Episode 8: Tools for your Virtual Classroom

Listen to the podcast episode here:

Virtual Classroom Tools

1. Google Apps

I know this seems broad, but honestly I use Google Apps on a daily basis in my virtual classroom. Google Slides, Google Jamboard, Google Forms, and Google Sheets.

Google Slides

I use Google Slides for multiple purposes. First, I use them as my intro slides, or as elementary teachers call them “Morning Slides”. When students come into the classroom or Zoom room, they will see a shared screen like this:

Using these slides help students know exactly what is expected of them and what the day will hold. I also use Google Slides for Exit Directions. You can find out more about Exit Directions here!

I also use Google Slides for activities. Almost all of my math resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store are made using Google Slides. Mazes, worksheets (printable and digital), task cards, etc. All made using Google Slides.

Google Jamboard

Google Jamboard is something I snoozed on until the 2020-2021 school year started. I have a whole blog post dedicated to talking about Jamboard here!

Google Forms

Google Forms is something I used a lot when we first went virtual is March 2020. I used it for quizzes, check-ins and “worksheets”. But now, ever since I joined Lindsay Bowden’s Math Resource Academy, I have learned more exciting uses for it.

Now I use Google Forms to create Scavenger Hunts, Escape Rooms, Task Cards and more!

Google Sheets

Now this is my newest fave! Google Sheets is no longer the boring and nerdy app for data. The latest craze is Mystery Pictures and Pixel Art. Personally, I don’t have the time or patience to make Pixel Art activities so I buy them from other teacher sellers instead! But I LOVE creating Mystery Picture Activities!

I love them because they provide immediate feedback for students. If a student gets the answer correct, it will change the cell to green as well as pop up a piece of the mystery picture. If a students gets the answer incorrect, the cell will turn red. How cool is that?

2. Whiteboard.fi

I saw this website floating around Instagram back in late 2020 but was too overwhelmed to try yet another new thing. But once things had calmed down, I knew I had to figure this out.

Whiteboard.fi is a online whiteboard similar to Google Jamboard. However, it differs in some major ways that makes it superior for certain occasions. When you go to Whiteboard.fi, you can create a room with a code/link. Then you send it to your students to log in. It will open up a whiteboard for each student. And the best part is this: You can see all of your students’ whiteboards in real time! As they complete problems you can watch their work!

Plus my favorite part, you can do work on the teacher whiteboard and then send it directly to your students’ whiteboards. This is perfect for practice problems or fill in the blank problems or having students finish a problem you start!