COVID Chaos and Distance Learning

I came across these articles that were very helpful to me while making the switch to distance learning, enjoy:
5 Ways Teachers Can Smooth the Transition to Online Learning
Transitioning to Distance Learning: Three Tips for Teachers
10 strategies for online learning during a coronavirus outbreak
10 Innovative Ways To Use Technology In Education

Distance Learning Resource Mega List!

While preping for this virtual #firstnineonline I came across this distnace learning resource mega list, check it out!
131 Tools for Distance Learning and Strategies for Student Engagement

Deck Toys

While helping during cirriculum writting this summer, my teammates (huge shoutout) introduced me to Deck Toys. It similar to BreakOut EDU (which I love and if you haven't had a chance to check it out please do). Please note that I'm pretty sure you will need a school address to access these sites. Back to Deck Toys, this platform has a bunch of "escape rooms" and other activities similar to that for free. I've been told the students love them and I can't wait to try them out in class.

Organizing Your Google Drive

As this year comes to a close, I have realized how important it is to keep your drive organized! Now that I have done so I can find everything easier, and not have to soley rely on the search bar. Click here for some organization tips!

Technology Abroad

I've found that using technology in the classroom is especially helpful when teaching abroad. There was a bit of a learning curve for me, since we were all issued Macs, but none the less, we made it work in the classroom. Students used Google Classroom as their Learning Managment System, if this is something you haven't checked out, please do! They were also up to date with using Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. I found these two sites to be the most helpful when trying to figure out what to incorportate into my class:
9 Unique Ways to use Technology in the Classroom

Browsing Bonanza: 7 Outstanding ESL Websites Loaded with Great Teaching Materials

What is it like to teach aborad?

This sums it up perfectly:
Click here to see what it is like to teach abroad

Click here to see what it is like to teach abroad 2

Incorporating Technology into the Classroom

Sounds scary right? Think again! Technology is a great way to get kids invested in lessons, I have found that my students are more engaged when adding technology to the class. It might be scary at first, but don't be afraid to reach out to other teachers or your school tech person (if you're in RPS your ITRT) to get help with incorporating the 21st century into your class.
Still feeling nervous about tech in your class? Want to read up on some of the best resources? Click the links below to give you some ideas and help put you at ease:

Top 6 benefits of using technology in the classroom

7 Fun Ways to Use Technology in the classroom to enrich learning