor,” she told us. It’s about that one-on-one time and attention.
“One of the ways parents can really support their students isn’t finding the best online resources, it’s embracing the hour of dinnertime conversation that maybe you didn't have time for before.” Use that time to talk about the books they're reading and what they’re learning. “It’s really powerful,” said Mackay. “Parents shouldn’t underestimate the effects of doing that sort of thing.”
